Born Beautiful (Movie)

Title — Born Beautiful
Available on — Netflix
Production Country — Philippines
Release Date — 2019
After her best friend dies, Barbs attempts to rediscover herself until love leaves her true identity — and heart — in question.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

After her best friend Trisha’s sudden death, Barbs Cordero, portrayed by the talented Martin Del Rosario, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the 2019 film “Born Beautiful.” Directed by Perci M. Intalan, the movie delves into the life of Barbs, a transgender woman who decides to live as a straight man named Bobby following the loss of Trisha. This decision sets off a chain of events that leads Barbs to unexpected encounters and challenges.

As Barbs navigates her new identity as Bobby, she encounters Trisha’s ex-boyfriend Michaelangelo, her own ex-boyfriend Greg, and a woman claiming to be pregnant with Barbs’ child. The film explores themes of love, loss, and identity, as Barbs grapples with her past and strives to find her true self amidst the complexities of her relationships and the society around her.

While “Born Beautiful” has been critiqued for its slow pace and underwhelming visuals, Martin Del Rosario’s compelling performance elevates the movie, making it a watchable experience. The film’s humor, though at times falling short, is underscored by a heartfelt narrative that celebrates the resilience and spirit of its characters.

With a mix of colorful characters and poignant moments, “Born Beautiful” is a spinoff of the acclaimed comedy-drama “Die Beautiful,” continuing the story of Trisha’s sidekick Barbs as she embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and understanding in the wake of tragedy. The film’s exploration of love, friendship, and the quest for identity resonates with audiences, offering a touching and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Martin del Rosario, Lou Veloso, Chai Fonacier, Kiko Matos, Akihiro Blanco, Paolo Ballesteros

Movie Casting:

  • Director: Perci M. Intalan
  • Screenwriter: Jun Lana
  • Actors:

    • Martin del Rosario as Barbs
    • Paolo Ballesteros as Trisha
    • Lou Veloso as Flora
    • Chai Fonacier as Yumi
    • Kiko Matos as Greg
    • Akihiro Blanco as Michaelangelo
    • VJ Mendoza as Princess
    • Gio Gahol as Kennie

💬 Reviews and feedback

Lights, camera, action!

Hey there movie buffs! Today, we’re diving into the colorful world of “Born Beautiful” (2019). This film is like a box of chocolates – sweet, surprising, and sometimes a little nutty.

Plot and Themes:

  • The Plot: Picture this: A transgender woman named Barbs Cordero embarks on a journey of self-discovery after losing her best friend, Trisha. As she navigates life as a mortuary beautician at Happy Ending Funeral Homes, Barbs grapples with her identity in a world that can be both accepting and harsh.
  • Themes: “Born Beautiful” delves into themes of identity, friendship, acceptance, and the complexities of love. It’s not just about outer beauty but also the beauty that lies within each character.

Tone and Acting:

  • The Tone: The film strikes a delicate balance between humor and heart. It offers quick chuckles while tugging at your heartstrings with its poignant moments.
  • Acting and Characters: Martin del Rosario shines as Barbs, bringing depth and charisma to the role. His portrayal captures the struggles and triumphs of a transgender individual navigating through societal expectations. The supporting cast adds layers of humor and emotion, making the ensemble truly memorable.

Binge-watching Tip: If you’re looking for a film that celebrates diversity and showcases the beauty of individuality, “Born Beautiful” is your go-to pick!

Direction and Cinematography:

  • The Direction: Percival M. Intalan weaves together a narrative that may seem messy at times but ultimately paints a larger picture of acceptance and self-discovery. His direction allows the characters to shine amidst the chaos of life’s ups and downs.
  • Cinematography: The visuals in “Born Beautiful” are vibrant and engaging. Each frame is like a work of art, capturing the essence of every scene with precision.

Binge-watching Tip: If you appreciate visually stunning films that transport you into another world, “Born Beautiful” will captivate you from start to finish!

Pace, Dialogues, and Production Design:

  • The Pace: While some may find the pace slow at times, it allows for moments of reflection and introspection. The film doesn’t rush its storytelling but rather takes its time to unfold each character’s journey.
  • Dialogues: The dialogues in “Born Beautiful” are witty, sharp, and emotionally resonant. They capture the essence of each character’s personality while driving home important messages about self-acceptance.
  • Production Design: From the neon-lit streets to the serene funeral home settings, the production design in this film is top-notch. Every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the storytelling experience.

Binge-watching Tip: If you enjoy films with rich dialogue exchanges and attention to detail in production design, “Born Beautiful” will sweep you off your feet!

