[WARNING: May contain some spoilers so please skip if you haven't watched the movie.]
The Cinema Evaluation Board's review of the film was bold. They said, "We have never seen anything like it before". Their statement couldn't be more accurate. Indeed, we, Filipinos, have never seen something like it.
1. THREE CHARACTERS
Have you ever seen a movie with only three characters? No extras, no groups, no crowds. Just three huge characters whose portrayals of their respective roles feel like they are representing thousands of people from differing social classes, histories and backgrounds. It's true that LJ Reyes here as Emma is such a jaw-dropping revelation. Anthony Falcon, a lesser known Filipino actor who plays Nardo in the film, also bloomed in the film. But for me, Luis Alandy, who plays the military man Joel, is the best performer. It takes a large amount of combined strength, composure and believability for his role. He nailed every single frame.
2. ONE-TAKE
The movie lasts for two hours. It is a one-shot feature film, yeah, no cuts (just like Birdman except this one is more convincing). The shot is dim for the movie was set on a low-lit small kubo at night. The only camera used in the flick is occasionally shaky which makes it look more engaging for audience as though they were the fourth character in the movie witnessing the 120-minute spectacle. When you get mind-blown by the idea that there are only 3 characters, you'll lose it when you realize that the movie is spontaneous and that the script almost feels like they weren't told what to say and they just knew it. Of course you'll say it must have been written for a stage play. But yeah, it's a movie. It's a movie.
3. SYMBOLISMS
Jun Lana, despite his commercial and cheesy linkages in today's entertainment industry, also has other critical films that are socially relevant. This one's probably one of his best attempts. Each character symbolized Filipinos in various ways, our personal struggles, the fight for our families, standing up for our values and everything in between.
I'd watch this movie again if I could. Trust me, it'll stay in your mind for weeks, a true Filipino masterpiece.
xxx
@callmenorby
