Misteryo sa Tuwa (Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, 1984) follows Ponsoy (Tony Santos, Sr.), Mesiong (Johnny Delgado) and Jamin (Ronnie Lazaro) as they stumble upon a suitcase in a wrecked plane – with the narrative detailing the myriad of complications that ensue after they decide to keep the money. Writer/director, Abbo Q. dela Cruz in his filmmaking debut, delivers a slow-moving yet mostly compelling drama that benefits substantially from its stellar performances, as Santos and Delgado deliver often captivating work that goes a long way towards cultivating a sporadically enthralling atmosphere. It’s clear, as well, that Lazaro is equally good as Jamin. Alicia Alonzo (Pinang) and Amable Quiambao (Ada) have big scenes that, in other hands, might have led to grandstanding. They perform them so directly and simply that we are moved almost to tears. The characters are rich, full and plausible. The direction and screenplay are meticulous in forming and building the characters, and placing them within a drama that also functions as a thriller. Mystery over the true identity of some characters, Lito Anzures’ villainous turn as Castro is all exaggerated verbal and physical tics. And two confrontations in the woods–one suspenseful, one heartbreaking. The materials of Misteryo sa Tuwa are not unfamiliar, but rarely is a film this skillful at drawing us, step by step, into the consequences of their actions. The inherently compelling subject matter is heightened by an ongoing emphasis on overtly captivating interludes and sequences, and there’s little doubt that Misteryo sa Tuwa eventually does become a far more tense experience than one might’ve initially anticipated (ie Dela Cruz transforms certain moments into almost unbearably suspenseful set pieces), focusing on more realistic violence--violence that has consequences. We're plunged intelligently and realistically into their small-town lives. When we're into the story, we willingly and easily go with them. Misteryo sa Tuwa faces its moral implications, instead of mocking them. We are not allowed to stand outside the story and feel superior to it; we are drawn along, step by step, as the characters make compromises that lead to unimaginable consequences.
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and granted a 1080p transfer, Abbo Q. dela Cruz's Misteryo sa Tuwa arrives on digital HD courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Restoration. There are some extremely light vertical lines that occasionally pop up. Tiny flecks can be spotted as well. Detail and image depth, however are very pleasing. Generally speaking, contrast levels also remain stable throughout the entire film. The blacks are well balanced and there is a good range of healthy whites and grays. There are no traces of problematic degraining corrections. Also, sharpening adjustments have not been performed. There are no serious compression issues, but I did notice some extremely light strobing during the last half of the film. Still, overall image stability is very good and the film has a very pleasing organic look. Central Digital Lab have performed various contrast adjustments and noise corrections, as a result, certain scenes look smoother. Film grain also appears slightly better resolved. Damage marks and cuts occasionally pop up here and there. Lastly, there are no serious stability issues. Misteryo sa Tuwa looks slightly softer but tighter and definitely not contrasty. The LPCM 1.0 track is solid. The dialog is crisp, clean, stable and very easy to follow. Its dynamic amplitude is rather limited, but has very pleasing depth and fluidity. Clarity and depth are good, there's very light background hiss that makes its presence felt. It is not distracting, but more sensitive viewers will obviously notice when it becomes more prominent. The overall dynamic intensity is quite limited, this should not be surprising considering the fact that Misteryo sa Tuwa was produced in 1984. As straightforward in narrative as it is gut-wrenching in effect, it's a movie you watch with mounting sense of dread.
Sound: Ramon Reyes
Production Design: Don Escudero with Rodell Cruz
Cinematography: Rody Lacap
Music: Jaime Fabregas
Edited By: Jess Navarro
Written & Directed By: Abbo Q. dela Cruz