In conclusion,“Born Beautiful” may not be flawless but it shines brightly with its message of love, acceptance, and resilience. It’s a film that celebrates diversity in all its forms while reminding us that true beauty comes from within.
I rate “Born Beautiful” an uplifting 7 out of 10!

Catch this gem for an emotional rollercoaster ride sprinkled with laughter along the way!

Pros Cons
Enjoyable Not as substantial as its predecessor
Humongous heart Storyline can feel dull and slow paced
Eye-opening laugh trip Plot can feel messy and unfocused
Novel charm Sometimes a bit too much, particularly to the heterosexual eye
Humor is a weapon Difficult issues may not be fully explored

Feedback

  • Born Beautiful (2019) - IMDb

    Needless to say that I had never heard about this 2019 Filipino comedy titled “Born Beautiful” prior to stumbling upon it whilst perusing the Filipino movie catalogue on Netflix. And seeing that the movie had Martin Del Rosario on the cast list, I opted to sit down and watch it.The storyline in “Born Beautiful”, as written by Rody Vera, Elmer Gatchalian, Ivan Andrew Payawal and Fatrick Tabada, was a bit dull and slow paced, and that made sitting through 96 minutes of watching it feel somewhat prolonged and a bit of an effort. I feel that there was a lot of potential to the script and characters, but the writers didn’t really fully take advantage of that.The acting performances in “Born Beautiful” were good, and truth be told, then it is certainly an actor like Martin Del Rosario that makes movies like this watchable. He carried the movie quite nicely with his performance.The character gallery in “Born Beautiful” was diverse, varied and somewhat funny. The Mama Flora character, played by actor Lou Veloso, was definitely memorable, and one that has to be seen to be believed.”Born Beautiful”, from director Perci M. Intalan, is a movie that perhaps has a wider appeal to a Filipino audience more than a non-Filipino audience. But hey, I can check it off of my watched-movies-list now. However, I doubt that I will ever return to watch it a second time, because the storyline wasn’t impressive.My rating of “Born Beautiful” lands on a four out of ten stars.

  • Born Beautiful streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch

    Watch Now

    FiltersStreaming in:Something wrong? Let us know!Currently you are able to watch “Born Beautiful” streaming on Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads.The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as ‘seen’. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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  • Born Beautiful | Official Trailer | Dare to live. Dare to ... - YouTube

  • Born Beautiful | Rotten Tomatoes

    Born BeautifulWhere to WatchBorn Beautiful

    Watch Born Beautiful with a subscription on Netflix.

    Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew

    Perci M. IntalanDirectorMartin del RosarioBarbsLou VelosoFloraChai FonacierYumiKiko MatosGregAkihiro BlancoMichelangelo

  • Born Beautiful (TV Movie 1982) - IMDb

    This is the story of Betsy a model who is nearly 30. Now in the world of modeling that is considered to be the age of retirement. She then sets out to see what else she can do and at the sam… Read allThis is the story of Betsy a model who is nearly 30. Now in the world of modeling that is considered to be the age of retirement. She then sets out to see what else she can do and at the same time try to straighten out her personal life cause her husband has demanded that she sho… Read allThis is the story of Betsy a model who is nearly 30. Now in the world of modeling that is considered to be the age of retirement. She then sets out to see what else she can do and at the same time try to straighten out her personal life cause her husband has demanded that she should be either a full time wife or give him a divorce. And she has also taken an aspiring m… Read all

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In “Born Beautiful,” directed by Perci Intalan, the story picks up where its predecessor, “Die Beautiful,” left off. The film follows the journey of Barbs, played by Martin del Rosario, who decides to become a straight man in a dream sequence at the beginning of the movie. This decision sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is filled with absurdity, humor, and moments of empathy.

The film maintains the tradition of exploring gender and sexuality in a comedic yet thought-provoking manner. While it may not have the same elegance in structure as its predecessor, it still manages to push boundaries and deliver both laughter and heartfelt moments. Barbs, portrayed by del Rosario, undergoes a transformation throughout the film, moving from a character meant for comic relief to a complex individual dealing with personal crises.

Despite some jokes falling flat and certain romantic angles lacking depth, the heart of “Born Beautiful” shines through. It refuses to conform to societal norms and instead focuses on the boundless nature of love. The film’s ultimate message is a celebration of love in all its forms, depicted in a poignant final scene where Barbs finds contentment surrounded by those who accept and support her.

While the film may have its flaws, such as visual underwhelming moments and occasional lowbrow humor, its overall impact lies in its ability to entertain while tackling important themes of identity, acceptance, and love. “Born Beautiful” may not be perfect, but its undeniable heart and commitment to breaking boundaries make it a compelling and memorable watch.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-MA

Age Rating:

Born Beautiful (2019) has been rated 18+.

