Crying Ladies

The 2003 Filipino film, Crying Ladies, is a heartwarming comedy directed by Mark Meily and starring some of the Philippines' most celebrated actresses: Sharon Cuneta, Hilda Koronel, and Angel Aquino. Not only is it an entertaining cinematic spectacle, but it is also a nuanced exploration of Filipino family dynamics, religion, and socio-economic divisions, all wrapped in the fabric of comedy, drama, and genuine, touching moments.

At its core, Crying Ladies follows the lives of three women who are paid to cry at funerals. It’s an actual occupation in some traditional Filipino-Chinese communities, serving the purpose to help expedite the journey of the deceased into the afterlife. The protagonists – Stella (Sharon Cuneta), Rhoda (Hilda Koronel), and Choleng (Angel Aquino) – are professional mourners trying to make a living in vibrant, eclectic, and often surreal Binondo, Manila's Chinatown.

Sharon Cuneta plays Stella Mate, a single mother trying to win back the love and trust of her son after being released from prison. Taking on the job of a professional mourner, or a "crying lady," becomes a step in her personal redemption journey. Cuneta, often known as the "Megastar" in the Philippines, gifts the audience with an exceptional performance, portraying a character completely opposite to the shiny, privileged roles she is often associated with.

Character actress Hilda Koronel portrays Rhoda, a woman embroiled in a failing marriage, trying to balance and maintain her family life while grappling with her husband's substance abuse issues. Rhoda's character arc brings a poignant perspective on how her life's adversities intersect with her role as a professional mourner, providing a hefty dose of emotional depth to the narrative.

Angel Aquino plays Choleng, the most traditional among the three leads. She's the loyal friend, the dedicated daughter, and the religious devotee, passionately embracing her role as a crying lady. Aquino's portrayal of Choleng brings a calming presence amidst the whirlwind lives of Stella and Rhoda.

Despite the gloomy sounding job, Meily uses humor brilliantly to prevent the movie from spiraling into desolation. The mourners’ entrepreneurial spirit, hilarious practices, and attempts to outsob each other are captured hilariously and yet, the dignity of their profession is always maintained. And between all the crying and laughing, a more profound narrative is unraveled, one that tempers its humor with moments of regret, sorrow, hope, reconciliation, and redemption.

Crying Ladies is more than just a comedy or a drama. It delves into the essence of life and death from a cultural perspective intertwined with everyday issues about family, motherhood, friendships, and personal struggles. The setting of Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, adds a nuanced layer of Filipino-Chinese traditions, superstitions, and customs, which serves as the backdrop against which these narratives unfold.

The film effortlessly oscillates between the mundane and the extraordinary, the comedic and the poignant, and the sorrowful and the hopeful, creating a film experience that mirrors the vagaries of life itself. Director Mark Meily succeeds in presenting a fresh take on familiar themes, presenting a narrative that takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster. The flawless transition from hilarity to sorrow, presented with a touch of whimsicality, is one of the characteristics that sets Crying Ladies apart.

Furthermore, the film's cinematography and musical score brilliantly highlight the cultural landscape, adding vibrance and authenticity to the narrative. Cinematographer Shayne Sarte brilliantly captures the distinct character of Manila, with its chaotic charm and vibrant colors, while Vincent de Jesus' musical score punctuates every scene, enhancing the comedic moments and amplifying the emotional depth of the more serious ones.

In summary, Crying Ladies is a multifaceted narrative that weaves humor, drama, and elements of culture into a rich tapestry of distinctive cinematic experience. Its enduring narrative, combined with strong performances from its lead actresses, makes it a film that resonates with a wide range of audiences. It not only challenges its viewers to empathize with the struggles of the characters but also invites them to grasp life's complexities, and find solace and laughter even in the face of adversity.