Tuli (2005) User Reviews

there should be more movies like this

[MysSL · 8/10 · 5 March 2009]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, but I'm definitely glad I saw it and I can't believe they banned it! There should be more Filipino movies like this.

"Tuli" (circumcision) is, strangely enough, a story about two women who live in a small village, friends since childhood, who gradually manage to fall in love. Which is not to say that it doesn't take up a number of social issues, and there are quite a few - wife/child-beating, the almost casual chauvinism towards women and equally commonplace homophobia, the way men will make fun of a guy who doesn't fit/seem macho enough and so on, but somehow these manage to become just the backdrop to the stories of Daisy, Nanding and Botchok. The movie handles these events in the same, almost matter-of-fact way Daisy does; she experiences or witnesses them everyday, but deftly tries to find a way to live a life true to herself despite them.

The movie's got a wonderful, wry sense of humor. The scene where Daisy rattles off one-word descriptions of each guy's penis to Botchok is hilarious! At the same time, "Tuli" refuses to be black-and-white simple. For example, it shows Daisy's mother genuinely grieving when her husband dies, even though he used to beat them up.

The scenes between Daisy and Botchok are sensual without being graphic. This is not the movie for people who want to see a lot of skin-on-skin girl play. There's no nudity, but there manages to be passion and fun.

"Tuli" is not perfect. The whole pagan sub-story felt out of place, and there are points where it gets slow and seems self-conscious about being an indie art film. That said, it deserves an extra star for having been made at all. If you can find a copy with English subtitles, give it a try.

Brave Film

[Mrs-Einstein · 10/10 · 20 February 2007]

TULI is the story of a woman who lives in a very conservative barrio (small town) ruled by men. Her father is the town's circumciser. He is abusive and a drunkard. Since she was young, she has always seen women being maltreated and objectified. Instead of growing up as one of the women who waits hand and foot for their men, Desiree's character grown to be quite the opposite. She's strong, brave and fought for her love that transverses the town's culture and beliefs.

First of all, bravo to Viva Films for getting this kind of film made. It was a very bold move. And it paid off.

TULI's setting was in a very conservative barrio, where everyone knows anyone. There are two main characters in the story, the main one is Desiree's, and the other one is Carlo's.

Carlo is the only uncircumcised man in the barrio. For this, he was humiliated by all, as being uncircumcised means you are not yet a man.

Desiree has seen the how women are badly treated. She has seen this first-hand from her father, who drinks all the time and beats up their family.

Enter Vanna, Desiree's childhood playmate. She was left by her boyfriend. Desiree to the rescue. She has always admired Vanna, and the two formed a relationship which is more than friendship. Their love blossomed. They both wanted a child, and they seek Carlo to provide the missing ingredient. When the townsfolk knew about this, they formed an angry mob, but in the end, love won over hate.

I love this film. I can't emphasize this enough, this is a very brave film, considering that this is a Filipino film. No dancing, or toilet humor or shooting guns here. Just a wonderful, wonderful love story between two women. When I was watching this film and I haven't seen the ending, I thought "uh, huh. Typical, the other woman would probably run away with a man, or one of them will be dead or both of them will be dead." Boy, was I wrong.

Desiree's acting was magnificent. You can really empathize with her character. In my opinion, she could be one of the of the most beautiful actresses in the Philippine cinema today.

Her character was calm, but strong. Proving my point that you don't have to over-act to get the message across the screen. Her eyes speak to you.

Pinoy's who grew up in a foreign land will appreciate this film, since it shows a lot of our old Filipino culture, especially during the Lenten season, which is coming up.

Although I love the story, the pacing of the film was slow and boring. There were also some "shaky moments" with the cameras.

I highly recommend this film. Film buffs will appreciate this. It goes to show that not all Pinoy films are stupid, sexist and shoots at being commercial box office success only. Pinoy films can also be intelligent and brave, like this one.

Sad to say, I read that this film was banned in the Philippines. I think that's a stupid move. When are you gonna grow up, people? Open your minds! This is a must-see and must-add to your collection. I hope that this film is not the first and last of its kind in the Philippine cinema.