Filipino soap opera fans are in for a delicious treat with Netflix Philippines’ new film titled Kontrabida Academy, directed by Chris Martinez and starring Eugene Domingo and Barbie Forteza.
This comedy-fantasy film gives a nod to classic teleserye we all grew up watching, dressed up in campy satire and sharp takes on everyday injustices. In this High Five review, we’ll lay down the reasons why this should be on your must watch list. Minor spoilers ahead.
Familiar Tropes in a Fresh Package
Those who were brought up with soap operas playing on TV would easily recognize the beginning scenes of this film. Gigi (Barbie Forteza) is the quintessential protagonist, who is poised and restrained even in the face of life’s adversities. She works a lousy job at a Korean barbecue restaurant where her efforts go unnoticed, she has a lover who has gone cold and distant, and she lives with a shopaholic mom who needs to be parented.
Her tragic reality starts to alter when the television she won at the restaurant’s Christmas party raffle somehow breaks the fourth wall and pulls her into a world where the bidas (protagonists) and kontrabidas (antagonists) are trained. This is when the film’s premise flips from something familiar, to something completely absurd that will get the audience cackling until the end.
Jaw-breaking Comedy
Eugene Domingo as Maricia cradling her daughter (Xyriel Manabat) in Kontrabida Academy
“Mimi! My seductive daughter.” This is just one of the many memorable lines delivered by Mauricia (Eugene Domingo) that leaves the audience gasping for air because of how funny it is. Expect nothing less from Domingo’s acting chops, as she nails this kontrabida role right on the head.
Written and directed by Chris Martinez, who was also behind the screenplays for Domingo’s past films, Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme and Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Kontrabida Academy gives another iconic role for the comedienne. Xyriel Manabat’s Mimi complements this well in a short-lived role, with her over-the-top expressions that makes this mother and daughter an unforgettably hilarious duo.
The film is filled with more standout comedic moments that will make your jaw hurt from laughter.
Fantastical Effects and Locations
The fantasy elements of the film also did not disappoint, with the magical color grading, effects, and locations they chose. Gigi’s transportation into the TV world was executed exactly as how one would imagine, with smooth effects and the world somewhat resembling a cross between Wicked’s Shiz University and Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. As she goes back and forth from real life to this magical land, the film seamlessly walks the viewers through her whimsy little story with a dash of reality.
Kontrabida Royalties
From left to right: Pinky Amador, Galdys Reyes, Jean Garcia, and Cecilia Rodriguez as Kontrabida Academy Instructors
It only gets better with this film studded with stars to the max. Inside the TV world, Gigi begins training at Kontrabida Academy, with professors who played some of the most iconic villain roles in Philippine cinema.
The academy’s faculty consisted of stars like Jean Garcia, Pinky Amador, Gladys Reyes, Dimples Romana, Mylene Dizon, Baron Geisler, Odette Khan, Celia Rodriguez, and Rez Cortez. The film also did not forget to pay tribute to other favorite kontrabidas who have already departed through a hall of fame display, which included the beloved la primera contravida, Cherie Gil.
Humor with a Heart
Barbie Forteza as Gia in KKontrabida Academy | Image from Netflix
Just when you thought it’s just a feel-good watch, the film’s humor powerfully conveys a very real and striking message that leaves each viewer with something to ponder.
Gigi’s reinvention to her kontrabida persona only made her a hero of her own story, as she used her newfound confidence to bring justice to her otherwise pathetic life. From humiliating her abusive boss, standing up against her cheating ex, to ending her mother’s lavish lie, Gigi reclaimed her power and in turn saved lives she did not even know her “villainous” acts were helping.
This film perfectly encapsulates the message that bidas and kontrabidas are just fictional labels. A real life kontrabida may have traits that we do not find morally upstanding or worth rooting for, but the confidence that comes with knowing who you are and what you want in life is something that we should all strive for. With that, SEA Wave rates this film 4 out of 5 waves.
Are you a bida or a kontrabida fan? Let us know in the comments below!