During the week of try-outs for the national team, a young gymnast named Sunshine discovers she is pregnant.
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| (C) Project 8 |
In hindsight, the re-release of Lino Brocka's Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag felt like a warm-up for Sunshine. Whether you've seen it or not, the impact of the film remains tenacious, as seemingly choreographed. Here, we see Maris Racal's character walking through the streets of the city, particularly in Quiapo. One can never go wrong choosing Quiapo, as it immediately encapsulates the realities of Manila and the themes the film is about to tackle.
Like Maynila, at the end of the day, life is a series of decision, but not everyone has the same number of choices. Some even have the decisions made for them. However, director Antoinette Jadaone mounts a daring continuation of the Filipino story: that there is a way forward, and that one can overcome the trappings of the city. Through little but crucial moments with other people in Manila, she is given the opportunity to take a different path. Maris Racal, in a career-defining role, soars as a young gymnast and delivers the much-needed rawness and vulnerability the role demands. Sunshine speaks up. Sunshine stands up for herself. Sunshine makes a choice.
There's also much to love in Sunshine from its detailed production to the expressive music. Each aspect plays an important role, a rarity in big movies. You can definitely feel the effort everyone brought to the table. In moments where silence is needed, it delivers. In moments that call for heart, it delivers. While there are parts of the script where you feel the lack of subtlety, Jadaone clearly wants you to understand where everyone stands.
For years, I've been looking for a film that mirrors the country we currently live in. Usually, I tend to look to the past, as our timeless classics often match my search. But finally, a modern classic in the name of' Sunshine has arrived to define our current era. It's a film that carries a powerful message particularly to women. Indeed, if given the choice, maybe there's sunshine beyond the claws of light. 4.5/5 ⭐
Sunshine is now playing exclusively at SM Cinema.
