15 minutes into the film, I thought to myself: "This is art."
Sprinkled with beautiful poetry, crafty musical score, marvelous cinematography, masterly camera work, and ingenious editing, "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa" is filled with subtle intensity as it sets poetry in motion.
The terrific orchestration and choreography represent the ties that bind us, and shows that even the smallest of body movements can compensate for the lack of words or the intentional evasion of verbal expression.
Evocative music created by the artful use of native instruments awaken hidden desires and the incorporation of heartfelt yet lesser known OPM songs underscore the viewer's emotions.
Paulo Avelino and Rocco Nacino are a joy to watch. Their dance sequences will be etched in my mind for quite some time. And of course, Ms. Jean Garcia didn't disappoint. I never thought she could dance well and read poems to a crisp perfection. Her opening number reminded me of Natalie Portman in "Black Swan." I wasn't impressed with the FEU Dance Company's performances though. However, the university itself served as a good setting for the movie.
The works of literature featured in this film were all from Filipino writers, mostly from Ophelia Dimalanta who deserve special mention for her superb writing skills, which complemented director Alvin Yapan's vision of the film.
The enigma of the poems might have indirectly influenced the movie's ending. There is something so innate in the story and/or within the characters; an unspoken awkwardness that is strangely comforting. The conclusion is somewhat confounding though. It left me slightly bemused, but it's the kind of bewilderment you'd like to take to bed with you.
Watch this beautiful film and be captivated by its rhyme, riddle and rhythm.
