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Ipagpatawad Mo (English: Forgive Me) is a 1991 Philippine family drama film directed by Laurice Guillen from a story and screenplay written by Olivia M. Lamasan. Starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon in their 16th film together, the film revolves around a couple who try their best to make their marriage work while they struggle with their firstborn who has autism. Charito Solis, Delia Razon, Bing Loyzaga, Amy Perez, Joonee Gamboa, and others also star as the supporting cast.

Produced and distributed by Viva Films, the film was theatrically released on 23 October 1991.

Plot

The marriage between Celina and Mike went into a point of tension when they learned that their first-born child, Mike Jr. (nicknamed Junjun), has autism.

Cast

• Vilma Santos as Celina Esquivel
• Christopher de Leon as Mike Esquivel
• Charito Solis as Carmen, Celina's mother
• Delia Razon as Isolde, Mike's mother
• Bing Loyzaga as Melanie
• Amy Perez as Monique
• Vivian Foz as Chona, Celina's sister
• Johnny Wilson as Jaime, Mike's father
• Joonee Gamboa as Gardo, Celina's father
• Edmund Cupcupin as Don Manuel
• Ruby Rodriguez as Ruby
• Jinky Oda as Jinky
• Terence Baylon as Junjun, the 8-year-old son of Celina and Mike who has autism
  • Bennet Ignacio as Junjun (3 yrs.)
• Eddie Albert Ramos as Paolo, Celina and Mike's second son
• Lorli Villanueva as Psychiatrist
• Tony Mabesa as EENT Doctor
• Ces Mathay as Mike's Friend 1
• Raul Recto as Mike's Friend 2
• Manny Mendoza as Mike's Friend 3
• Maso Diez as Singer
• Rusty Sangalang as TV Director

Production

ABS-CBN's resident writer and producer, Olivia Lamasan, was tasked by director Laurice Guillen to write a screenplay after the latter discovered her great efforts and contributions in rewriting the scripts.

The lead stars, Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon prepared and tackled their roles as the parents of an autistic child by visiting a school for special needs, reading materials related to the subject matter, watching a film with the related themes, and speaking to the parents whose children have autism.

Release

Television release

The film received a television premiere on 22 April 1993, as a feature presentation for GMA Network's movie block, Viva Sinerama.

Reception

Critical reception

Butch Francisco of The Philippine Star gave praise to the cast's performance, stating it is "a major film event of the year, with quiet and restrained performances by the cast that erupts in emotional outbursts only periodically and judiciously". Elvira Mata of Manila Standard gave a positive review, stating that she is glad that the film's story talks about a "more sophisticated subject", rather than the ones about romance and affairs. Nena Z. Villanueva, also from Manila Standard, stated that the film "should be an eye opener for such doctors and parents".

Accolades

References

1. ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (16 February 2014). "This accidental director wanted to be a doctor". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
2. ^ Villanueva, Nena Z. (26 October 1991). "For Vilma and Boyet, finally, a new love angle to tackle". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 24. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
3. ""Ipagpatawad Mo" on Viva Sinerama". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. 21 April 1993. p. 19. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
4. "Ipagpatawad Mo (1991)". Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Archived from the original on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
5. Mata, Elvira (26 October 1991). "A mature movie that needs no apologies and, well, less cellular phones, please". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 16. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
6. "FAP nominees announced". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. 19 March 1992. p. 23. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
7. "Young Critics Circle announces 1992 winners". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. 28 January 1992. p. 20. Archived from the original on 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
8. "Star Awards' best for 1991". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. 9 March 1992. p. 24. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
9. "40th FAMAS Awards (1991)". Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 17 July 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2024.

External links

• Ipagpatawad Mo at IMDb

• 1991 films
• 1991 drama films
• 1990s Tagalog-language films
• Viva Films films
• Filipino-language films
• Philippine drama films
• Films directed by Laurice Guillen
• Films with screenplays by Olivia Lamasan
• Films produced by Vic R. Del Rosario Jr.
• Films scored by Willy Cruz
• Films about autism
• Films about parenting