VIVA FILMS
Actors: Yen Durano, Victor Relosa, Joko Diaz, Jamilla Obispo, Elmo Elarmo Jr., Aeron Carmelo
Genre: Sexy, Drama
Premise: Yen Durano and Jamilla Obispo will get involved in a hot affair with Victor Relosa. Elria finds out her mother Minerva is having an affair with their worker named Jonas. She plans a dark scheme to break their relationship without knowing she’ll be burnt by temptation (Vivamax).
Running Time:
Screenplay/Direction: Roman Perez Jr.
Watch it on: web.vivamax.net, Vivamax (atin ito!) app
Why You Should See It:
Roman Perez Jr’s ‘Litsoneras’ tries to articulate two meanings of its title for its audience: one, the direct translation which is the act of spit roasting a whole pig, and the other, a metaphor for betrayal. In both, the message is clear. It’s hard to not get burned when you get too close to the fire.
But that seems to be Elria (Yen Durano)’s fate, especially that the very environment she is in, is swarmed by temptations, among which is Jonas (Victor Relosa), the new worker at his father’s ‘litsunan’. Eclipsing the sudden return from abroad of Elria’s now estranged mother, Minerva (Jamilla Obispo), Jonas’ arrival conveniently provided the 18-year old lass a sort of escape from the ache caused by her father and mother’s irreparable marriage.
However, after finding out that Jonas and Minerva are actually lovers, Elria develops an intense desire to halt whatever is going on between her mother and Jonas, who has now taken control of the litsunan, when Elria’s father, Eloy (Joko Diaz), got devastated and practically abandoned the business. Determined to stop Jonas at all cost, she plans a dark scheme that involves framing up Jonas in a possible rape case. However, complications arise, and it turns out that such a choice actually produces more unwanted consequences.
Litsoneras serves as Durano’s first starring role in a film, after appearing in a number of titles in supporting and minor roles. One may say that her greatest asset is her face, which can be likened by many to award-winning actress, Nadine Lustre, but she is also talented actress who can really put nuance and intensity in her portrayal. Her moments in the film are largely characterized by intense dramatic confrontations and mellow drama, but to her credit, she does it exceptionally well. Diaz, given his years in business, did not surprise as the obedient ex-husband, Eloy. His version of a protective father speaks volumes of who he is in real life. In one singularly-executed scene, he burst and overflowed with emotions, one rarely seen in an actor more known to doing heavy action.
Relosa did not allow the frequency and intensity of his intimate and semi-erotic scenes define his character and overall performance, as he equally showcased his entire artistic arsenal in crucial and defining sequences of the film.
Totally adherent to Vivamax’s ‘sex and gore’ formula, Litsoneras manages to remain exciting nonetheless, by the strong performances of its cast. It’s already commendable that the plot tackled several sensitive subjects, including rape, domestic abuse, among others, but it is undeniably the brilliance of some of the scenes in the film, and the way the players pull off their moments, that truly makes Litsoneras worthy of a watch.
5 – Excellent
4 – Very Good
3 – Good
2 – Tolerable
1 – Terrible
Litsoneras is now streaming exclusively on Vivamax, Atin ‘To. Watch the official full trailer, below:
