La visa loca (2005)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Mark Meily

Writer:

Mark Meily (writer)

Release Date:

25 May 2005 (Philippines)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot Keywords:

Documentary Crew | Visa | US Embassy | Crucifixion | Carnival

Awards:

7 wins & 10 nominations

Cast

Robin Padilla	...	Jess Huson
Johnny Delgado	...	Pepang
Rufa Mae Quinto	...	Mara
Paul Holme	...	Nigel Adams
Tessie Tomas	...	Pasyon Choir
Noel Trinidad	...	Pasyon Choir
Isay Alvarez	...	Pasyon Choir
Robert Seña	...	Pasyon Choir
Marissa Sanchez	...	Pasyon Choir
Kurt Perez	...	Jason
Evangeline Pascual	...	Jess' Mother
David Shannon	...	David
Dante Rivero	...	Mr. Nato
Ricky Davao	...	Barangay Captain
Raymart Santiago	...	Estong

Also Known As:

Pasyon USA (Philippines: Tagalog title) (working title)
Penitencia republica

Runtime:

USA:105 min

Country:

Philippines

Language:

English | Filipino | Tagalog

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines

Company:

Unitel Pictures

Trivia:

Since the original title was very serious that viewers might mistake it as drama, the production initially change the title to Pasyon USA. When The Passion of the Christ (2004) became a hit, the production decided to take on Ricky Martin's hit, "Livin' La Vida Loca" for easy recall.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Game K N B: (2006-12-06)" (2006)

Perhaps the Best Filipino Film made so far

Truly the best Filipino film in the history of Filipino Cinema. The film avoids any cliché and irritating romantic-comedy that seems to plague Filipino Film nowadays.

The story stars Robin Padilla as a cab driver desperately seeking a visa to come to the land of dreams. During the 'course of the movie, we are introduced to comical, refreshing characters such as an American TV personality, with a British accent, Robin Padilla's father, and the stunning Ruffa Mae Quinto.

Unlike some films which attempt to mimic American life, La Visa Loca immediately establishes that this is indeed the Phillipines, and that lives often depicted in Filipino film is unrealistic. The film deals with that notion of leaving the Philipines, a subject very relevant to the Philipines. The film then comments on pride of heritage, and the importance of staying and improving the Philipines, instead of high-tailing to America.

Besides it's moral and social ideals, the film is very funny and entertaining, Padilla perhaps in his best performance. The film proceeds with such an innocent charm with it's characters and events that is impossible to not get involved with their lives and feelings. Mark Meily does an incredible job of directing, churning out a commercial art-house film, a little reminiscent to French cinema, but that's okay.

Overall, a very comical and moving piece that should be placed among the must-see Filipino films, along with The Debut.