Taking place in a countryside setting amidst the decline of the Marcos regime, Jun Lana’s film “Barber’s Tales” primarily focuses on the empowerment of women, which reflects the period’s political turbulence and the consequential rise of Corazon Aquino as the first female president of the Philippines, following the death of her husband.
Recently widowed Malou, portrayed by Eugene Domingo, unexpectedly finds herself running the sole barbershop in town, a business that has been in her husband’s family for generations.
Struggling to attract customers due to her gender, Malou forms a bond with a prostitute named Rosa. Rosa encourages her fellow workers to direct their male clients to Malou’s barbershop or risk exposure. This alliance prompts Malou to gradually assert herself in the male-dominated landscape of the town, where gossip spreads rapidly. However, this endeavor also exposes Malou to perilous situations, forcing her to make difficult decisions to safeguard her legacy.
This movie effortlessly blends humor in a way that makes you pause and ponder whether to take the theme seriously or with a light-hearted touch. Its incorporation of magical realism adds an intriguing layer that softens its more serious undertones. Eugene Domingo’s portrayal, in contrast to her role in “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank,” showcases her versatility and deep immersion in her characters. Her depiction of anguish resonates profoundly, particularly in poignant exchanges with Iza Calzado’s character, the mayor’s wife. Domingo’s knack for selecting projects that amplify her cinematic charm and her reminiscent style of acting, akin to Whoopi Goldberg, adds an engaging dimension to the film.
While the film’s latter segment leans towards dramatic flair, I thought it could have been executed with a subtler touch, though the desire to tie up loose ends is understandable. The film’s visuals are striking early on but falter in consistency in the later part, while Ryan Cayabyab’s musical score, while occasionally feeling forced, enhances the emotional resonance of each scene.
In essence, “Barber’s Tales” succeeds in drawing audiences to the cinema, thanks in large part to Eugene Domingo. Though the technical aspects may not fully realize their potential, it remains a film that Filipino viewers can proudly showcase on the international stage.
Rating: 8/10
Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia, Iza Calzado, Daniel Fernando, Nora Aunor, Noni Buencamino, Sue Prado
Barber’s Tales premiered at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival where Eugene Domingo bagged the Best Actress Award. It had its Philippines wide release in August of 2014
PADDYLAST INC. 