MISTRESS OF SPICES

I watched The Mistress of Spices the other night, featuring Miss World titlist Aishwarya Rai and perennial crushie Dylan McDermott (Who didn't drool over him during his days at "The Practice"???) I was a little hesitant about watching it, thinking about the previous Bollywood movies I've seen where characters suddenly burst into song and dance to Hindi tunes. But I went on and ended up enjoying it. A lot of people, most especially those who wrote disgusted reviews on the movie, would probably disagree with me. But I really thought it was great, maybe because of the vibrant colors of the spices in the spice bazaar of Tilo (Rai's character) Another thing that sparked my interest is the potential of Filipino movies to break into the international scene by sticking to stories that revolve around our cultural uniqueness and the quirks and idiosyncracies of the Filipino people. Hollywood does not only lend its eyes and ears in stereotypical movie contents but also welcomes stories that are unique to various peoples all around the world. I've noticed the recent trends in critically acclaimed Filipino movies, they would usually be focused on horror or suspense flicks patterned after Japanese/Korean movies as the Grudge or the Ring series. If only, we could be more confident that the international movie industry would take interest in movies that are uniquely Pinoy, maybe we could have a bigger chance.

A movie that came to mind which could give "The Mistress of Spices" a run for its money, is our local film "Kailangan Kita" of Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto. It was set in Bicol, more particularly Albay, where the world famous Mayon Volcano can be found. Although the storyline was your usual Filipino romantic drama movie, the setting and cinematography was magnificent. Seeing Claudine Barretto cook Laing (Taro Leaves cooked in Coconut Milk) made me want to eat anything Ginataan. (dishes cooked in Coconut Milk)

All in all, the appeal to the senses that Mistress of Spices created would be the aspect that I recommend about this movie. And of course, having a beauty queen for its leading lady and a hunky actor as her love interest didn't hurt either!