Watch The Woman Who Left

The Woman Who Left is a Philippine drama film released in 2016 under director Lav Diaz. The film stars multiple award-winning Filipina actress Charo Santos-Concio in the lead role. The movie runs for 228 minutes, making it one of the longest films in the history of Philippine cinema. The story revolves around the character Horacia Somorostro, a schoolteacher who was imprisoned for thirty years for a crime she did not commit. After her release, she sets out to find the man responsible for setting her up and destroying her life. As she journeys through life, she encounters different characters and experiences that lead her closer to her goal.

Horacia's quest for justice is layered with themes of social inequality, power dynamics, and redemption. Her journey eventually leads her to a wealthy and influential man named Rodrigo who seems to have the power to control everything in the town. Horacia's interactions with Rodrigo and his family expose the audience to the harsh realities of poverty, privilege, and abuse of power in Philippine society.

The film is set in the countryside of the Philippines, and Diaz does an excellent job of capturing the country's lush scenery and contrasting it with poverty and corruption. The cinematography is impressive, with long, unbroken takes that capture the characters' raw emotions and the beauty of the natural landscapes.

Charo Santos-Concio's performance as Horacia is brilliant. She effortlessly portrays the character's pain, grief, and hopelessness. Santos-Concio's ability to infuse subtle nuances into her performance is remarkable, making Horacia's journey all the more poignant.

The film's supporting cast is also notable, with John Lloyd Cruz giving an excellent and understated performance as Hollanda, Horacia's former inmate and friend. His character provides a sense of levity and humor to the film without undermining its serious tone.

Michael De Mesa, as Rodrigo, delivers a menacing and authoritative performance that embodies the corrupt and oppressive elite. Other notable performances include Nonie Buencamino as Sobre, a father who is driven to extremes to provide for his family, and Shamaine Buencamino as Mameng, a mother who lost her son to the same unjust system that imprisoned Horacia.

The Woman Who Left is not an easy watch, primarily due to its length and slow-paced storytelling. It requires patience and a willingness to immerse oneself in the character's journey. But for those who are willing to invest their time and emotions, the film is a rewarding and powerful experience.

The Woman Who Left is a film that depicts the harsh realities of Philippine society with unflinching honesty. However, it is also a story of hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Philippine culture and society, and the issues that plague it.

The Woman Who Left is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 83.