The Red Shoes Movie Review

I first saw an ad about the movie The Red Shoes in Facebook. I clicked on the link to find out some info about the movie. I was really under the impression that it is a foreign film. Lo and behold! I was wrong. The Facebook page provided an actual link to the movie’s web site. Since it already caught my attention and got me curious, I went ahead and clicked away. The site provided a brief description of the story.

In 1986, ten-year old Lucas Munozca catches sight of the First Lady’s 3000 pairs of shoes and steals a lovely red pair. He gives one shoe to his childhood sweetheart, while he gives the other to his widowed mother. In 2006, Lucas is stuck with one kind of footwear. He too, is stuck with his past, unable to move on from losing the love of his life. When his mother suddenly needs the complete pair, Lucas is forced to confront the consequences of stealing the shoes and to reveal why he did it. – from theredshoes.com.ph

After reading the synopsis, I went ahead and checked out the trailers, which captured my interest right away. I could immediately tell that this film is not a no-brainer movie, such that are being produced nowadays, with very predictable story lines. I told myself that I’m definitely going to watch it.

And like another answered prayer, I was invited to watch the preview of the said movie. Like a giddy school girl, I was all too excited when I got the email. It also says that the first 1o people to come with red shoes will win a prize. Mom was kind enough to give me money to buy red shoes, but of course it has to be inexpensive. When I was on my way to the movie house, my mom hollered at me saying: “Pag di ka umabot, pupokpok ko sayo yang sapatos!” (Translation: “If you don’t make it to the first 10, i’ll hit your head with those shoes”.). Of course, she was joking. And thankfully, I made it to the first 10.

Back to the review, the movie is highly recommended for people looking for films that are intellectually stimulating, as there are a lot of subliminal meaning on the materials used to create the story- like the bridges, the pair of shoes, even the shoe color preference of each of the character. There are minor things that could be improved with the dubbing, but that is something you’d hardly notice while watching the film. The introduction of each character is very interesting and so is the transition from the past and the current situations the characters are in. This movie can certainly be entered in international film festivals, they just have to add subtitles to it and polish the dubbing.

The cast is made up of highly acclaimed veteran actors and actresses like Liza Lorena, Tetchie Agbayani, Tirso Cruz III and Tessie Tomas to name a few. Marvin Agustin and Nikki Gil as the main characters did a splendid job. I was actually very surprised with how promising Nikki Gil is. Iwa Moto, is likewise very good.

Before we left the movie house we were fortunate to have a little chat with the producer – Mr. Tony Gloria, the director – Mr. Raul Jorolan and the writer – Mr. James Ladioray. I have nothing but praises for the film.

L-R: Director Raul Jorolan and Writer James Ladioray

If you are seeking more than to be entertained, the film is definitely a must-see! I’m actually looking forward to watching it again, with either hubby or mom. Lastly, I hope they produce dvd copies of the film, ’cause I’m definitely buying one.

Carla, Direk Raul, Me and Writer James

Thanks to Iris of PinayAds.com for the picture

Tags: Intellectually stimulating films, Red shoes preview, The Red Shoes Movie Review