MARC LAURIO @marclaurio - Tumblr Blog

One Shot Film ‘Engkwentro’ by Pepe Diokno

With today’s availability of equipment and inspiration, there is no way that we cannot create a film. Even with the use of smartphones, shooting a film nowadays has an increasing possibility. In line with this, creating a film still requires a lot of time and courage. And for me, anyone can make a film. The only factor that sets the difference among the films is the quality. In the case of Pepe Diokno who was not able to finish his undergraduate course in UP Diliman, he managed to release his first feature film at the age of 21 which is the one shot film entitled “Engkwentro”. According to him, his film received a lot of criticisms due to its technical qualities. Many did not like his film mainly because it is not the typical kind of film that most people get to see in cinemas. Despite the perception of the viewers, the young filmmaker had the opportunity to showcase his film to film festivals outside the country, specifically, in the Venice Film Festival in 2009. And here, Pepe Diokno bagged several awards proving his worth as a filmmaker.

Patience, hardwork and openness--these qualities make a good filmmaker. And with the desire to create films and put your ideas into work, the journey of being a filmmaker starts from your passion. In the experience of Pepe Diokno, circumstances like raising a budget, finding the cast and looking for shooting location somehow hindered his plan. But his perseverance did not allow him to lose his track. He continued to create the film and everything just falls into place. Of course, with the help of other people who conspired in the actual film production, he successfully completed his first feature film.

If given the chance to create a film, I will focus on the life of Filipinos and how they see the government in implementing the laws. Aside from the inspiration that the Engkwentro has brought me, I feel like there is a need to create films that are relevant to society, films where people can relate from. Although there is a higher risk in doing films that displays controversial truth, I think it is time for us to express the reality through films. If we cannot do something in pushing our personal beliefs, at least we can contribute to the realization of people about the society.

Photos are from Google images

HERO: Mise-en-Scène

In the film ‘Hero’ directed by Zhang Yimou, the war between dynasties and the attempt of assassins to take the life of the king who is ruling the Qin dynasty were showcased. Even though the story is based on history, how the filmmaker conceptualized the flow and overall look of the film was really amazing.

The elements that were put into the scenes play an important role in making the film more appealing and realistic. In terms of the setting and location, the film was able to display the features of the places from the history particularly in China. The temples were used appropriately for they symbolize the kingdom of the rulers which could be a good example of found location. Moreover, in the scene where Nameless was telling the story of Sky and Snow, a constructed location was featured which is like a traditional school in China. There, people were being taught the art of using swords through calligraphy. The succeeding scenes reflect the use of virtual locations where the setting in the film was manipulated through a computer-generated imagery (CGI). This is evident in the combat between Snow and Moon where the location was like a forest set in autumn season and how the color eventually changes signify the use CGI. With the application of different setting and location, the film was constructed in a seamless transition of events.

In terms of the props, makeup and costumes of the characters, these are elements that must be parallel to the setting and location. These also depend on the story to make them more suitable in establishing the scenes and general look of the film. Since the story was based on dynasties and war, they made use of the traditional equipment like swords, bow and arrows and musical instruments. Furthermore, the costumes that were used by the characters provide a distinction of their roles in the film. Also, the costumes resonate the abilities of the characters. In the case of Snow and Moon, their wardrobe were free flowing which could possibly be the symbolism of their ability to fly. Moreover, the costumes of the assassins were of great importance for they are the main cast of the film from which the story revolves. On the other hand, the makeup of the characters were very light and natural. This is perhaps due to the role of the assassins which does not require elegant makeup design.

The scenes in Hero, in terms of color grading and lighting, were well maintained. Even though the film used different colors in certain parts, it was still consistent in its lighting technique. Also, the variation in colors marks the changes in the story being told by Nameless. Thus, the color of the film helps the audience to be guided by the flow of the story. During the first few scenes where the color eventually changes, it is very confusing. But as I look into the scenes deeper, I was able to learn the significance of colors most especially in the fast transition of the happenings in the film. Basically, the film uses bright colors to make the most important element stand out from the rest.

