Four Sisters and A Wedding: Not Just Comedy

Four Sisters and A Wedding was unexpected. Although I was told beforehand that the movie was “dramedy” (mix of drama and comedy), I thought it would portray the family on a light note, cracking jokes and witty comments in every scene, like with any Filipino feature film. Boy, was I partially wrong.

I said “partially” because the witticisms are still intact but the story about the family dynamics and the relationship among siblings brought the heart-warming, tear-jerking and effective drama into the screens; it drove me, and the rest of the cinema audience for that matter, into tears. As I am writing, my eyes still burn from crying for half of the movie.

So what’s with the drama, really?

[Spoiler alert]

The film is about four sisters with unique personalities that, more often than not, clash with each other. Teddie (Toni Gonzaga) is the eldest of the Salazar Siblings, works in Spain (but not the job her family knows) and the comedienne of the family. Bobbie (Bea Alonzo) is second, has a successful business career in New York and having trouble with her feelings towards her current boyfriends because of a previous relationship mishap. Alex (Angel Locsin) is next, the black sheep of the family, does not have a permanent job and not in the best of terms with Bobbie. Gabbie (Shaina Magdayao) is the youngest of the girls, a teacher and stays at home to take care of their mother. However, I find her more of a supporting character, because her sisters are carrying more emotional package in them.

Because of the sudden wedding announcement of their brother CJ (Enchong Dee), the sisters living away and abroad came home. Being the youngest and the only boy in the family, the sisters start fussing about his plans, because they still have not met the girl. Also, he is the sister’s prayer-come-true, so they will do anything and everything to protect him.

As the story develops, we see that the film’s core is not about the wedding but the extent of what siblings do to protect each other. We also see that the siblings, especially Teddie and Alex, are doing what they are doing for their mother’s approval.

There were consecutive scenes where the siblings broke the façade they have on and confessed their problems and insecurities among each other in front of the family. It was a tear fest. I knew people were trying to hold back tears but end up unsuccessful. I, on the other hand, let myself go and waterworks flow. Remembering the scenes right now makes me want to cry all over again. I believe these scenes deliver the truth among siblings trying hard to reach the expectations set by their family. I also know that it hurts not to be able to achieve these expectations and embarrassing and frustrating to actually say “I’m not good enough”. But this is where family is supposed to come in, accept the situation, give a hand of support and a shoulder to cry on. I am really happy that the family resolution was acceptance and that the siblings grew more mature and closer with each other.

The film hit me right on the emotional spot because I prayed for a brother and I got one (although I’m still deciding whether it is a blessing or a curse. Just Kidding!). There’s also the detail that Bobbie graduated from Ateneo (my sister’s alma mater) while the others graduated from UP (where I currently study). And then there's that family expectations. Enough said. I may just be over-thinking the parallelisms of the film to my life, but to heck with it anyway.

I give the film a good rating, because of the story that tugged at my heart. Also, because the humor and drama was integrated into the film in such a way that you can enjoy a hearty laugh and good cry in healthy intervals. I recommend Four Sisters and A Wedding for everyone to watch. You don’t need to have a number of brothers and sisters to appreciate this family-centered film.