CBCP: ‘Unfaithful’ morally acceptable

The movie "Unfaithful" has been rated as "morally acceptable" by the review board of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), despite its adult theme of infidelity and several sex scenes.

"Due to its adult theme and the graphic sex scenes, though within the context of the story, this film is not for immature viewers, no matter what their age," the CBCP Catholic Initiative for Enlightened Movie Appreciation (Cinema) said in its review of the new Richard Gere movie.

"The viewer is not surprised to find highly erotic scenes in this psychological thriller," Cinema also said.

It gave an above average technical assessment for the movie which it described as "excellent... for married couples to see."

For one, the board’s newsletter said, "Unfaithful" can be a strong deterrent for spouses who think extramarital flings are fun and harmless.

"While the theme of marital infidelity seems to have become commonplace in the movies, a fact that could lead people to think that since it’s so common it must be alright, "Unfaithful" powerfully portrays the tragic consequences of extramarital liaisons," Cinema said.

Cinema said both marital betrayal and its discovery can unleash the bestial instincts in humans — first the libidinal, then the murderous.

"Forbidden pleasures are always enticing and addicting, but as the movie suggests, a spouse had better not entertain such temptations because there is no telling what price will be paid for it in the end," it said.

The movie, based on a script called "La Femme Infidele" by Claude Chabrol, is an update of Flaubert’s literary classic Madame Bovary, Cinema said.

The film is directed by Adrian Lyne, known for his high-voltage sex films like "Fatal Attraction" and "Indecent Proposal," the bishops’ review board noted.

In "Unfaithful," the marriage of Edward Summer (Gere) and his wife Connie (Diane Lane) seems to be made in heaven. With their eight-year-old son Charlie (Eric Per Sullivan), they are happily ensconced in their suburban home that it seems no tempest could ever dislodge them, Cinema said.

That is, until one violently windy day in New York when Connie accidentally crashes into the arms of a young man named Paul Martel (Oliver Martinez).

Connie and Paul then enter into an extremely passionate, difficult love affair.

Meanwhile, the Filipino movie "Biglang Liko," starring Halina Perez and Barbara Milano, was rated by Cinema as morally acceptable and technically average.

The review board said the film’s theme inspires viewers as it shows a clear message of hope in a life filled with problems.

Cinema however noted the film’s story about poverty and prostitution is rather hackneyed if not overused by filmmakers.

But Cinema praised the movie’s cinematography and performance of actors Gerald Madrid and Harold Pineda, as well as veteran actress Anita Linda’s portrayal of an old prostitute.

In its review of "The Sweetest Thing" starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate and Selma Blair, Cinema rated the film as morally disturbing and technically below average.

"Cinema wonders why the industry must produce inane and plotless movies containing offensive matter as entertainment. Do they really think movie watchers would pay hard-earned cash just to be exposed to trash? Those who still intend to see the film should be mature, 18 and above," the bishops’ review board said.