The Unsophisticates Update #6

SFF - Lola (Drama)

‘Lola’ is the word for Grandma in Filipino. This moving film from Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, follows the journey of two grandmas, Lola Sepa and Lola Puring, as they try to come to some peace with the fact that one of their grandsons has been stabbed to death by the other’s grandson during a robbery. ‘Lola’ is a beautifully filmed story with family and loyalty at it’s heart, and with the Manila rainy season as the backdrop which adds to the beauty and the struggle inherent in the film.

The director of Lola, Brillante Mendoza definitely lives up to his namesake – he is quite simply brilliant and the rate at which he churns out top quality films must make him one of the most prolific film makers today! During the Q&A session following the film, Mendoza described his films as “truths, not box office hits” and the no frills way he shoots certainly helps reinforce that he is simply telling a real life story about real people. Right from the first scene you get a sense that Mendoza’s storytelling style is unique as the bumpy camera follows Lola Sepa and her youngest grandson on a long meander through the bustling Manila streets to find the place where her other grandson was murdered so that they can leave a burning candle in his honour. With minimal dialogue he manages to convey so much about the grief they are experiencing, the strong connection between grandmother and grandson, and the many struggles that are their life.

Aside from being a beautiful story about these two grandmas, their families, and the tragedy that they are forced to deal with, ‘Lola’ is also a commentary on the poverty that exists in a place like the Philippines and the day to day survival decisions one must make when faced with such poverty. The film also explores the justice system in such an environment, and the fact that sometimes, the notion of justice in such poverty stricken societies becomes something that is quite malleable and quite personal.

After watching ‘Lola’, it’s not at all surprising that this film has already won several awards, including the Dubai and Miami film festivals, and that it drew significant crowds at the recent Tribeca Film Festival. Firstly, the acting is brilliant and so understated that at several times during the film I thought I was watching a documentary. Secondly, the film is shot in a way that really matches the realness and the simplicity of the story and makes you feel like you are a silent observer. Thirdly, there are so many simple, beautiful and moving scenes to enjoy. For example, the scene where the two grandmas have to first confront each other at the police station. Or the scene, during which Lola Sepa comes face to face with her grandson’s murderer. Or a scene in the family house when you start to feel that the Sepa family luck might be turning as fish start appearing spontaneously in their well!

Lola is definitely worth a look. It’s an amazing insight into a culture, a way of living, and a poverty that most of us will only ever truly experience through film. But Lola is more than just educational – its heart wrenching, it’s astonishing, and it’s uplifting. And after spending a couple of hours with Lola Sepa and Lola Puring, you’ll feel like you spent the night with your own Grandma!