Are you ready to join the “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan”?
A heartfelt dramedy, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” is a light story on how faith is not always loud.
David Licauco shines as Deacon Sam, a charming and slightly unconventional man of the cloth who gets sent to the places that need the most saving. And instead of fire-and-brimstone sermons, he offers empathy, humor and understanding.
As he forms the Samahan ng Makasalanan, a group of flawed individuals and miscreants, what follows is a series of turnarounds that are as touching as they are hilarious.
Set in the parish of Santo Cristo, the film plays with the idea that forgiveness and transformation don’t need to be dramatic — they can be quietly powerful.
Licauco is effortlessly likable, perfectly fitting the role with equal parts sincerity and comic charm. He, too, is tested; he himself is not immune to temptation. And the supporting cast? Joel Torre, Soliman Cruz, Jun Sabayton, Chariz Solomon, Euwenn Mikaell and Sanya Lopez, among others make up a delightful mix of personalities that give the film its soul. There’s even a tease toward the end of David’s character leveling up into some kind of faith-powered superhero.
When life feels like it’s falling apart, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” reminds us that maybe all we need is faith, laughter and a nudge from above. The movie has its flaws – it doesn’t try to be earthshaking – but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Uplifting, easy to digest and full of heart, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” has an R-13 (Restricted-13) rating from the MTRCB and is directed by Benedict Mique.
