‘Sisa’ review: Beyond madness, more than Hilda Koronel’s comeback

 

‘Sisa’ review: Beyond madness, more than Hilda Koronel’s comeback

March 4, 2026

—

Migs Ramos

 

‘Sisa’ is a historical film set in 1902, during the time when Americans and Filipino revolutionaries were at war. It tells the story of the people who became victims of that violent era—most especially the women.

 

Sisa, a name often used to describe a woman who has lost her mind, is portrayed by Hilda Koronel with striking depth. But in this film, Sisa is far more than just a “crazy” woman. She becomes a reflection of pain, grief, and survival. The movie makes you question what truly drives someone to the edge and whether madness is really madness—or simply the result of unbearable suffering.

 

Written and directed by by Jun Robles Lana, ‘Sisa’ feels especially timely for Women’s Month. It is not an in-your-face women’s rights film, but rather a quiet and honest story about women who endured war. In a topic often dominated by men—soldiers, heroes, and generals—women are usually pushed to the background. This film brings them forward.

 

Some may think these stories are familiar, but what we rarely see are the deeper wounds war leaves on women. Whether as mothers, sisters, daughters, or lovers, their battles are different but just as painful. ‘Sisa’ sheds light on these silent struggles. Every female character feels alive, with her own story told through her choices, her silence, and her strength. There is something almost theatrical in the way each woman carries her pain, as if every scene were a stage where emotions are laid bare.

 

None of this would have been possible without the powerful performances of its cast. Hilda Koronel’s comeback is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies Sisa so naturally that it feels effortless, yet deeply moving. Eugene Domingo delivers a strong and heartfelt performance, bringing both intensity and vulnerability to her role as a mother. Jennica Garcia perfectly fits her character; despite sharing that the role was challenging for her, she rises to it beautifully. One can only hope to see her in more period films after this.

 

‘Sisa’ is not just a film about the past. It is a reminder that women have always carried the weight of history in ways we often fail to see. It challenges us to look closer, listen better, and understand more deeply.

 

This is not just a movie you watch, but a story you feel long after the credits roll.

 

Support women’s rights—and women’s wrongs. Watch ‘Sisa’ in Philippine theaters starting March 4, 2026.

 

CinemaBravo: ‘Sisa’ review: Beyond madness, more than Hilda Koronel’s comeback - https://cinemabravo.com/2026/03/04/sisa-review-beyond-madness-more-than-hilda-koronels-comeback/