Introduction
Heavenly Touch is a Philippine drama that was released in 2009 and seeks to highlight the internal, familial and social antagonisms that people at the periphery experience. Joel Lamangan directed the film that addresses love, life, identity and the existence of a massage parlor business. The film tackles a sensitive social issue and is helped by strong performances so it deserves a place as an impactful film in Philippine cinema.
Quick Overview of Heavenly Touch
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Heavenly Touch |
| Release Date | May 12, 2009 |
| Director | Joel Lamangan |
| Producers | Joel Lamangan, Leo Dominguez, Manny Valera |
| Lead Cast | Paolo Serrano, Joash Balejado, Marco Morales |
| Genre | Drama |
| Themes | Love, survival, personal struggles, societal taboos |
| Music Composer | Alfredo Ongleo |
Release Date
The release of the movie happened on the 12th day, May 2009, and made a prominent place for itself in the Philippine cinema due to its bold narratives and themes. Its exhibition came when there was a growing trend of Filipino independent films that focused on social concerns, which made it even more applicable at the time.
Film Location
- Urban Life: The vibrancy of city streets juxtaposed with the secluded and intimate spaces of massage parlors.
- Symbolic Spaces: These locations reflect the duality of its characters’ lives—external struggles and internal emotional battles.
Songs and Soundtrack
Musical composition in the movie by Alfredo Ongleo blends nicely with the strenght of the story. There are slow and sad music as well as intense music that help move major scenes forward. There is no particular song that is somewhat popular that comes from the movie, which is however worth considering because these compositions do enhance the narrative in this film.
Director: Joel Lamangan
One of the most venerated voice in Philippine cinema today is Joel Lamangan as a filmmaker primarily for his deft touch in addressing social concerns. In Heavenly Touch, Lamangan again proves his skill in portraying subject’s traits and understanding social contexts.
Producers
- Joel Lamangan (also the director)
- Leo Dominguez
- Manny Valera
Cast
| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paolo Serrano | Rodel | A massage parlor worker who introduces Jonard to the business. |
| Joash Balejado | Jonard | The protagonist, a young man navigating family struggles and identity. |
| Marco Morales | Biboy | A fellow worker with his own set of challenges. |
| Gwen Garci | Sheila | Adds complexity to the narrative with her role. |
| Paolo Rivero | Sandy | Another central figure in the parlor ecosystem. |
| Irma Adlawan | Supporting Role | Enhances the emotional depth of the story. |
Trailer
Heavenly Touch’s trailer succinct captures the focus of the film by showing the dramatic events of the film and the struggle of its protagonists, giving an emotional feel. It also suggests the difficulties that Jonard experiences in trying to balance love, family and within oneself.
Pilot
The story starts with Jonard who is a young man having the responsibility of providing for his family. He is joined by his mother and sister who depend on him and it is his friend Rodel who introduces him to the massage parlor business. At first, Jonard turns towards seeking to provide for his family, however he finds himself in a tumult of feelings, deceit and even love. The narrative focuses on the impact of his decisions on his family and relations and self-identity.
Reviews
| Aspect | Critics’ View |
|---|---|
| Direction | Praised for Joel Lamangan’s empathetic and nuanced portrayal of the narrative. |
| Acting | The performances, especially by Paolo Serrano and Joash Balejado, were lauded. |
| Themes | Applauded for shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Filipino society. |
| Criticism | Some critics felt the pacing could have been tighter. |
Conclusion
Touching Heaven is deemed a classic in the history of Filipino films, allowing its viewers to experience the detailed emotional aspects of its characters and their lives. Its impassioned story-telling woven through great acting and impressive direction cements its status as a noteworthy film. The movie certainly offers engaging debates about endurance, ethics, and affection, regardless of the pause and the effort which some consider its weakness.
