Uncomfortably intimate, but it absolutely packs a punch.
The conversation surrounding autonomy is so multi-faceted. You have these really intense conversations about family planning, but foregoing sex seems out of play. Not because the mother wants it but rather that seems built into the marital (or relationship) contract. Then, the topic of taking care of yourself and washing up is in reference to whether your partner finds you attractive or will leave you for another woman. For the young women (some girls), their mother’s influence impacts the decision of an iud.
I think Catholicism absolutely plays a role here. There’s this beautiful shot of a broken cross hanging from a rosary that is situated in between these family planning conversations. Abortion is illegal in the Philippines and it speaks to the lack of resources for many of these women.
At the end, a male doctor steps out (who wasn’t featured previously) and celebrates the 100 millionth baby born. Meanwhile, a hoard of mothers are scrapping for ability to pay bills, take care of several children, have any time for themselves, etc. I find that juxtaposition to really bring an even deeper level to the feminist perspective in this doc.
The vignettes at the end of the film are so poignant that I almost wish they were included in the main part.
My class will be talking with Ramona Diaz on Tuesday so I might update this after I hear her speak.
Uncomfortably intimate, but it absolutely packs a punch.
The conversation surrounding autonomy is so multi-faceted. You have these really intense conversations about family planning, but foregoing sex seems out of play. Not because the mother wants it but rather that seems built into the marital (or relationship) contract. Then, the topic of taking care of yourself and washing up is in reference to whether your partner finds you attractive or will leave you for another woman. For the young women (some girls), their mother’s influence impacts the decision of an iud.
I think Catholicism absolutely plays a role here. There’s this beautiful shot of a broken cross hanging from a rosary that is situated in between these family planning conversations. Abortion is illegal in the Philippines and it speaks to the lack of resources for many of these women.
At the end, a male doctor steps out (who wasn’t featured previously) and celebrates the 100 millionth baby born. Meanwhile, a hoard of mothers are scrapping for ability to pay bills, take care of several children, have any time for themselves, etc. I find that juxtaposition to really bring an even deeper level to the feminist perspective in this doc.
The vignettes at the end of the film are so poignant that I almost wish they were included in the main part.
My class will be talking with Ramona Diaz on Tuesday so I might update this after I hear her speak.
