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When Will You Be Mine
10.0

When Will You Be Mine (1991)

Mariel (Lady Lee), the illegitimate daughter of Shirley (Gina Alajar), has been the center of contention since her birth when Shirley's husband Ben (Julio Diaz) sells Mariel to child-trafficker Adul (Vivian Velez). Because of an immigration impediment, Adul consigns Mariel to the care of her cousin Jaime (Eddie Gutierrez) and nursemaid Dolor (Janice De Belen), the midwife at Mariel's birth. But Jaime's wife Laila (Charo Santos) doesn't want to keep the baby because the sight of an infant reminds her of her own stillborn child, and Dolor's boyfriend Ramir is jealous of the love and attention Dolor gives the baby. Just when Laila has accepted Mariel, Adul returns to claim her adopted now-grown daughter, but Dolor inadvertently learns of Adul's wicked plan to sell Mariel for a large amount.

Directed by Chito S. Roño

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Chito S. Roño

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, When Will You Be Mine examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Chito S. Roño brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of When Will You Be Mine took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 214 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1991, when this film was released:
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While When Will You Be Mine shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike 12 Angry Men, which focuses more on action than character development, When Will You Be Mine offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like 8 and JFK explore similar territory, When Will You Be Mine stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 20, 1991
  • Runtime: 2h

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