LEAD CAST: Christopher
de Leon, Dina Bonavie, Lanie Mercado, Ricky Davao, Jaclyn Jose, Allen Dizon,
Valerie Conception, Megan Young
DIRECTOR: Gigi Javier-Alfonso SCREENWRITER: Baby Nebrida PRODUCER: Jody Nebrida EDITOR: Anna Espia MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Diwa de Leon GENRE: Family
Drama CINEMATOGRAPHER: Agustin del Mundo RUNNING TIME: 150 minutes
DISTRIBUTOR: Solar Entertainment LOCATION: Philippines
Technical
assessment: 3
Moral
assessment: 3
CINEMA
Rating: V 14
Flames of Love tells the stories several families undergoing crises
due to certain misfortunes that plague families: infidelity, drug addiction,
sexual abuse of minors, promiscuity, and even abortion. Through all these domestic situations that
drive family members to fight one another to a life-threatening extent, the
power of faith prevails: they pray, and learn to forgive one another, although
only after so many tears have been shed.
The film marks the return of family drama on the
big screen. Produced by Gold Barn
Media and released through Solar Entertainment, Flames of Love tries
to focus on despair, hate, hurt, lust, passion, and anger engulfing the hearts
and minds of the characters. It
boasts of an all-star cast— Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Lani Mercado,
Ricky Davao, Jacklyn Jose, Allen Dizon, Megan Young, and Valerie Concepcion,
all delivering their roles with remarkable sincerity. One cinematographic handicap, though, is the use of too many
“talking heads”, and with the kind of lines actors deliver, the movie consequently sounds uncomfortably preachy in some parts.
Flames of Love has laughter and
tears and aims to impart valuable lessons on life and love, says its
scriptwriter-producer Baby Nebrida, adding that “it provides a rich spiritual
nourishment that will make you think of how a loving and merciful God can be in
control of every near disaster in life.”
One thing stands out in the movie: it is not afraid to “tell it like it
is”, portraying family situations so emotionally and realistically that viewers
would find it easy to relate to.
Flames of Love was reportedly
made “in answer to the call of Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI
to evangelize and spread God’s love and mercy through media as we celebrate the
Year of Faith.” It then becomes a "movie on faith guided by faith". In consideration
of its makers’ intentions, therefore, its zeal to preach becomes understandable.