The choice of characters in the film was perfectly executed. First of all, the film was starred by Jet Li who is a martial artist and Wushu champion. In connection to his role in the film, being an assassin really requires a background in combat sport like mixed martial arts. Thus, it is important that the casts are able to move easily in performing their assigned tasks. With this, the whole film was intensively made for proper casting was done accordingly.

Screenshots are from Hero trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srFhXDZhUZI

Billie and Emma

Billie and Emma is a rom-com film that tackles about teenagers falling in love back in the 90’s. The film started with the life of Emma who faced one of the greatest struggles a teenager could ever have which is the early pregnancy. And as the film goes on, the scenes slowly directed to Billie, a lesbian who is new in an all girls school where Emma is also studying. From there, the love between the two characters begin to ignite despite the different challenges of life especially the perception of people to homosexuality.

In terms of the storytelling, Billie and Emma really highlighted the typical scenarios happening during the 90’s—the barangay contests, the simple life of the students, the music during those times, the different ways of sending messages, and the impression of people on homosexuality back then. In the beginning, the film established the life of Billie, a lesbian who transferred from Manila to an all girls school in Cavite, due to her problems with her family about the acceptance of her gender preference. This scene is a good start for it made me interested of what awaits the life of Billie.

Although the scenes are very slow-paced in the beginning, I like how it slowly builds up to the problem of Emma. Even though the setting of the film is in the 90’s, the struggle of a character which is the teenage pregnancy, is still timely and relevant nowadays. And for a pregnant teenager falling in love with another girl, it is something that is very unusual. For me, this is the most interesting part of the film for this really made me think of what is going to happen with Emma, and how Billie will face the truth about the girl she falls in love with.

Another part of the film that really captured my attention is when Ms. Castro, the aunt of Billie who is a teacher in the same school where Billie and Emma are studying, confessed to Billie about her sexuality. This scene is very essential for the film especially that it is tackling about homosexuality. Based on my understanding, this part gives Billie the courage to express herself more because she is not alone in her journey. Knowing someone from her family who is the same as her is really a big motivation in facing the hurdles of being different.

Lastly, the scene where Billie and Emma developed their love for each other can be considered as an awareness that being different does not mean you cannot express what you are feeling. Also, in this film, I realised that love is not just about falling to a person because you like him or her. It is about feeling the love from someone and appreciating the personality of that person.

Screenshots are from Billie and Emma Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3V3hA3kmk0

What is ‘Ang Larawan’ really about?

Ang Larawan is a musical film that revolves around a family struggling with the challenges of life. Specifically, the film focuses on Candida and Paula, the siblings who became the heir of the portrait painted by their father. On the other hand, two of their siblings, Manolo and Pepang are the ones who were able to get beyond the simple life that they had. Thus, they are the ones who support their younger siblings. As the film progresses, it was revealed how people started to gain their interest about the portrait. Even an American is willing to buy it for a higher cost. With these happenings, conflicts begin to rise within the family.

Ang Larawan is full of symbolism. In my own understanding, Manolo and Pepang are representations of greedy Filipinos who only think of surviving life through the possession of wealth and power. On the contrary, Candida and Paula reflect the Filipinos who are willing to fight for their own country regardless of their social status and the outcome of their integrity. Moreover, the Marasigan’s properties, the house and portrait signify the Philippines. People, especially foreigners, are interested in buying the portrait. And this is what actually happened in our country—colonizers were truly after the rich and beautiful Philippines. In addition, Tony Javier mirrors the stupid Filipino traitors who serve the colonizers in order to sustain their lives without considering the welfare of their motherland. Furthermore, the people who witness the journey of the Marasigan’s embody the wise Filipinos who became the advisers of the ones who fought for our country during the war.

In the film, it is evident how Candida and Paula protected the portrait despite their struggles in life. They remained strong even circumstances separated their path. Manolo and Pepang, on the other hand, really pushed through their intentions that they wanted the house to be sold. The same with Tony Javier who used his charm in convincing Paula to sell the portrait. In the end, it is still Candida and Paula’s decision and integrity that prevailed.

