REFLECTION PAPER

“Mga Kwentong Barbero by Juan R. Luna”

The film Barber's Tales (Mga Kuwentong Barbero), directed by Juan R. Luna, depicts how
women are characterized as weak, powerless, and without a voice over men in some of the most
dramatic scenes, yet sisterhood is demonstrated in the last act. Barber’s Tales talks more about the
political aspect, but it is also a tribute to women. It was a celebration of how women could
influence change, a revolution, or just petty decisions of men, like where to get a haircut. Lana's
Barber's Tales utilizes the spiritual enlightenment of a rural barber's obedient wife to condemn
patriarchy—a mode of thinking that legitimizes the actions of corrupted politicians and violent and
aggressive husbands, as well as well-meaning revolutionaries fighting for a worthy cause. It's a
universal theme that would captivate audiences outside of the Philippines, and Luna's linear and
conventional take on the story—driven by the dramatics of coincidences and the portrayal of
women's solidarity through mainstream humor, complete with quite a few jokes about male
genitalia—would almost certainly give Barber's Tales as much popularity as it couldIt focused on
the various faces of a Filipina at the time (or perhaps even now) and how each fulfills their purpose
in life and in their community. Each had their own levels of power to nurture, influence, and alter.

Barber’s Tales is a story about sisterhood; Domingo’s turn is suitably supported by

engaging performances from, for example, Shamaine Buencamino – who plays Tess, the single
middle-aged woman whose role as a sage among confused wives is thrown into disarray when her
nephew decided to join the anti-government insurrection. Their resilience against the odds speaks
volumes about the chauvinistic universe they were placed under – not just from Alberto and his
cronies, but even in a milder way from the rebels to which Marilou and Tess could only care for
(serving food to them while they plot their ambushes) and fret about. Barber's Tales is a story about
sisterhood, and Domingo's performance is ably supported by engaging performances from others,
such as Shamaine Buencamino, who plays Tess, the unmarried aunt, chose a life of alone in order
to care for her adored nephew. She gave up a marriage and a family to provide his nephew Edmond
(Nicco Manalo) with the education she always wanted for him. Being a spinster at the time was
the equivalent of being a housemaid. Tess, however, did more than just give Edmond with an
education; she laid the route for the young mind's enlightenment.
 Susan (Gladys Reyes), the mother whose duties included satisfying her husband sexually
and to be pregnant almost every Fiesta. She was just a normal housewife and mother that lived to
serve his loving family. Notably pregnant throughout the movie, she used this to save the people
she cared for in a desperate moment. Rosa (Sue Prado), the prostitute that served as fantasy to
bring men joy to the men all over town. She had the lowest status in society but ironically, she had
one of the highest levels of power. Being in her field, she had the capability to control men in a
different way. Cecilia (Iza Calzado), the politician’s wife who was haunted by her husband’s
infidelity and abuse. Her social status was the highest, being the wife of the mayor. This same
social status held her captive and slowly took away her voice. This was until she met Malou and
found her freedom. Lastly, Malou, exceptionally played by Eugene Domingo, the widow who was
lost after her husband’s death. Initially, like Bona Malou was a submissive wife blindly following
her husband’s orders. After his death, she was like an ant that got lost in its trail. She even
considered applying to be a housemaid until the parish priest made her realize that she could do
more as a barber.

This transition as expected was not easy. Men being men were skeptical to have their hair
cut by a woman even after they knew she was good. Even if she was the only competent barber in
town. All just because she was a woman. Have you ever seen a female barber? Personally, I
haven’t. This could be the strongest representation of women empowerment. Being a barber, she
had the power to make a man look good. She cut the hair of the priest, a rebel and the mayor. She
had the power to make the ugly, handsome or beautiful. Most of all, Malou had the power to make
a change.