saint_sara Tatarin is nothing compared to Nick Joaquin's Summer Solstice. Dina Bonnevie is dull and lifeless, nothing like the original Doña Lupeng, who jumps out of the page with an almost contemptuous sort of passion. Edu Manzano could have been replaced with any other actor who can pull of a gruff, patriarchal frown. Additional story lines are added to make the plot more complex, but only serves to prolong an already tedious movie. Instead of exploring the magic of the Summer Solstice, the film rides on the heaving bosoms of Rica Peralejo and Patricia Javier, Raymond Bagatsing's buttocks, and incessant moaning and groaning of an entire horde of women.

Jose Antonio Delgado I guess it must be true that when watching a movie based on a piece of literature it has to be really really good to be able to capture your heart. Sadly the movie was not that good. Nick Jouaqin's story was not entirely captured by the film and its lack of enthusiasm for solid acting, good sound, better representation of the tatarin could've been improved. I could see bad preparation in the film especially with the way maui and carlos danced. It was terrible carlos had a hard time dancing and his body was basically tense. Edu was too strong that his transition from a hard authoritative husband to a submissive one was too pathetic. It had no dignity whatsoever. What would've been good for the movie was to capture the essence of the festival than delve on the sex scenes. I think that it called for a more authentic expression of the way people carried out the ritual..it was too damn stupid and annoying with all the shouting and bad static actors. This movie needs a new dynamic directing and over-all make over. IT has a good script for god's sake!peace out!

roel_manipon Distinguishing itself as the only work with literary inspiration, Tatarin became a most-anticipated and intriguing watch, more so because it is based on a Nick Joaquin opus, a well-loved classic short story, the "Summer Solstice." Thus, the film not only acquired distinction, but also the unforgiving expectations from literary lovers.Tatarin refers to the pagan ritual participated in by women, who are momentarily liberated from the strictures of the patriarchal society. They abandon themselves to the calling of the inner self, instinct, nature or other influences, as demonstrated through frenzied dancing, a bit of nudity and shrieking. The ritual coincides with the feast of John the Baptist.Against this backdrop and the oppressive heat of summer, gender wars are principally portrayed by the aristocratic and proud Don Paeng Moreta (Edu Manzano), who feels contempt for, yet fears the Tatarin and the women, and his wife Doña Lupe (Dina Bonnevie). Doña Lupe eventually wields her own feminine power after witnessing the transformation of their cook Amada (Rica Peralejo) and the rendering into helplessness of her abusive husband Entoy (Raymond Bagatsing); the amorous coaxing of Paeng's cousin Guido (Carlos Morales);and the experience of the Tatarin itself.Generally, the acting is competent and even Peralejo, who was generally viewed as a miscast, is kept unobtrusive. Scenes may not be as crafted as expected or as imagined by many viewers, with some almost awkward and contrived -- vestiges most likely of theatrical tradition which must place actions within the confines of the stage. The film nevertheless proves to be cogent in its recreation of the 1920s, as evident in an atmosphere that exhibits in several moments a kind of lushness and muggy tension.

fab-one Maybe lot of Filipino viewers hate Edu Manzano with his sadistic hosting of the Philippine's version of The Weakest Link that's why this movie flop! It's Edu Manzano's first movie since hosting the localized version of the Weakest Link where he insulted more than a hundred of participants. The trailer of this movie, with an authorized usage of Drowning Pool's Bodies as background, was heavily rotated during The Weakest Link hour at IBC-13.This movie could be the WEAKEST among the entries in the 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival, despite it's a Viva Films production. With Dina Bonnevie, Rica Peralejo and lot of sexy stars in the cast, the movie could have been the top crowd-drawer among the male adult viewers. But sad to say, the movie was a loser when it was shown. I could not remember that this movie got any award in the 2001 MMFF. Edu was humbled by Cesar Montano, Dina was a peanut to a newcomer named Assunta de Rossi, a bold actress. This could be a classic since it was based on a Nick Joaquin's novel and directed by Tikoy Aguiluz. But there's nothing here that can qualify this movie as a soon-to-be classic. Ms. Peralejo's breast exposure was nothing. Ms. Bonnevie was too old to do a sexy role. Ms. Taylor's timid acting was a waste. Ms. Jaca's role is forgettable. In short, this movie is a trash.