Small Voices(Mga Munting Tinig)

Name: Small Voices
Genre: Drama

Philippines · 2002
1h 49m
Director Gil Portes
Starring Alessandra de Rossi, Dexter Doria, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria
Genre Drama

Melinda is a new substitute teacher at the Malawig Elementary School, located in a poor remote barrio. A young university graduate, her family expects her to look for work abroad, but in her idealism she takes on a challenging job in the provincial public school, which lacks resources and has corrupt personnel. The heavy monsoon rains and the nearby NPAs also add to her difficulties. The children are indifferent to their studies, having been affected by the hopelessness around them. Melinda tries to motivate them by capitalizing on their interest and talent in singing. She takes advantage of a funding opportunity to enter them in a choral contest. She encounters some resistance, however, from the school administration and from the parents of her students. Furthermore, the death of one of the choral group’s members at the hands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines casts a pall on their once joyful preparations. Melinda, however, constantly tries to rise above these challenges.

We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.

What are people saying?

Be the first to comment about this film.

What are critics saying?

The Hollywood Reporter by

Voices overcome some used story conventions to give it a very specific charm of its own.

The New York Times by Dave Kehr

This tiny film is heartfelt, well made and worthy of attention.

L.A. Weekly by Hazel-Dawn Dumpert

Ultimately, however, a too-earnest script that pins the future of this community on a school-district singing contest, undercuts the film's natural performances and its sedate, contemplative pacing.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Jennie Punter

Features an excellent cast, in particular the child actors. These elements, as well as the director's light unsentimental touch, make the struggles and triumphs in Small Voices ring truthful.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

A leisurely, understated film reminiscent of any number of Japanese counterparts featuring quietly heroic rural teachers. It is easy to label the film as slow, old-fashioned and sentimental, which it certainly is, but it has the tenacity of its heroine, the pretty and intelligent Melinda (Alessandra de Rossi).

TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh

The end is hardly in doubt, since this sweet-natured film treads a path worn smooth and hard by countless other tiny feet. Its message is as unimpeachable as it is familiar, differentiated from countless similar tales only by the Filipino setting.

Village Voice by Mark Holcomb

Despite its affinity for whimsy over realism, Small Voices effectively captures the embittered desperation and ragged dedication of its exploited teachers.

Variety by Robert Koehler

Latest pic directed by Gil M. Portes, could be called "To Madam With Love"; vet Filipino helmer is out to open maximum tear ducts with sentimental tale.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

There's not much new in this Filipino film by longtime director Gil M. Portes. But it's so endearing that only a grouch wouldn't be charmed.