Eugene Domingo (NPPA Images)Remember that old line about the sins of the fathers visiting on the children? Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme is the last film you’d think will revolve around this adage.
But it does. The principle of karma is written all over this horror-comedy, and gives it a gripping effect. The sequel of the 2009 box-office hit Kimmy Dora tells the story of how Luisito Go Dong Hae (Ariel Ureta) promised his daughters’ Kimmy and Dora (Eugene Domingo in a dual role) hand in marriage to the son of his Korean business partners.
But alas! Kimmy and Dora are in love with Barry (Zanjoe Marudo) and Johnson (Dingdong Dantes) respectively.
After they propose to their respective lady loves, a ghost from the Korean past (where the Go Dong Haes trace their roots) flies into a rage. She won’t let Kimmy and Dora be happy because she (the ghost, played by Alodia Gosengfiao) herself never knew the joy of a happy marriage, thanks to Luisito.
Oh, but this is no straight ghost story. It’s a Eugene Domingo film, and as such, has comedy galore.
Dora is still uh, mentally-challenged and signs her name in a most rudimentary way. Stern Kimmy breaks her ice queen stance and does the most shocking things with Barry in full view of her employees. The royal heir Luisito’s business partner wants Kimmy and/or Dora to marry can easily win “The Person Least Likely to Succeed” title in school.
And you have to suspend your disbelief (don’t all moveigoers do?) in a pivotal fight scene between the forces of good and evil.
Good old Pinoy values
But no matter where the plot and the characters take us, all roads lead to the triumph of good old Filipino family values.
Eugene as Kimmy and Dora (plus a third character from the past) acquits herself well as usual. It is she who defines the film, and paints it with all the vivid colors of the rainbow.
You can even feel Kimmy’s heart of steel melt in one of the film’s tender moments (yes, there’s one!).
Eugene will make you discover that even harsh CEOs like Kimmy can shed their tough armor when faced with what seems to be the inevitable.
“Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme” may not have the emotional fireworks of a dramatic film. It may show hauntings, screaming, gnashing of teeth, laughter — anything but dramatic friction.
But dig a little deeper and you will see something dramatic — the love a father has for his daughters and vice-versa. Except for Luisito’s one-liner, you won’t see any grand show of love. But it’s there. And it’s so strong, words are unnecessary.
Why say it when you can feel it?
Yes, “Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme” is a horror comedy. But it also touches on tender emotions. That’s where its appeal lies.
Is a third Kimmy Dora film coming up?