Mahjong Nights (2021) Movie Review
Directed by: Lawrence Fajardo
Cast: Angeli Khang, Sean de Guzman, Mickey Ferriols, Arnell Ignacio, Jamilla Obispo, Liz Alindogan, Jay Manalo
Presented by: Viva Films
Release Date: November 12, 2021 (via Vivamax)
Mahjong Nights (2021), directed by Lawrence Fajardo, is a film that tries to blend drama, suspense, and eroticism within the backdrop of a seemingly innocent game of mahjong. The film presents two kinds of players—those who play the game, and those who play with people’s emotions. While it offers moments of intrigue and tension, it ultimately struggles to maintain a consistent narrative, leading to a somewhat disjointed viewing experience.
Plot and Character Overview
Mahjong Nights follows the intertwining lives of several characters who are brought together by the game of mahjong. The film introduces us to a mix of personalities, from the seasoned players portrayed by Mickey Ferriols, Liz Alindogan, and Arnell Ignacio, to the younger, more vulnerable characters like Angeli Khang’s, whose role is more centered on physical allure than character depth.
The early parts of the movie set a promising tone, with natural chemistry among the veteran actors. The banter and casual conversations between Ferriols, Alindogan, and Ignacio are engaging and provide a sense of realism that draws viewers into their world. Their interactions are lively and often humorous, making it easy to get invested in their stories.
Angeli Khang, one of the film’s main attractions, shows potential in her acting but is unfortunately underutilized. The focus on her physical appearance overshadows any substantial character development, reducing her role to mere eye candy rather than a fully fleshed-out character. Similarly, Sean de Guzman’s contribution to the film is minimal, with his performance largely revolving around explicit scenes that add little to the overall narrative.
Jay Manalo stands out as a dominant presence in the film, bringing an intensity that is both intimidating and commanding. His ability to evoke fear and respect adds a layer of tension that is sorely needed as the movie progresses. However, even his strong performance cannot fully compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.
Cinematography and Atmosphere
The first half of Mahjong Nights is well-paced, with a decent flow that gradually introduces each character. The cinematography is competent, effectively capturing the intimate setting of the mahjong sessions and the subtle power dynamics at play. The atmosphere created is both inviting and slightly tense, making the audience feel like they are part of the characters’ inner circle.
Arnell Ignacio brings a lightness to the film, injecting humor at just the right moments to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. His comedic timing helps to keep the mood buoyant, especially during scenes that might otherwise feel stagnant.
Narrative Weaknesses
Unfortunately, the film begins to lose its way in the latter half. The storylines start to unravel, with scenes that seem disconnected from the main plot and conversations that feel abrupt and underdeveloped. Characters begin to act without clear motivations, making their decisions seem random and unconvincing. The screenplay lacks the strength to tie these disparate elements together, resulting in a narrative that feels directionless as it approaches the conclusion.
The ending of Mahjong Nights feels rushed and unearned, as if the filmmakers simply ran out of ideas. The unresolved issues and missed opportunities for deeper exploration of the characters and their relationships leave the audience with a sense of dissatisfaction. The themes that were hinted at earlier in the film are never fully realized, leaving the potential of the story largely untapped.
Missed Opportunities
The film’s title, Mahjong Nights, suggests a clever interplay between the game of mahjong and the lives of the characters, but this connection is never fully exploited. The game, which could have served as a metaphor for strategy, deception, and the risks of life, remains a superficial element in the story. Instead of using the game as a vehicle to explore deeper themes, the film allows it to fade into the background, becoming just another missed opportunity in a film full of them.
Where to Watch
For those interested in the cast or in Filipino cinema, Mahjong Nights is available for streaming on Vivamax, where you can decide for yourself whether it’s a night worth remembering.
Conclusion
Mahjong Nights (2021) is a film that had the potential to be an engaging and thought-provoking drama but ultimately falls short due to weak character development and a lack of narrative focus. While the performances of the veteran actors bring some life to the film, the overall experience is hampered by its inability to deliver a cohesive story. The movie ends up being a forgettable entry in the Vivamax catalog, one that might entertain in the moment but is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
