Pusong mamon (1998) User Reviews

Predices and Resolutions in a Mixed Culture

[larapha · 8/10 · 7 January 2017]

I found the then/twenty first minutes of Soft Hearts hard to Stand. The main female character behaves in a way that doesn't help, only trying to seduce the well resolved gay Ron( Albert Martinez) with low blows. Slowly we get to know that things are not that way. Annie (Lorna Tolentino) is just desperate to unwind, and finds in Ron a way to do so. But she is sensitive to Ron's feelings and soon discovers she is mixing up in a family already well structured. Then their come the second problem: everyone wants the future sibling, and the love for the future kid becomes more important than their romantic disputes. The film develops well, showing a resolution of all the mess Annie initially started. It is possible new family arrangements, conciliating love for the children and the romantic love all they search for. What a complicated family that will be. So the film is send to a positive image. With love all will be arranged

A refreshing look at gay relationships

[Kennethmeanshandsome · 14 April 2001]

"Pusong Mamon," directed by Joel Lamangan and co-directed by its star Eric Quizon (supposedly owing to a heart stroke suffered by Lamangan while directing the love scene between his two lead males, after which Lamangan had to be hospitalized for some period), is a strikingly structured chronicle of gay lifestyles in Filipino setting. With refreshing gay lingo, a gay cinematic texture (Lamangan is after all, one) and a heartwarming performance by lead Lorna Tolentino, the film is handled with crisp sensibility and a romantic playfulness. The only time the film suffers is when the three leads, Tolentino, Eric Quizon and Albert Martinez, break into a song-and-dance routine, an insult to the memory of the Fred Astaire/Ginger Roger/Cyd Charisse/Michael Wilding musical movies. The luscious sceneries seemingly reflect the richness of pathos in the characters, and the stylish cinematography adds a lot. Tolentino, as a woman "accidentally impregnated" by bisexual Martinez, is at the top of her form, funny and gritty. Eric Quizon is hilarious, sincere and the most vivid character of the three, playing Tolentino's rival for Martinez' affections. Albert Martinez is pretty good as the closet type, and how brave of him to agree to a nude scene with Quizon. Outstanding is veteran Caridad Sanchez as Quizon's grandma. Lamangan has directed a romantic comedy with a message about gay lifestyles successfully imparted in a fast-paced yet dazzling manner. Once you ignore the cliches you'll enjoy the sumptuous storytelling.