Movie Review: Tanging Yaman

Loleng is an aging mother with 3 children: Dan, Art and Grace. Her husband has died a long time ago and settled with Dan, the eldest. Beyond her control is an undeniable tension within her own family. Dan is has an average way of living and he is happy with what he has: family. He was a prodigal son but later on regretted what he did, came back and asked for forgiveness. He received it from the rest of the family except Art who even in the peak of success of his life held a grudge against his brother. His hate and ambition turned his heart into stone and created a wall from others, even his family whom he unconsciously hurts often. Meanwhile, Grace is a struggling mother in the United States. She eloped with her boyfriend, Francis, when her mother objected their marriage in the past and settled together abroad. As a devoted Catholic, Loleng laid it all to God. She asked God to use her as instrument to deliver a miracle to her family. Later she developed an illness, which will force her children to come together and reconcile their problems with each other, their own selves and family once and for all.

Tanging Yaman was easily one of the best movies ever created for Philippine cinema. It is simple yet powerful. The portrayal of different Filipino homes and each living member of that family was the strong pull of the movie. In fact, this is what the movie is all about. Family. When I was watching this movie, I saw my own family. One can easily relate with each character and their rollercoaster of emotion in one seating. It is reality at its best; the miracle of love and faith shown in climactic scenes.

Aside from the great story are the characters that painted the movie with different colors. With a powerful cast including Johnny Delgado, Hilda Coronel, Edu Manzano, Jericho Rosales and Marvin Agustin, Tanging Yaman became a success. Every scene was alive with tension, sheer joy or sorrow every time these actors act in one frame. Of course the script, which is written by Laurice Guillen must also be credited for it is superbly done. Each word was a shot through the heart; and another standing ovation as the director of such a wonderful film.

This film showed how prayer and faith in God not only shower us with blessings but it makes us a better person. It showed how important communication is in a family and how understanding creates harmony with others and in you as well. Money playing a big part of our reality played a very important part. Money is a necessity for us to survive but it is not everything. Although it was a negative symbol in the movie, it became a bridge for a good ending.

As I always say at the end of my movie reviews (except “Life Translated”), this is a MUST WATCH film, especially for the Filipinos. I personally suggest that this be watched with the whole family for through this we can reflect the importance of each member and how a house becomes a home. This movie will make you cry and smile at the same time. Life doesn’t have to be complicated but it’s these complications that make us human.