Watch Etiquette for Mistresses

Etiquette for Mistresses is a 2015 Filipino drama film about a group of women who gather together to teach each other the standards of being a mistress. The film tells the story of five mistresses played by Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, Claudine Barretto, Iza Calzado, and Cheena Crab. The film is directed by Chito Roño and is based on the novel of the same title by Julie Yap-Daza.

The movie begins with a flashback where we see a young woman named Georgia, played by Kim Chiu, being presented by her mother for the first time to a wealthy married man. Georgia is taught how to please a man and how to be a proper mistress, and this sets the tone for the entire movie.

Fast-forward to present day and five women - the mistresses - meet for a monthly gathering where they discuss their experiences and teach each other the rules of conduct for being a mistress. There is Monica, played by Claudine Barretto, a successful lawyer who is in love with a married man; Chloe, played by Iza Calzado, a flight attendant who is proud of being a mistress and enjoys the perks that come with it; Georgia, played by Kim Chiu, who is the youngest of the group and is still learning the ropes; Charley, played by Cheena Crab, a bar owner who gets involved with a married celebrity; and the founder of the group, Gwen, played by Kris Aquino, a retired socialite who has been a mistress for most of her life.

Throughout the movie, we see how the women deal with the consequences of their actions as mistresses. They face insults, judgments, guilt, and heartbreak, but they also experience love, companionship, and support. The women help each other navigate through the complexities of being in a relationship with a married man, and they learn valuable lessons on how to survive in a society that condemns their lifestyle.

One of the key themes in the movie is the power dynamics between men and women. The mistresses are aware that their relationships are unequal and that they are not as valued as the wives of their partners. However, they also possess a certain amount of power due to their seductive skills and their ability to manipulate men. The women use this power to their advantage and to negotiate their own terms in their relationships.

The film also highlights the hypocrisy of society when it comes to infidelity. The mistresses receive scorn and criticism for their actions, but their married partners face little to no consequences. This is a powerful commentary on how women are often the ones who are punished for being mistresses, while men are rewarded for their infidelity.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, with each actress bringing their own unique style to their character. Kris Aquino, in particular, shines as Gwen, the quintessential mistress who has seen it all and knows how to play the game. Kim Chiu also delivers a commendable performance as Georgia, the naive and innocent mistress who is still learning the ropes.

Overall, Etiquette for Mistresses is a thought-provoking movie that challenges societal norms and provides an interesting perspective on the lives of mistresses. The film does not condone infidelity, but it sheds light on the reasons why some women choose to become mistresses and the complexities of their relationships. It is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in exploring the nuances of relationships and the power dynamics between men and women.

Etiquette for Mistresses is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.