I'm gonna make an attempt to write a review again after several years of being a silent iMDB user because this is what Lilia Cuntapay deserved! I got to be honest that I watched the first few minutes years back but I didn't have the energy to finish it thinking it was just a boring mockumentary and a mere spoof of the colorful life Lilia had led. Man, was I wrong! On her debut film, Direk Antoneitte was able to cement herself as the young director oozing with special talent in presenting pressing social issues with genuine humor and heart. I fell in love with the smart writing and enjoyed the honest performances from the little-known but extremely gifted cast. Of course the true star of this film is none other the bit player, the plain housewife, and the actress Lilia Cuntapay. Despite being underrated, her passion for acting overflows. She was the perfect definition of a no-frills artist who just wanted to entertain. Now that she's gone, I pity the new generation of Filipinos who will not get to know her especially in the Netflix-era we're living in. It was such a privilege to get a glimpse of this humble person's journey and struggles. More than ever, I'm inspired to take on opportunities with same vigor as her. Thank you Lilia and Antoinette for this gem!
4 Reviews
Proper credit and heartfelt tribute.
ArchivedScene3 April 2020
This film reminded me of 'Ekstra' (Jadaone is one of the writers of this film) which tells the harsh realities of being a bit-player. (A great film too!)
In this mockumentary, it shows that Lilia Cuntapay is so underappreciated as an actress. She's been typecasted to play ghosts for horror movies, only playing bit-player roles. Despite this, she managed to be an icon, gathering the name "Queen of philippine horror movies".
The film sends a compelling message about privilege. Nonetheless, this film cemented her name and will surely be there forever, like a ghost (hahaha).
Thank you for the director for at least, once, the spotlight is focused on her, she genuinely deserved it.
In this mockumentary, it shows that Lilia Cuntapay is so underappreciated as an actress. She's been typecasted to play ghosts for horror movies, only playing bit-player roles. Despite this, she managed to be an icon, gathering the name "Queen of philippine horror movies".
The film sends a compelling message about privilege. Nonetheless, this film cemented her name and will surely be there forever, like a ghost (hahaha).
Thank you for the director for at least, once, the spotlight is focused on her, she genuinely deserved it.
beautiful portrait and tribute
tsimshotsui27 June 2017
The mockumentary by Director Antoinette Jadaone is a loving and beautiful tribute to Philippine horror film icon Lilia Cuntapay, who finally is given the well overdue credit. It also becomes a tribute to all character actors, bit players and dedicated extras who are definitely undervalued and mostly go through their professional lives under-appreciated. I applaud the director's wonderful choice of subject matter and her engaging, heartfelt and funny method.
Successfully showed the truths about the life of an extra and life itself
ClariSays28 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Before That Thing Called Tadhana, writer and director Antoinette Jadaone gave us Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay. The mockumentary is a finalist at the 2011 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival where it won six awards including Best Actress for Lilia Cuntapay, a professional extra and dubbed as the "Queen of Philippine Horror Movies".
No surprise there as the film uniquely and successfully showed the truths about the life of an extra and life itself without being overly dramatic. Not only that, but Lilia Cuntapay proved she can be in the lead too. She has a sense of humor and a charm that makes you want to listen and see what she'll say and do next.
I remember a scene where she took her neighbor's advice and went to Starbucks so she can write her thank you speech. After seeing the prices, she asks herself what's wrong with Starbucks' coffee. And when it was her turn, she orders a bottle of water instead. To her surprise, the cashier asks her for Php 40.00. Cuntapay directly asks, "What's wrong with your water?"
It was a short scene but it made me laugh. Plus, it also showed how much she loves acting that she is willing to try new things just to be able to write the perfect thank you speech.
Besides that, Lilia Cuntapay also delivered lines that speak to your heart. There was a scene where she was called for work and arrived at the set before the call time. Director Antoinette Jadaone asks her why did she come early. Lilia Cuntapay simply says that she would rather wait than have people wait for her.
"Ang buhay hindi para sa taong mainipin. Kasama sa pagiging tao ang paghihintay." (Life is not for impatient people. Waiting is part of being a person.)
"Ang mga extra simpleng characters lang. Walang past. Wala ring future. (Extras are just simple characters. They don't have a past and a future.)
Hearing the last line from her, it dawned on me that extras with lines or no lines are only there to fill the space. They don't even support the characters and are simply forgotten. But not Lilia Cuntapay.
No surprise there as the film uniquely and successfully showed the truths about the life of an extra and life itself without being overly dramatic. Not only that, but Lilia Cuntapay proved she can be in the lead too. She has a sense of humor and a charm that makes you want to listen and see what she'll say and do next.
I remember a scene where she took her neighbor's advice and went to Starbucks so she can write her thank you speech. After seeing the prices, she asks herself what's wrong with Starbucks' coffee. And when it was her turn, she orders a bottle of water instead. To her surprise, the cashier asks her for Php 40.00. Cuntapay directly asks, "What's wrong with your water?"
It was a short scene but it made me laugh. Plus, it also showed how much she loves acting that she is willing to try new things just to be able to write the perfect thank you speech.
Besides that, Lilia Cuntapay also delivered lines that speak to your heart. There was a scene where she was called for work and arrived at the set before the call time. Director Antoinette Jadaone asks her why did she come early. Lilia Cuntapay simply says that she would rather wait than have people wait for her.
"Ang buhay hindi para sa taong mainipin. Kasama sa pagiging tao ang paghihintay." (Life is not for impatient people. Waiting is part of being a person.)
"Ang mga extra simpleng characters lang. Walang past. Wala ring future. (Extras are just simple characters. They don't have a past and a future.)
Hearing the last line from her, it dawned on me that extras with lines or no lines are only there to fill the space. They don't even support the characters and are simply forgotten. But not Lilia Cuntapay.
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