Curacha ang babaeng walang pahinga

I think its interesting how the rise of Star Cinema films and SM pretty much tamed out Philippine Cinema.

Curacha is a film about a prostitute and sex show performer (affectionally called as torera, bull rider in english) - as she finds herself lost in the middle of a coup in Manila. When she finds a fellow torera friend, she tries to make thing right once and for all.

Like this is packed to the brim with political commentary and unabashed sexuality. It predicts the in coming furor that the Estrada administration will fall under AND is commenting sharply on female sexuality as viewed as an object.

Did it succeed?

Not that much. It can get really far too sloppy AND awkward at times. It rather confused at what it truly want to point out but , in today's world, the best that big cinema producers can offer is a soft social commentary that falls back to the puritan values they temper people with. Its actually insane that this kind of hodge-podge idea was able to be shown in Philippine Cinema. It is sorely missed, especially when most are forced out into Independent distributors while Foreign films with similar content just glides through sensors.

Sadly the best version I could find of the film is only the 100 Min CUT version available in Youtube. Apparently a more complete 141 min version is somewhere out there.

Recommended.

Set against backdrop of kudeta during Corazon Aquino's time, CURACHA ANG BABAENG WALANG PAHINGA is a great Filipino movie! Scripted by the legendary Ricky Lee and Directed by Chito Rono, the film is one of the most intelligent bold film to came out of the 90's. What I love about this movie is the style. Throughout the film we in darkness and we are on Cora's point of view. Rosanna Rocess is great throughout the movie. She prefectly gives life to the main character on screen. I also like the ending of the film.

Overall, this movie is a must see!

When ordering this movie please beware that you may have a much shortened version sent to you. The only place I could find the movie available was at Regal Home Entertainment. The movie was presented as the full, 141 minute version, but what I received was a much shorter, 100 minute version. Do not accept this substitution because much of the best footage has been deleted. If this happens to you I would advise you to contact Regal Home Entertainment as follows:

Regal Capital, Inc., P. O. Box 308, San Bruno, CA 94066 or (800) 467-3425 or (866) 467-3425 or Regalfilms.com

As for the movie itself, this story is very well done, with good production values, wonderful scenery, and very good acting. It is not necessary to actually understand Tagolog to enjoy the movie, but an understanding of the language would be a definite plus. The script is well done and the plot and themes of the movie are very engaging. If you are a fan of this type of movie it is guaranteed to please you.