Born Beautiful

Born Beautiful is a 2019 Filipino comedy-drama film that authentically highlights the LGBTQ+ community in a way that is both sensitive and celebratory. The film is a story of identity, acceptance, and self-discovery directed by the esteemed director, Perci Intalan. Within its vivacious narrative and bold, teetering on the absurd, story line, 'Born Beautiful' provides audiences insight into trans experiences and the realities of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines. A sequel to the highly applauded 'Die Beautiful' (2016), the movie features the vibrant and electrifying performances of Paolo Ballesteros, Martin Del Rosario, and VJ Mendoza.

The film picks up where 'Die Beautiful' left off, featuring Martin Del Rosario as Barbs Cordero, a transgender woman, who serves as the best friend of Trisha (Paolo Ballesteros) from the first installment. Going through a stage of grief after her friend's death, Barbs decides to make a substantial identity switch. She becomes Bobby, shaves off her long hair, and starts to live as a man. But, as she navigates through her grieving process and personal transformation, Bobby realizes that undoing an existence is not easily done.

Paolo Ballesteros, who made waves in the first film’s lead role, settles for a supporting performance this time, oftentimes appearing as an encouraging hallucination supporting Barbs during her toughest moments.

Giving up her colorful life as a beauty queen, Barbs has to confront different societal prejudices and hate crimes while questioning her own identity. The film explores the themes of self-expression, self-acceptance and the freedom to choose one's identity in a society deeply rooted in traditional gender norms.

VJ Mendoza also delivers a noteworthy performance, providing the film with an injection of youthful zest and adding another layer to the complex emotions and experiences at hand.

There is no shortage of humor in Born Beautiful, a candid take on the lives of transgender women in the Philippines. Director Perci Intalan masterfully balances giggles and grief, showcasing the bitter-sweet realities experienced by many within the LGBTQ+ community. The film uses humor as a coping strategy, revealed in a natural and personable way through the character's interactions.

Amidst the laughter and tears, 'Born Beautiful' highlights the unfair discrimination, and often deadly violence, its characters and many real-life trans people face every day across the world. Even as the film emphasizes the vibrancy and resilience of its characters, it never shies away from the harsh realities of the context they live in, adding an often-overlooked dimension to the narrative. It emphasizes the serious issue of hate crimes and discrimination against trans people while also addressing the changes and confusions going on within individuals who are part of this community.

The visual elements of the film are remarkable. The more vibrant and dynamic sets are used to mirror the film's equally vibrant and dynamic characters. The make-up and costumes are striking and very much in sync with the personalities they portray. The aesthetics play their part in diligently portraying the joy, struggle and everyday lives of the characters.

The direction, performances, and thoughtful scripting all work harmoniously together to provide a meaningful and enjoyable cinematic experience. Perci Intalan deftly guides his actors to deliver performances that, while over the top at times, brings truthful and sincere humanity to their roles that will deeply resonate with viewers.

The film 'Born Beautiful' represents a fresh take on the journey of self-discovery, identity, and acceptance. Through all its theatrics and heart, it brings a much-needed perspective of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, opening an important dialogue around the struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals.

In the end, 'Born Beautiful' is more than just a comedic representation of the transgender world. It's an affirmation of the power of fearless self-expression, courage, and resilience in the face of a society often unkind to those who dare to live authentically. It takes audiences on a spectacularly colorful, emotionally rich journey and leaves them with empathy and understanding for the lives of those who are rarely seen in mainstream cinematic narratives.