Motherland

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2:07

Motherland

Released Sep 8, 2017

1h 34m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

14 Reviews

44%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

The planet's busiest maternity hospital is located in one of its poorest countries: the Philippines. There, women face devastating consequences as their country struggles with reproductive health policy and the politics of conservative ideologies.

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Sheri Linden

Los Angeles Times

The assured film, immersive and astutely observed, recalls the work of master chronicler Frederick Wiseman ...

Sep 21, 2017

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Kristen Yoonsoo Kim

Village Voice

Though there's always a sense of chaos, with women giving birth and breastfeeding at every turn, Diaz never loses sight of the truth that these are all individuals, not just statistics.

Sep 5, 2017

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

A lively and engaging glimpse at a Manila maternity ward where overcrowding and limited technological resources have forced some solutions that may not be ideal, but are admirable nonetheless.

Feb 1, 2017

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Phil Guie

Film-Forward.com

An involving, if frequently frustrating, viewing experience...nevertheless, the film offers a fascinating look at birthing procedures on the other side of the world.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

Andrea Thompson

Cultured Vultures

The documentary Motherland takes the less is more philosophy seriously, and it mostly thrives for it.

Rated: 9/10

Jan 31, 2019

Full Review

Taylor Made

Geeks of Color

In this documentary Diaz takes a very real approach in filming. In most shots the camera is carried by hand, wonders the busy halls, listens in on conversations, and peaks into rooms. All of this pays off as it gives way to the films impressive intimacy.

Aug 18, 2018

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matt

Disregard all the Filipinos giving the movie a bad review, they can't take criticism.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/24

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Ray P

Definitely the most impressive documentary I've seen this year. It leaves you feeling somewhat powerless, as there's not much one can do in the face of the issues it raises. It's not an easy watch, tackling heavy topics like reproduction, class, and colonialism. The reality it presents is harsh, but people have their own way out. My main critique is whether the families in some intense scenes gave their consent. While the documentary may have a somewhat conventional tone, it unquestionably challenges the way mainstream media portrays mothers. This is a must-see for Western feminists and politics majors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/23

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Ramona S. Diaz

Director

Ramona S. Diaz

Producer

Ray Cuerdo

Producer

Brillante Mendoza

Executive Producer

Sally Jo Fifer

Executive Producer

Justine Nagan

Executive Producer

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Motherland: Trailer 1

2:07

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Synopsis

The planet's busiest maternity hospital is located in one of its poorest countries: the Philippines. There, women face devastating consequences as their country struggles with reproductive health policy and the politics of conservative ideologies.

Director: Ramona S. Diaz
Producer: Ramona S. Diaz, Ray Cuerdo
Distributor: The Film Collaborative
Production Co: Cinediaz
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Filipino
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 9, 2017
Runtime: 1h 34m

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