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Mudrasta (Tagalog/Filipino)

As you can likely guess by the poster itself, this film is over the top. But at the same time its very heartwarming family-comedy film that never overstays its welcome and makes its point across with sharp wit and humor. It perfectly blends heart and humor, offering audiences the kind of feel-good entertainment that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll. The title means "stepmother"

Victor “Beki” Labrador finds out that his love of his life Enrique has passed away. He travels a long distance to make sure he attends his funeral. At his will reading, he is shocked to fund out that he has left him half estate and stake in family business with one condition that Beki must move in his mansion and live with his two sons and their stern grandmother as the stepmother. What follows is a heartfelt and funny journey as Beki confronts the past and tries to win over a family that wants nothing to do with him. Through flashbacks we learn that Beki met Enrique in school in country and they both fell in love. When Enrique goes back to city for college, he gets a agri pregnant and ends up marrying her, but his love is always for Beki and they continue to occasionally meet. Turns out the wife was gambler and when she died, Beki cuts off all ties with Enrique for almost 15 years. Back to present, Beki is not welcomed by anyone in family and is treated like servant. But slowly he manages to make a place in everyone's heart and by the end of it they all realize and understand how and why Beki was so important to Enrique.

The film never goes too serious and it follows a series of hilarious, touching, and chaotic moments that test Beki’s patience, heart, and resilience. And they are fun to watch. All the flashback scenes are one with the same grown up actors so it makes up for a different kind of comedy. With ugly mop-like wigs and puffy wrinkly faces, the two were giving it their all playing high school students with gusto, and that in itself was already very funny in all its awkwardness. Lead actor playing Beki has impeccable comic timing and he moves between laugh out loud comedy and heartfelt emotional scenes with ease. I liked how the story shows gradual shift from first the younger son, then older son (who also happens to be gay but is in closet since he is a celebrity) and eventually to the grandma. The entire ensemble cast just fits the bill including Beki's friend and the other servants. The chemistry among the cast feels natural, never forced, and enhances the film’s family-centered story. The film also subtly touches on themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the realities of same-sex relationships, but without being heavy-handed. At its core, it’s about kindness, love, and family. An old school OTT comedy with outlandish clothes and acting but somehow it all works and makes you laugh. What else does one need? (6/10)

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