californiabruce
Joined Aug 2008
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Ratings110
californiabruce's rating
Reviews2
californiabruce's rating
This film did not have the best cinematography, but the acting, particularly by the two central characters, was convincing. The romantic relationship between the lead actors was portrayed in a positive and sensitve way. The film depicted the often brutal and criminal treatment of sex workers by the authorities that was rampant in the Philippines at the time the film was made. This aspect of the film established the suspense that led to the climax of the film. In fact, I was so concerned about the central characters that I was afraid to watch the end! The nudity and sex shown in the film was not gratuitous but contibuted to the elements of the narrative. Altogether, this film was an outstanding contribution to the genre of LGBTQ+ films!
Many Westerners, and Americans in particular, are used to films that are shallow and have two-dimensional characters. They expect films that are logical with clearly apparent suspense and resolution. However, I find films like "Monsoon" are much more appealing and enjoyable because, like all true art, they make me FEEL. I don't examine the film in terms of logic or even production values but "how does it make me FEEL and why?" If you approach the film this way, truly subjectively and not objectively, then you may discover the mind of the director. If you look at Michelangelo's statue of "David" and complain that the right hand is disproportionately large, then you are not appreciating it as art. But what emotions does the statue stir in you? None? "Monsoon," to me, is artistically excellent and I give it a "10."