Movie Review: The Red Shoes

The Red Shoes open on March 10, 2010

Yours truly was invited to the exclusive preview screening of the upcoming Unitel production The Red Shoes. The movie will be theatrically released on March 10. The Red Shoes stars Marvin Agustin and Nikki Gil. The film was directed by Raul Jorolan and written by James Ladioray.

The Red Shoes is intelligent without being aristocratic; it has mass appeal without being crass; and it tells a love story without being mushily romantic. Truly, the The Red Shoes can be appreciated in a number of ways; can be retold on different perspectives.

This movie had the perfect ingredients: a cupful of witty dialogues, a dash of distinct characters, and a tablespoon of quirkiness. The film made use of Imelda Marcos’ imeldific shoes as a springboard to tell a story of love in several nuances. The Red Shoes tackles different facets of love.

The protagonists in the movie have the usual Filipino trademark of societal disparity. Lucas, played by Marvin Agustin, came from a lower middle class family. On the other hand, Bettina, played by Nikki Gil, came from a buena familia. It is refreshing to see Nikki Gil on a lead role. Indeed, the commercial model who jump started her career by singing on the sidewalks while distributing cola from her sling bag has evolved into the actress she is now today. Likewise, it was also refreshing to see Marvin again on the big screen. I can say Marvin’s character here is  more mature, similar to his character on Trip, but way different from his usual love team ups with Jolina Magdangal.

I love how the movie’s storyline was treated. I also love how characters are distinctly differed from one another. The Red Shoes can boast of its sassy dialogues. I love the way movie lines were given nuances. I extremely love the “Like mother, like daughter” and “like father, like son” part. There are lots of things to love in this movie.

The Red Shoes can be appreciated in different ways. A historian would love to hear the historical trivias  and wonderful locations used in the film. A political scientist like me enjoyed the interesting use of political connotations and the successful attempt to stay apolitical. Ultimately, a medical practitioner would love to hear Nikki Gil’s superb anatomy.

I have never seen an intellectual, yet appealing, Filipino movie in recent years. This movie embodies a successful attempt to mix together aesthetics, quality, and mass appeal. I dare say, The Red Shoes is worth the wait.

Visit the movie’s website at http://theredshoes.com.ph