Philippine cinema has made its presence known yet again on international shores! Ten Little Mistresses is a visual feast and a gutbuster that has the honour of being the first Filipino-produced film to stream on Prime Video. On 7 Feb 2022, TripZilla Philippines was invited to the film’s gala premiere at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza. Here’s what we learned during the event!
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If there was ever a filmmaker that could pull off the first Filipino-produced film for Prime Video, it has to be Jun Lana. From pains experienced in between growing up explored in Bwakaw (2012) to witnessing a revolution’s birth in Barber’s Tales (2013), Lana once again shows how to create magic behind the camera. Ten Little Mistresses might be campier than most of his film work, but it is an undeniable comedic riot!
Right from the start, the film opens with a gentle choir number but with a jarring caveat. The sombre melodies of the piece are quickly broken by its abrasive lyrics about a mistress telling off her 10 rivals with some choice words. After inviting his mistresses for dinner inside his mansion, Don Valentin gets murdered. Everyone is easily suspected: Who killed the don?
As much as the characters have been essential for bringing Ten Little Mistresses to life, the place is just as important. The featured mansion is no doubt extravagant, yet there are obvious secrets inside. Almost like an actual harem, perhaps?
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One thing to note about this film is that it’s headlined by some of the best comedians in Philippine showbiz. We have Carmi Martin (Magenta), Pokwang (Babet), Agot Isidro (Helga), Kris Bernal (Diva), and Arci Munoz (Aura) leading the laughs. Alongside them, rising stars like Kate Alejandrino (Sparkle), Iana Bernardez (Coco), Sharlene San Pedro (Moon-Young), Adrianna So (Because), and Christian Bables (Lady G) complete the set of ten mistresses. These women compete and conspire for the love of one man, Don Valentin, played by the ever-charismatic John Arcilla. Tying it all together is Eugene Domingo, with her earnest performance as Lillith, the head butler of Don Valentin’s mansion, and her close confidant, Chiclet, by Donna Cariaga.
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Despite the heavy star power this film presents, there are no actual scene-stealers. The mistresses may have conflicts, but their rage against one another and love for Don Valentin pull them in the same direction. Don Valentin’s secrets from his mistresses keep Arcilla from the spotlight, letting the outrageous characters shine as the stars. Domingo and Cariaga contain the mistresses’ antics, mostly with straight zingers of their own.
Finally, we can’t talk about Ten Little Mistresses without mentioning their gorgeous costumes. Part of why this film is amazing to look at is the costumes everyone is wearing. Yes, everyone! From the maids to the mistresses, and even Don Valentin himself, everyone in this film looks good and dressed razor-sharp; this is all thanks to the vision of costume designer Jay Lorenz Conanan and headpiece and wig artist Jaydee Jasa.
The hilarity of this film needs to be seen to be believed. Good thing that Prime Video will host its streaming to over 240 countries and territories across the globe! Ten Little Mistresses is a brilliant film that catches fire as soon as it draws out a mere chuckle. Add a couple of gorgeous set pieces and twists moving at breakneck speeds, and Ten Little Mistresses might just be the most extravagant murder mystery you’ll ever have the pleasure of watching.
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Ten Little Mistresses will be available for streaming on 14 Feb 2023, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Watch this with your SO on a date and discover how love can help solve the culprit of a heinous murder!
Special thanks to Prime Video for inviting TripZilla Philippines to the launch of Ten Little Mistresses.
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