El Ultimo Traje

The goal of this blog is to identify and discuss the values showcased in the Spanish film entitled El Ultimo Traje.

The film that I watched during the Pelicula, a Spanish Film Festival in Manila, was entitled El Ultimo Traje or The Last Suit. The film revolves around the life of an 88-year-old Jewish tailor, Abraham Burstein, who travels from Buenos Aires to Poland to try finding the man who saved him from certain death after surviving Auschwitz. After seven decades without seeing each other, Abraham tries to fulfill his promise of returning one day to tell him about the life he had. Along his way, he met people who made him realize the value of life and courage.

Abraham’s journey started when he knew that his family planned on sending him to a nursing home. This scenario reflects how Spanish families live their lives, and how their tradition differs from what we Filipinos have which is the close family ties. With this, it is evident from the film that Spanish abandon their parents once they already built their own families.

When Abraham hired a taxi, he met the driver who accompanied him going to the ticketing office and to the airport. In this scene, I witnessed the courtesy of the Spanish especially in the way they talk to the elderly. The driver addressed Abraham as “abuelito” which means grandpa, but he refused to be called in that way. On the other hand, I still admire his sincerity in maintaining his attitude towards the circumstances of dealing with Abraham.

An act of kindness was presented when Abraham reached the train station going to Poland, he met a lady who speaks different languages which enabled them to establish a connection. In this scene, everybody cannot understand what Abraham was trying to say, and that he wanted to reach Poland without stepping on the land of Germany. He was even embarrassed because according to the train station officer, that wouldn’t be possible unless he will go there through a plane. But the lady had a great idea and granted the request of Abraham. When they reached Germany, the lady created a path through her clothes so that Abraham will never step on the land. This simple act of kindness truly contributed to Abraham’s desire, and that even though some already turned their backs on him, there are still people who will treat him right. Furthermore, another act of kindness was when Abraham was accompanied by one of the nurses to go to Piotrek’s place in Poland. Apart from her kindness, she also motivated Abraham when he was losing his courage to continue his journey and fulfill his promise.

Another trait that can be seen from the film is being approachable. Every person that Abraham encountered entertained him with his concerns. This shows how they support and help those who are in need. Moreover, it is very important that you are surrounded with good people especially when you’re travelling alone. And considering the age and condition of Abraham, he was very fortunate to have met the people who helped him survive his journey.

Aside from being approachable, El Ultimo Traje also showcased how hospitable the Spanish people are. In the flashback scene, it was shown how Piotrek helped Abraham who was battling with a certain death after escaping the war. He allowed Abraham to stay in his room even though his father rejected the idea of helping him. He also argued with his father just to give assistance to Abraham. Even though they did not really know each other well, Piotrek still comforted Abraham and gave him the treatment necessary to make him feel better.

Lastly, the part of the film that really captured my heart was when Abraham and Piotrek reunited after seven decades of not getting in touch with each other. Abraham also gave the last suit he made from the patterned cloths given by Piotrek during the last time they saw each other. This shows how friendship remains no matter what the struggles are. Also, I realized the value of fulfilling promises because it really is important especially if you want to keep a strong relationship with someone.

In this film, I can agree to the quote I read from the book ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho that “when a person really desires something, all the universe conspire to help that person realize his dreams”. In the case of Abraham, he met a lot of people who helped him through his journey.

I watched five films during the Manila Spanish Film Festival so I was able to complete the requirements for the raffle entry for a chance to win a ticket to Spain. Among all the films that I witnessed, I chose to write a blog on this film because it really presented the Spanish values well. Also, the story was great for it has an impact to the audience. Watching this film requires focus and full attention because you wouldn’t want to miss what awaits the main character.

