janellebasallo

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The Dawn: Blessings of the Land

A typical family drama is how I would describe Manuel Silos's film, “Biyaya ng Lupa.” The film revolves around the lives of Jose and Maria, a married couple, and their children.

It seems like this kind of film was the turning point and basis for the storyline on Filipino family dramas these days.

What I like about the film is that it utilized imageries. A case in point is the Lanzones trees which demonstrate the progression of time. The family's success and failure are also represented by the trees. This is undoubtedly an exemplary film. Notwithstanding that it was made in 1959, the film's cinematography was indeed breathtaking. Aside from that it being shot in black and white added to its overall originality. The commonplace setting of the film was likewise a reward point. We get a glimpse of how provincial life used to be, and how it has remained untouched since then. The Filipino value of bayanihan could be seen as the whole barrio is willing to help one another in times of adversities.

 However, some of the characters’ acting is not that impressive. There were occasions wherein it is no longer plausible, take for instance the part where the second eldest child returned home from Manila. Another thing is that the sequence of events of the film was very much predictable.

 Through the film I learned the true connotation of friendship. Friendship does not mean that we have to continuously tolerate their every unacceptable action but rather educate them of what is proper. The fact that Bruno’s friends were willing to die for him is an illustration of a poisonous characteristic in the film's storyline. What benefit would they get if they were able to protect him? Aren’t they supposed to help him become a better person? Sorry for the term but sad to say this part was the thing I disliked about the film.

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The Darkness in Light: Manila in the Claws of Light

            Of the various movies which deal with factual situations, "Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag," is meritorious. This Lino Brocka film is one of the best classic films ever.            The motion picture is an adaptation of the book, "Sa Kuko ng mga Liwanag," written out by Edgardo Reyes. It describes the societal glitches encountered in the 70s, focusing on disparity and exactly how prostitution became an escape to those who sought for a better life and be freed from poverty.            The lead role of Julio Madiaga was portrayed by a novice actor, Rafael Roco, Jr., now popularly known as Bembol Roco. The female lead, Ligaya Paraiso, was played by Hilda Koronel.            The movie depicts some kind of symbolisms. The character of Julio represents the Filipino's vision of having more in life, of being fascinated by the glitz Manila is seen as a city of dreams only to discover that it actually was a cemented jungle where the vulnerable ones would be an easy target to those who were always prying for victims. Ligaya Paraiso, on the other hand, stands for the Motherland, a supposed place of happiness and paradise but was molested by a foreigner symbolized by Ah-Tek. Because Julio cared so much for Ligaya, he slayed Ah-Tek after finding out that Ligaya's death was not due to an accident. This indicates affection for one's motherland resulting from hostile act unto the offenders, even using one’s own hands to conquer injustice. Julio at the latter part of the film is seen being chased by the people who were trying to catch him for the killing until he reached a dead-end. He wept with an ice pick in his hand. The dead-end could symbolize Julio's end in the hands of those running after him or in his own hands. It could also mean hindrance and obstacle which would eventually be overcome.

           Although the movie was set in 1975, it offers an image of the harsh realities in life. It visualizes related issues that are still prevalent nowadays. One of them is injustice. Julio suffered prejudice because of the meager salary of 2.50 per day he received for a hard day of labor as a construction worker. Ligaya also suffered same from the hands of an abusive Chinese. As a result, both Julio and Ligaya were exploited. Nowadays, we heard of injustice being committed to those innocent ones. There are instances wherein those affluent ones who have the influence and money are spared of and do not get penalized for their offenses. Justice is oftentimes elusive and in jeopardy for the Julio and Ligaya of these days. How ironic that Ligaya was abused by a Chinese which is the same nationality who would like to abuse our territorial land, the Ligaya Paraiso of our heritage. Ah-Tek, a Chinese who took advantage of the frail woman that was Ligaya. Nowadays, the Chinese are seemingly taking advantage of the pathetic Philippines for they are aware that our arms depot is of no match to their weaponries and artilleries.            Is it correct to think that in the midst of gloom there is sunlit and that within inconspicuousness there is hopefulness? Are we only made into thinking that we can still hold on for the days ahead or will it still remain just a dream for most of us? Life at times gives us so much to bear. Instead of being despair, one must be confident and optimistic that everything would turn-out differently as time goes by. In order to better appreciate the good things in life, obstacles and hindrances must be looked at as part and parcel of life.            The darkness in light would mean that despite the bustle of city life it could not be denied the existence of manipulation and exploitation. Maynila gives us a vivid picture of how darkness is visible and evident amidst the light. Kuko or claws could hurt or spike someone. It is sort of a representation of hardships or darkness in one's life.