Milan (2004 film)

Milan is a 2004 romantic drama film released under Star Cinema, ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. in the Philippines. It stars Claudine Barretto and Piolo Pascual. It is a love story co-written by Raymond Lee, and under Olivia Lamasan's direction. The movie made more than ₱130 million in the box office.[1]

Milan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byOlivia M. Lamasan
Produced by
Screenplay byRaymond Lee
Story by
  • Raymond Lee
  • Olivia M. Lamasan
Starring
Music byRaul Mitra
CinematographyShayne Sarte-Clemente
Edited byMarya Ignacio
Production
company
Release date
  • 11 February 2004 (2004-02-11)
Running time
135 minutes
CountryPhilippines
Language
Budget30 million (estimated)
Box office₱135.88 million

Synopsis

This story follows the journey of naive Lino (Piolo Pascual) as he searches for his missing wife Mary Grace in Italy. He comes across Jenny (Claudine Barretto), an imposing figure in the Filipino community of migrant workers, whose dreams of grandeur have clouded her need for personal relationships. In a desperate quest for game and survival, the two find refuge and affirmation in each other. What started as a mentor – protégé relationship, Lino and Jenny’s partnership evolves beautifully into a self-consuming love affair. Until these are put to a test. Reality bites as the land changes everything.

In the end, it matters not that Lino finds his wife for he has found himself. And alas, it matters not for Jenny that she sacrifices for love, for she has learned to give, in order to live again.

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

  • Iza Calzado as Mary Grace
  • Ilonah Jean as Vangie
  • Ryan Eigenmann as Perry
  • Lotlot de Leon as Ruth
  • Pia Moran as Baby
  • Cecil Paz as Attorney
  • At Maculangan as Jomar
  • Ward Luarca as Kuya Ward
  • Lollie Mara as Ate Connie
  • Irma Adlawan as Mary Grace's aunt
  • Maritess Joaquin as Mary Grace's mother
  • Cathy Garcia Molina as Pinoy OFW worker (cameo)

Production

Shootings for the film were primarily done in Milan and other Italian cities such as Venice where there are a sizable Filipino communities. Malou Santos of Star Cinema was behind the idea of making Milan the primary setting of the film because the base of ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel in Europe is in the city. Director Olivia Lamasan requested Star Cinema that the budget for the film not to be lower than ₱30 million so that her film's quality would not be compromised, if not Lamasan expressed that she can't do the film. Star Cinema headed to the request.[2] Lamasan described her film as a "labor of love" and said that in her stay in Italy for a month, the whole production team including the actors and actresses had to do other tasks such as in preparing the props when not in scene.[3]

Release

The film premiered on 11 February 2004. On April 2004, the film was released in VHS, VCD, and DVD. The VCD and DVD versions includes bonus features and scenes from the film.[4]

In 2015 ABS-CBN FIlm Restoration Project restored the film and released a digitally remastered version of the film in iTunes

Reception

Box office

The film grossed a total of P135.88 million against its estimated P30 million budget.

Critical reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim from critics upon its release. Nestor Torre from Philippine Daily Inquirer stated "Olivia Lamasan's Milan is a unique viewing experience because it combined drama, romance, and social commentary. This ambitious combination makes the film a should-see in our book." Mario Bautista from people's Journal said in his review "The two lead characters are truly well-defined, so we get to really care for them" Rina Jimenez-David from Philippine Daily Inquirer stated "Isn't it a good thing that it is our artists, the filmmakers of Milan, who persist in drawing our attention to the hidden costs of labor export, not the lease of which is the heartbreak of exile and alienation?"

Soundtrack

Milan theme song The Gift was performed by Piolo Pascual.

Awards and nominations

AwardCategoryWinner/NomineeResult
FAMAS Award Best Actor Piolo Pascual Won
Best Actress Claudine Barretto Won
Best Picture Milan Nominated
FAP Awards Best Actress Claudine Barretto Won
Best Actor Piolo Pascual Nominated
Best Cinematography Shayne Clemente Nominated
Best Director Olivia M. Lamasan Nominated
Best Editing Marya Ignacio Nominated
Best Picture Milan Nominated
Best Production Design Nuel C. Naval Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ryan Eigenmann Nominated
Gawad Urian Award Best Editing Marya Ignacio Won
Best Actor Piolo Pascual Nominated
Best Actress Claudine Barretto Nominated
Best Cinematography Shayne Clemente Nominated
Best Direction Olivia M. Lamasan Nominated
Best Film Milan Nominated
Best Screenplay Raymond Lee
Olivia M. Lamasan
Nominated
Golden Screen Awards Breakthrough Performance by an Actress Iza Calzado Won

See also

References

  1. (₱135 million gross revenue)
  2. Salterio, Leah (10 February 2004). "Passion of love making explored in 'Milan'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  3. "'Milan': a labor of love". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 4 February 2004. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  4. "'Milan' now on video". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 25 April 2004. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
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