Images are from EL ÚLTIMO TRAJE - Trailer Oficial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dli47C9sOyA

Synopsis was referred to the brochure of this year’s Pelicula: Manila Spanish Film Festival

The Journey of Hansel and Gretel

The children’s book that I chose to study is Hansel and Gretel. I read a lot of book versions and watched several film adaptations, from basic to a more beautified story, that somehow made me confused in knowing the real story. On the other hand, I realized that as time progresses and as the imagination widens, the changes in the different versions should not be taken seriously for they were created to serve as ornaments that give life to the story.

In telling a story, time is very significant for it dictates movement and progress. In the case of Hansel and Gretel book version, time was also used as a signal when a certain event is occurring. Moreover, the whole point of the story focuses on a family that struggles to escape the challenges of life. And through the incorporation of magic, specifically the witchcraft, the imagination of the children who are considered as the target readers is manipulated. Thus, the application of Hansel and Gretel in real life mainly concentrates in educating the children about coping with the circumstances of life. However, in a deeper perspective, the story also gives a moment for the parents to reflect about parenting.

Comparing the story to various Hansel and Gretel film adaptations, there were additives and spices that make the film more appetizing. In the 1954 stop-motion animation version of Hansel and Gretel, the reason why the siblings went to the forest was because of their bad-tempered, selfish stepmother. They were asked to gather berries in the woods but they ended up losing their way home. In their journey, they met another character who guided them spiritually. On the other hand, in the 1987 version, the story was told in full detail--other characters were added, new problems were incorporated, and the siblings’ experience in the witch’s house was really suspenseful.

The above-mentioned film adaptations of Hansel and Gretel gave me an idea that film really transforms imaginations into visuals, and that differences in the interpretation of the story really matter in the film execution. In addition, the time reflects how difficult the situation of the siblings was for they were lost for days already. Through visuals, I was able to witness their challenges effectively. Also, the flow of the story in the film helped me understand how the scenes build up gradually, and how they were connected in exposing the main point of the story. Furthermore, I was able to put myself in the situation of the characters for I can visually relate to the setting and the theme of the story.

Lastly, the latest adaptation was about Hansel and Gretel as witch hunters. The film really executed the story in a whole different way. With this, we can see how a new story sprouted from an existing original story. Considering the history of this film and how it was developed, It is very amazing how a book about humanity in the 1812 was molded to a more interesting continuation of the journey of Hansel and Gretel. Thus, this gives a more contemporary perspective and experience to the viewers.

“Tandaan mo kung sino ka”: Do we really know who we are?

Art and Words by: Marc Laurio

Padrino system has been existing in our culture and politics since then. Power, loyalty, popularity and connection—these traits define how governance in the Philippines circulates and continues to keep moving towards becoming an incompetent society. Yes, it is evident even nowadays.

The story of ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ revolves on the life of Gregorio del Pilar as a young general whom we idolize since he was first introduced to us in our history class. His name was established through his bravery in the Battle of Tirad Pass during the Phil-American war. On the other hand, the film highlighted how Goyo was in good terms with Former President Emilio Aguinaldo during that time. So, even at his young age, he was appointed to be the general because of his connection to the leader of the nation. Without mastery of skills and an effective background in strategic planning, he led the war following the orders of the president.

Goyo, as a young general, was still on the stage of enjoying his youth. Thus, his journey as a general focuses mainly on love and satisfaction. But as time passed by and when the war came, he showed his bravery, sacrifices and love for his country. Indeed, Goyo was impressive through his commendable passion to serve his motherland.

In this film about history, we were taught that heroes have their weaknesses and that they experience downfall. At the same time, it emphasized how Filipinos take pleasure in the advantages of life and the system that we currently have. We want the idea of superiority that we always forget to manage our own principle, our own perception to the needs of our country. With this, we tend to be a dog that follows the commands of his master. We lean to the concept of freshening ourselves until we please those who are in the position. That’s the system, and sadly, we openly embrace it.

Overall, the story does not give an impact if you are going to look at it in a lighter perspective. Who would want to see a story about the history of his own country being defeated in a war? On the contrary, the goal of the film explicitly talks about awareness—we need to open our eyes because what happened before remains the same in today’s generation.