27 BonusOlives, Lanz Aidan L. ORO, PLATA, MATAELECLIT A53/ TH0940-110 March 10, 2013

Movie Review

Flawless. This is how I saw the movie. Never have I imagined that there would be a Filipino movie that could be at par with great foreign materials. There are various themes and objects that are very similar to the great movie masterpieces of its time. It’s quite evident that there are lots of similarities between The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. The first scene, which is extremely similar to the party in Godfather, is a very clever way to introduce all the characters. Another similar thing, which is the last scene, was very similar to Apocalypse Now’s last scene wherein the main character went amok and went juramentado to the enemies.

The movie may seem to be dragging for some but the whole experience and every scene in the movie is crucial to tell the story of these rich bastards. Thinking about it, there really wasn’t an unimportant part in the movie. Every piece of the film seemed to be a different genre of film. I guess that I’m starting to realize what speculative fiction is.

Generally, the movie is a period drama but it is really something more than that. If you reflect on the events in movie, there is always a touch of all the genres you can think of. There is drama obviously. There is action and adventure because of the war and every gunfight action. There are times when it becomes a comedy during most of the Mah Jong scenes. It was really fun when they use sarcasm when the ladies talk to the fat rich woman. There was even a part when you thought that it became a horror film. Heck, there is even porn in the film! Imagine that: A culturally/ historically significant film that imbues all genres of film is something that is truly worth watching, and is something that can be considered as the greatest Filipino film of all time.

It’s just a little sad that only a few people from my generation know that existence of such a masterpiece. When I watched the film and entered the cinema, I believe that there were only five people in the theater. During the film, five more came. All in all, there were only 10 people who watched the film during that show time. I don’t understand why the youth of today go for the silly love stories over this magnificent epic. I just say to myself that I was lucky enough to have a professor who has a good taste in film and literature. It’s like going out of The Matrix. From being satisfied to crappy movies, I realized that there is something more satisfying in the movie industry.

Having watched the movie only once, I can say that it is just perfect. There weren’t any flaws. It was 30 years ahead of its time, and up until now it feels really fresh. I mean, just seeing a smoking hot teenage Cherie Gil is enough for me. Perfect. It’s just perfect.