Crying Ladies (2003)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Mark Meily

Writers:

Mark Meily (written by) and
Tony Gloria (additional scenes and dialogue)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

A whimsical comedy about three women who cry at funerals, professionally. |

Plot Keywords:

Funeral | Mother Son Relationship | Wake | Director Cameo | Burial

Awards:

3 wins & 16 nominations

Cast

Sharon Cuneta	...	Stella Mate
Hilda Koronel	...	Rhoda "Aling Doray" Rivera
Angel Aquino	...	Choleng
Eric Quizon	...	Wilson Chua
Ricky Davao	...	Guido
Julio Pacheco	...	Bong
Shamaine Buencamino	...	Cecile
Sherry Lara	...	Mrs. Chua
Gilleth Sandico	...	Becky
Joan Bitagcol	...	Grace
Johnny Delgado	...	Priest
Edgar Mortiz	...	Mang Gusting
Raymond Bagatsing	...	Ipe
Bella Flores	...	Lost Lady
Lou Veloso	...	Brgy Chairman

Runtime:

Philippines:111 min | USA:110 min | Argentina:111 min

Country:

Philippines

Language:

Filipino | Mandarin | English | Tagalog

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Philippines:PG-13

Company:

Unitel Pictures

Trivia:

Nida Blanca was supposed to play the role of the former star, Aling Doray. Blanca's sudden death paved the way for Hilda Koronel to have the role.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 30th Metro Manila Film Festival-Philippines 2004 Awards Night (2004) (TV)

Soundtrack:

With You Around

A Unique Heritage Film but nothing really special at all!

I watched this film in Germany. Looking at the cover alone, I thought it would be a drama but people told me, it was suppose to be a comedy with interludes of emotional scenes. As I watched the introduction, I already noticed that this film had at least high quality production. And even the entering music was great. Another good thing was that the visual scene of the entire movie was very clear, compared to most Filipino movies. Well, it's because good quality equipments were used in this film. One thing I liked the most about this film are the sound effects. Those were the only elements that gave feeling and justice to the acting if the casts. I found the crying of the mourners very corny. The whole plot of the story, I really don't know what to say. Nothing really special. It didn't touch me at all. But the cast played their roles very well. Also the written script was good. Many people hated it and found it corny. But I have to admit that it was somewhat heart-warming. I also noticed after watching the movie that this film pays tribute to the Philippines' Filipino-Chinese heritage and I know that cultural movies do well internationally, which actually was true. For the average Filipino movie, I do not think this one is really anything special. I also don' understand why many people love this film so much. But it is weird that I find it unique in a way. Maybe it's because this film is a refreshment for Philippine cinema. I highly recommend this movie to people who are interested in foreign customs and cultures. I'm sure it will be an eye opener!