Kasal (Filipino) [The Commitment]

I had absolutely minimal expectations from this film, but the film, despite its flaws, manage to surprise me in a good way. This normally happens when you keep your expectations super low. The film, in its own small independent way, tries to carefully present an argument on why gay men have been fighting for basic right like marriage. Sadly, the director does get too swayed in self indulgence where some scenes go on and on forever thereby diluting the impact that they were probably going for. 

Sherwin, a lawyer by profession and Paolo, an indie film director have been in a relationship for a few years. Still dwelling on a cheating episode by Paolo more than a year ago, they are still together. But when Paolo suggests that they should get married, Sherwin refuses the proposal because he knows that the law of marriage here in the Philippines was only for men and women couples and as a lawyer he must abide by the law. We meet Paolo's family who are every welcoming of Sherwin as his partner and all his well, but things are different with Sherwin's family. They both are in Sherwin's hometown for his teenage sister's wedding. For his family and friends, Paolo is a 'close' friend. He has been raised in a conservative, middle class family and has been the primary bread winner; so he doesn't want to disappoint anyone by telling people he is gay. Before, during and after the wedding ceremony, Paolo and Sherwin see more clearly how they stand in the public eye, and make very important decisions about their own relationship. Paolo is mad that Sherwin can't take a stand but Sherwin is more dedicated to his family and surprises Paolo by telling him he is moving to Europe for further studies. 

Personally, for me, I can understand point of view of both the guys and have empathy for both and hence it is hard to judge if either of them is right or wrong. You feel bad for Paolo, who was all ready to propose to Sherwin but seeing his and his family's attitude throws away the rings. But I also understand where Sherwin is coming from between his love for Paolo, his dedication to work and his family’s point of view about marriage. These are all important but how to prioritize. The situation is tricky because of the circumstances why why the teenage sister is getting married. The wedding festivities take up almost half the film and we get to see some every interesting traditions of the Filipino wedding.The two actors actually did a very good job as actors and are easy on the eyes too. Sherwin as the more pragmatic and Paolo as more emotional one, they share a good chemistry and try to engage us in their world with a balanced point of view. But there were certain scenes that go on and on forever. For example there is an almost 15 minute long sex scene in the beginning, which is good to show the couple's chemistry but was it necessary to have it for so long? Maybe they were important for us to establish where the duo stands as a couple but there were times it did test my patience. The film does get engaged into a very good discussion on various aspects of relationships, love and commitment, but does get very wordy. 

Overall the film is another example and viewpoint of why gay people are treated as threat to society in some countries. Everyone deserves to live freely and equally with whatever gender the prefer, but sometimes the society and surroundings does not make it easy. (6/10)