When the ‘King’ became ‘Cheap' (on Fr Jejemon Movie)

picture c/o Pinoy Movie Blog

The Catholic Church is once again challenged if not provoked by the new trends in Filipino pop culture. The recent issue on the movie of the king of comedy became the hot topic not only on showbiz tables but among the community of ‘religious men and women’. Dolphy, known for his comedic role is once again starring on his new film entitled Fr Jejemon. There are two controversial scenes in the movie which shows Dolphy playing a priest and while giving communion to communicants ‘accidentally’ dropped the sacred Host into the cleavage of a lady communicant. Another scene showed the sacred Host getting stuck between the dentures of an elderly woman.

Although this (may) happen in real life, its depiction still offends and disrespects the belief on the sanctity of the sacred Host. The Church officials and some Catholic groups called the attention of the MTRCB and urged the deletion of the controversial scenes. The king of comedy had apologized publicly to all who were offended and strongly denied that he had intention to fight against the Catholic Church.

While Dolphy has the purest intentions, the producers or the people behind its production might have had another motive. If we carefully analyze the reactions and counter reactions we will find some inconsistencies and perhaps a malicious motive to flare up the issue.

1. Any controversial issue creates an imprint to the minds of the people thus the only way to satisfy one’s curiosity is to delve into the issue. This is precisely the oxygen of popular culture. In the case of controversial films (or scenes) people long to see the movie. In such a scenario, creating an issue will definitely give the film producers the win-win advantage.

2. Dolphy professed in the interviews that he is a sagradong Katoliko (devout Catholic). But for that matter is it not for any real devout Catholic (or believer), by common sense and act of good conscience should have carefully considered and known the outcome of the said scenes, and that those scenes will only do harm than good? Yet the scenes were intended to be included. Making people happy through inappropriate means are always offensive and disrespectful.

Now that the damage was done and the issue on hot seats, amassing different reactions and people’s attention, the movie, its lead actor and producers are crossing their fingers that the trick will work. It may be a huge success but it will definitely not be on the list of valuable movies. It may be a flop which will only show that people are smart enough not to be bullied by malicious tricks.