EKSTRA movie review

we've known the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, to play lead roles in different movies and being a bit player was the last thing that i could think about. i was really amazed on how she played like one in Ekstra, an independent film that gave her the Best Actress Award for the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2013, and raked in other awards from the critics.

we follow the story of the bit player preparing for bit roles in a soap opera. a one day journey that motivates her to sustain a lifestyle and the needs of her child. the underlying story of a mother that would do anything just to put her gift in a good school, a dreamer. at that day, is like most of us, starting positively, but the turn of events is how fate plays among us. no matter how we sweat ourselves to do our work as needed and to get us recognized by impressing other people, there will be a time that we are going to fall. starting with the feeling of "It should have been me" and ending there, me as an audience immerses into the story and felt the same way and tearing up in anger with myself. some story of regret that makes you think, "I should have done it that way."

That crying moment.

in the sentiment of the bit players, the movie upholds the little people that made up the story, that helps the star stand out, that add color to the background of the set. Ekstra indeed shows another face of life which we usually ignore or even laughed about. but these people have spirits like us, instead of waiting for luck to give what they want, they do a little extra that will give other people what they want. a huge example of sacrifice and dream that people should follow.

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EKSTRA goes mainstream this August 14

Star Cinema is proud to present the a movie that gives importance to every human being, may it be big or small. but in their context of show business, this film honors the little people that give deeper meaning of what we see on the big screen. EKSTRA (The Bit Player) will be showing in the mainstream cinemas nationwide starting August 14 2013.

the film, starred by the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, plays the title role and happy to have bagged the major award in lead acting. awarded by the Cinemalaya jury of the recent-concluded Cinemalaya Festival at the CCP. among other awards are:

• Audience Choice Award, Directors' Showcase: "Ekstra" by Jeffrey Jeturian
• Best Screenplay - Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Jeffrey Jeturian, "Ekstra"
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Ruby Ruiz, "Ekstra"
• Best Performance by a Lead Actress - Vilma Santos, "Ekstra"
• Special Jury Prize - "Ekstra"
• Netpac (Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema) Special Award - "Ekstra"

the movie was a bit challenging for all since as we've known Vilma Santos to portray lead roles, it was hard for them to make her on the level of the other bit players, de-glamorizing her into the role of Loida Malabanan. on the other hand, the bit players whom she worked with were even controlling themselves not to be starstruck with the presence of their Ate Vi. there are also some bit instances that they found the humility of Vilma Santos, a reason that everyone loves her, in front and at the back of the camera.

the movie teaches everyone, as quoting Vilma Santos, "to love what you do and do it good." it also serves as inspiration for everyone that every person around contributes in the being of an individual.

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