Movie spotlight
Ruben loses his job as a carpenter in a small town in Zambales where he lives with his wife Eden and their 10-year old son, Budoy. Desperate to make ends meet, he accepts a job as a caretaker of an abandoned property in Quezon City. Ruben soon finds out that the previous owner of the house is an important figure in the country’s history. When he is interviewed by a TV reporter about this historical figure, Ruben feels embarrassed that he knows nothing about him. Ruben soon starts reading up to get to know more about the life of this person, his accomplishments and what he has done for the people. Ruben’s fascination about the person’s life and his inevitable hero-worship irks the only friend he has in the sprawling compound, the night-shift security guard, Gimo, who jokes that Ruben is slowly being possessed by the soul of his new hero.
The film centers on a devoted and aging housekeeper named Aurora who has served a wealthy family for decades. As she approaches retirement, her employer's family begins to resent her presence and question her loyalty, leading to a tense and emotionally charged power struggle within the household. Aurora must confront her past and fight for her dignity and livelihood amidst the changing dynamics.
Ang Katiwala received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, particularly from Cherrie Gil, and its unflinching portrayal of class dynamics and the struggles of domestic workers in the Philippines. It was noted for its sensitive direction and impactful storytelling, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and social commentary.
Cherrie Gil delivers a tour-de-force performance as the titular housekeeper.
The film offers a poignant and timely commentary on social inequality and the exploitation of domestic workers.
Director Enzo Williams masterfully builds tension and emotional weight through subtle storytelling.
Google audience: Google user reviews are not readily available for this film, but critical reception highlights its strong performances and relevant social themes.
Cherrie Gil won Best Actress at the 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her role.
The film was part of the official selection for the 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, a prestigious event for Filipino cinema.
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The film opens in a province setting, where our protagonist, Ruben (played by Dennis Trillo), and his family live. He was a carpenter of the local government, but was laid off and replaced in his post because he didn’t support the current ...