TV & Film
“Mabuti ka pa–patay na (You have it better–you’re already dead).”
With all the rush in this era of virality, it’s essential to slow down and take a step back. Life may seem too short for many, but Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Lola Igna tells a heartfelt tale of how there is more to being alive than life’s length. What better way to view the cost of living than through the eyes of the oldest grandmother in the Philippines?
The narrative unfolds through Angie Ferro as Lola Igna, a 118-year-old about to be titled the oldest grandmother alive—a woman more than ready to pass away, even as her story goes viral all over the country. As she waits to receive the award, she meets her great-great grandson Tim (Yves Flores), a vlogger who discovered her through a television news report. The sudden encounter paired with Igna’s old age places a subtle, yet striking emphasis on life’s time limits. From the foul-mouthed Lola Igna who just wants to die in peace, to Tita Nida (Maria Isabel Lopez) and her seemingly business-oriented, but often emotional mindset, and even young Tim who wants to bond with his newfound relatives, every character exemplifies the Filipino family dynamic.
This compelling storyline was strengthened by highly emotive acting. Ferro delivers one of the most notable performances, as she launches into painfully honest monologues on Igna’s emotional baggage. However, even those with minimal screen time managed to make their characters stand out with expressive gestures and natural chemistry—like with the banter between Lola Igna and her kindly neighbor Mang Gusting (Armand Reyes).
In the midst of media that places a premium on intense, fast-paced action, Lola Igna’s careful pacing is one of its most remarkable qualities. Though the pace may come off as slow, each scene serves to build the film’s simple yet impactful plot. Whether through a lingering shot of an open field before characters enter, or a close-up of Lola Igna’s piercing gaze, the time spent on each frame makes a specific character’s story feel more personal. Yet the movie never feels dragged out as it takes the time to become an easier pill to swallow.
When it comes to cinematography, Lola Igna also has the deliberate touch of a caring grandmother: One who slowly, but surely puts the greatest effort into everything. Different scenes lovingly portray the gentle and gritty details of small-town living. Casting a stark difference from the metropolitan hustle and bustle, the cinematography highlights vast green fields, clear blue skies, and a calmness rarely found in the city–almost as if we are breathing the fresh air of the movie ourselves. There is a certain tenderness felt through these long, scenic shots.
Lola Igna indeed tugs at heartstrings through its lovable characters and peaceful countryside setting. With these elements, the film reminds audiences of simpler joys that can be found through family–whether whole, broken, or slowly pieced back together. Life may indeed be short, but this two-hour movie is a great reminder of the relationships worth our time.
Photo sourced from Filipino Times
