| In My Life | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster |
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| Directed by | Olivia Lamasan |
| Produced by | Charo Santos-Concio Malou Santos Tess Fuentes |
| Written by | Raymond Lee Olivia Lamasan |
| Screenplay by | Senedy Que |
| Starring | Vilma Santos-Recto John Lloyd Cruz Luis Manzano Vice Ganda Nikki Valdez Dimples Romana |
| Music by | Nonong Buencamino |
| Cinematography | Charlie Peralta |
| Editing by | Marya Ignacio |
| Studio | Star Cinema |
| Distributed by | Star Cinema |
| Release date(s) | September 16, 2009 (Philippines) |
| Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Tagalog, English |
| Box office | ₱137,400,000 [1] |
In My Life is a 2009 Filipino gay-themed drama film released by Star Cinema, starring Vilma Santos-Recto, John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano. The film was directed by Olivia Lamasan, and filmed mainly in New York City.
Contents |
Shirley Templo (Santos-Recto) is a ruthless woman. Many people deal with her strong attitude only for fear of her cold stare, or her outlash. She works as a librarian in a school, and lives in a compound that is owned by her ex-husband, Benito Salvacion. Many of the Salvacion family members that live near the compound, even including her eldest daughter, Dang, plead with her to sell it so they can make a profit, and she can move to a more suitable living area. Hard-headed as she is, Shirley refuses and feels betrayed by her two daughters, Dang and Cherry, for even siding with their father who left them nearly fifteen years ago. Even more upset, she finds out that Dang will want to move out of the Philippines to Australia. Leaving her alone in the Philippines since all her children moved out, Shirley decides to move to New York City with her youngest and only son, Mark Salvacion (Manzano). Mark is unaware, however, that this supposed vacation of his mother is actually a permanent visit.
Upon her arrival to the States, Shirley is picked up at the airport by Noel Villanueva (Cruz). Thinking he was only hired help, she rudely offers him payment for his services, but he declines. As she walks around the apartment, she notices pictures of Mark and Noel being affectionate toward each other. She then realizes that Noel is, in fact, Mark's new boyfriend. Although she was aware of Mark's homosexuality since his high school years, she gives Noel plenty of trouble and hard times. The story reflects how Shirley changes her attitudes and views from two men that become a big part of her life, and how she accepts the reality that has been presented to her. Unfortunately, unforeseen tragedies occur, and a rift between Shirley and Noel arise. But as she understands Mark's reasons for having her be around Noel all this time, she resolves her issues with him and soon embraces him as a member of her family.
Initially, Manzano turned down the role of Mark Salvacion and admitted he was not comfortable with the required intimate scenes between the two male characters. However, after reading the script and understanding the character, he accepted the role. His mother, Vilma Santos, wants to make it clear she in no way influenced Luis to make that decision because she would not do that.[2]
John Lloyd Cruz states that he had no problem with the required intimate scenes with the other male character. He said he would do it as an actor, and for the purpose of the film.
In My Life received a generally favorable outcome both financially and through reviews. Many people praised the storyline, meaning, and acting of Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, and Luis Manzano. This film was a daring act by John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano both portraying gay characters, and yet they did not disappoint the audience.
The film garnered nearly ₱20,000,000 on its first day of release, and nearly ₱80,000,000 on its opening weekend. This was a remarkable start of the movie for the outcome was never expected to be that high.[3]
By the end of 2009, In My Life placed second on the Top 13 local 2009 Philippine movies list just behind You Changed My Life which also stated Santos and John Lloyd Cruz; both highly acclaimed Filipino actors and box office champions.The film is in 13th place for the list of top grossing Filipino films of all time. Vilma's 2000 top grosser film Anak was no. 7 on that list with almost 160 million gross. In My Life would have perhaps broken Philippine movie records if not for typhoon Ondoy that hit the Philippines while it was being shown. Despite the typhoon, the movie was still a big hit.
It became a Box-Office favorite and also has its premiere on National Television December 25, 2010 on ABS-CBN on Christmas Day.
Best Film
Best Actress - Vilma Santos
Best Actor - John LLoyd Cruz
Best Supporting Actor - Luis Manzano
Best Director - Olivia Lamasan
Best Film Best Director - Olivia Lamasan Best Actress - Vilma Santos Best Actor - John Lloyd Cruz Best Supporting Actor - Luis Manzano
Best Picture Best Director - Olivia Lamasan Best Actress - Vilma Santos Best Actor - John Lloyd Cruz Best Supporting Actor - Luis Manzano Best Screenplay Best Cinematography
Best Actress - Vilma Santos Best Actors - John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano Best Screenplay
Best Actress -Vilma Santos
Best supporting actor - John Lloyd Cruz
Best Actress - Vilma Santos Best Actor - John Lloyd Cruz Best Supporting Actor - Luis Manzano Best Sreenplay