Parental Guide:

Sex & Nudity:

There are scenes depicting sexual themes and situations throughout the movie. Some nudity is also present.

Violence & Gore:

There are instances of violence, including physical altercations and emotional confrontations. While not overly graphic, some scenes may be intense.

Profanity:

There is the use of strong language and profanity throughout the movie.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:

There are scenes showing the consumption of alcohol and references to drug use.

Overall Appropriate Age:

This movie is suitable for adult audiences aged 18 and above due to its mature themes, sexual content, strong language, and depiction of sensitive topics.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Netflix You can watch ‘Born Beautiful’ on Netflix. Currently, it is available on Netflix basic with Ads.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all.
    Andrew, The Breakfast Club
  • Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
    Andy, The Shawshank Redemption
  • Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.
    The Princess Bride
  • No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.
    John Keating, Dead Poet’s Society
  • The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.
    Lester Bangs, Almost Famous
  • The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe.
    Edward Walker, The Village
  • I figure life’s a gift, and I don’t intend on wasting it.
    Jack, Titanic
  • The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.
    Rafiki, The Lion King
  • Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
    Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

🤖Born Beautiful Reddit Talks

Born Beautiful (2019) is a film that has been compared to the earlier film “Die Beautiful”. While it shares a similar vibe, “Born Beautiful” is said to have less drama.

The film has sparked discussions on Reddit, with many users sharing their thoughts on beauty and self-perception.

One user on the subreddit r/women expressed frustration at being called beautiful throughout their life. They explained that while they don’t want to come across as conceited, they feel it’s important to share their experiences.

Another user on the subreddit r/offmychest expressed a desire to have been born beautiful naturally, lamenting that their childhood could have been better if they had been more attractive.

On the subreddit r/Vindicta, one user shared advice for those who weren’t born beautiful, encouraging them to move slowly and carefully.

The film has also sparked discussions about the nature of beauty itself. On the subreddit r/movies, one user asked what the most beautiful movie they’ve ever seen is, with many users sharing their favorites.

On the subreddit r/ugly, one user expressed frustration at being unattractive, stating that they are tired of it and questioning why they weren’t born beautiful.

Another user on the subreddit r/offmychest expressed a desire to have been born naturally pretty, stating that they believe they are the ugliest person in the world.

In contrast to these negative experiences, one user on the subreddit r/television commented on the beauty of the main characters in a show, stating that they don’t think the show would have worked if they had used ugly actors.

Overall, the discussions on Reddit surrounding “Born Beautiful” highlight the diverse and often complex experiences people have with beauty and self-perception.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Born Beautiful” a sequel to Die Beautiful?

Yes, “Born Beautiful” is the spinoff film of the 2016 comedy-drama “Die Beautiful.” It follows the story of Trisha’s best friend, Barbs Cordero, as she tries to navigate life after Trisha’s sudden death.

What is the synopsis of Born Beautiful?

“Born Beautiful” follows the journey of a transgender woman, Barbs Cordero, who explores her true identity following the passing of her best friend, Trisha.

What is the plot of Born Beautiful?

After the sudden death of her best friend, Trisha, Barbs Cordero embarks on a new life as a straight man named Bobby. This decision sets off a series of events that lead her to unexpected places and relationships.

How was Born Beautiful received by audiences and critics?

“Born Beautiful” received mixed reviews, with some praising its humor and heartwarming moments, while others found the storyline to be dull and slow-paced compared to its predecessor, “Die Beautiful.”

Who are the main cast members of Born Beautiful?

The top-billed cast of “Born Beautiful” includes Paolo Ballesteros as Trisha, Martin Del Rosario as Barbs Cordero, VJ Mendoza as Princess, Gio Gahol as Kennie, and Lou Veloso as Mama Flora, among others.

Where can I watch Born Beautiful online?

“Born Beautiful” is available for streaming on certain platforms. To find out where to watch it online, you can check popular streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others, or use JustWatch for the most updated options.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

  1. Red, White & Royal Blue: A romantic comedy involving a fake relationship between the First Son of the United States and a British Prince.
  2. Good Grief: A drama-comedy film following a man who returns to his hometown after the death of his best friend.
  3. The Half of It: A coming-of-age film about a shy, introverted student who helps a jock woo a girl they both secretly love.
  4. The Prom: A musical comedy-drama where a group of Broadway stars help a lesbian student bring her girlfriend to prom.
  5. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry: A comedy where two straight firefighters pretend to be a gay couple for insurance benefits.
  6. Born Beautiful (TV Movie 1982): A story about a model named Betsy who is nearing 30 and navigating her life.
  7. I Am Betty, the Ugly Girl (1999): A movie about a woman named Betty who navigates life as an “ugly girl” in a society focused on beauty.

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