Etiquette for Mistresses

Etiquette for Mistresses, a 2015 Filipino drama film directed by Chito S. Roño, features a star-studded trio: Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, and Claudine Barretto. The movie offers a new perspective on the roles of mistresses in society, their motivations, vulnerabilities, and their unique rules for survival.

The story centers on five different women who are caught in a whirlwind of love, lies, and deception. This intricately woven narrative uses their shared relationship status as mistresses to powerful men as the thread that binds them together. The film posits a provocative question: Is there proper etiquette for being a mistress?

Kris Aquino plays Georgia, a classy restaurant owner. She is mature, polished, and almost aristocratic with an intimidating aura. She carries with her a sense of self-righteousness, not allowing anyone to trample on her dignity. She's the seasoned player in this game, following every rule strictly and living a lonely but secure life.

Kim Chiu portrays Ina, a young and vibrant Cebuana. Despite her youthful naivety, she is thrown into the convoluted world of illicit affairs. Her innocence is gradually tested as she navigates the challenges of her newfound life. What sets Ina apart is her resilience and the sparks of rebellion against the set norms that make her character come across as authentic and relatable.

Claudine Barretto, on the other hand, shines as Chloe, a mysterious, feisty wardrobe consultant who carries a big secret. Her sensual allure and unpredictable nature add an extra layer of intrigue to the film. Between her guarded secrets and strong personality, Chloe commands attention, revealing her story one piece at a time.

The film is unique in its regard for mistresses as a complex subset of women instead of reducing them to their unlawful status. It explores the rigid and unspoken rules that these women live by, balancing on a sword's edge between love and self-respect while navigated the tricky labyrinth of society's judgment and their complex relationships. It's a delicate representation of a largely misunderstood and often vilified part of society.

Etiquette for Mistresses paints a picture full of contradictions. It depicts the glamorous and luxurious lifestyle often associated with being a mistress while also laying bare the isolating and emotionally turbulent underbelly of such an existence. The characters are living off the wealth and power of their lovers while maintaining a facade to shield themselves from the world's prying eyes.

This film teaches some life lessons, too, about acceptance, resilience, friendship, and most importantly, dignity. Despite their unorthodox bonds, their friendship transcends societal expectations, becoming their solace in the harsh reality of their choices. There's a refreshing twist to their races as they navigate their way through this narrative labyrinth not as competitors but as comrades.

Its narrative approach makes Etiquette for Mistresses a compelling study of characters. It successfully integrates subtlety and drama while maintaining a good balance between light-hearted entertaining moments and poignant scenes. The intimate friendships, occasional heartaches, and life-changing decisions all aid in capturing the true and raw emotions of the five women.

Director Chito S. Roño has managed to present a widely criticized theme in a new light, bringing out the nuances of each character and building them from more than just their title as a mistress. His deft direction coupled with the powerful performances from the cast helps to portray the complex realities these women go through.

Etiquette for Mistresses is not your typical drama storyline. It intriguingly blurs the right and wrong and paints a picture of an unorthodox world that thrives within societal shadows. While marked by controversy, it deals with the delicate topic of mistresses with a balanced perspective, creating an inviting and engaging universe designed to provoke thought and encourage empathy.

Remember, stepping into the theater to view Etiquette for Mistresses is a ticket to a different world. You'll be taken on a journey that's a mixture of pleasure, pain, presentability, and most significantly, perseverance against the odds of love, judgment, and societal norms. Just as nothing is ever black and white in life, this film presents viewers with shades of gray and intriguing questions about the factors that influence people's choices and the paths they choose.