Ang Larawan (Loy Arcenas) *** - Based on the Filipino National Artist Nick Joaquin play, A Portrait of an Artist as a Filipino and also based on the stage musical based on the play, this is about two spinster sisters and the final painting of their artist father, the titular Portrait. It's just before World War II and they've hit financial difficulty but they refuse to sell their sick father's final work, as per his request. Let's start with the positives: The acting is outstanding. Everyone here is at their A-game. They sing and act beautifully. The ensemble that comprises of lots of respected veteran Filipino character actors and singers in bit parts were fun. The score is strong. The period detail is on point. Unfortunately, this suffers from rather stage-y, flat direction. The point and shoot type. This material calls for someone who can direct in a more dynamic manner. It's set largely in one location so they could have had more fun with the cinematic transfer. I sat there thinking how I would block , stage and choreograph a particular scene. But with this flaw, it's still a well-meaning passionate work and must be see by Filipinos during this MMFF.