I'll go with the improvements first-as a stage play turned movie, some things do not translate as well on the film. Some creative choices made on the screen seemed a little disjointed and disorienting, but imagining this on the stage helps contextualize this. Some camera angles were quite jarring, going from tight shaky cam to steady wide shots. Despite the subject matter, a lot of the times the film felt like it deviated too much by focusing on the characters' love lives (but then again, we Pinoys are quite the romantics), and often there were tonal shifts that can really take you aback.
But overall? There is no doubt that the film has a lot of heart, especially told through the eyes of those who made it possible. In the current political climate, there has been countless attempts by apologists to turn the story of Martial Law into a petty rivalry between two families. But the truth lies much deeper-Martial Law, instead, was a battle between the people of the country versus an oppressive regime. And through its various numbers and unique discography, Katips showed this spirit well.
One of the main draws of the film lie in its ability to translate the horrors into something others can see in clear view. When it isn't fumbling with the translation into a different medium, there are scenes that really hit the mark. One in particular is the gruesome torture montage of those forcibly detained. Vince Tañada's turn during /that/ scene, in particular, was heart-wrenching and shows why he deserved the win during the FAMAS awards. And while certain creative and technical choices may not make it my go-to movie about this terrible time in Philippine history, I do recommend watching it with friends who feel strongly about the matter. It makes the experience all the more fun, even profound, when experiencing the spirit of that moment in time.
Overall, a warm congratulations to the cast and crew who made the film!
But overall? There is no doubt that the film has a lot of heart, especially told through the eyes of those who made it possible. In the current political climate, there has been countless attempts by apologists to turn the story of Martial Law into a petty rivalry between two families. But the truth lies much deeper-Martial Law, instead, was a battle between the people of the country versus an oppressive regime. And through its various numbers and unique discography, Katips showed this spirit well.
One of the main draws of the film lie in its ability to translate the horrors into something others can see in clear view. When it isn't fumbling with the translation into a different medium, there are scenes that really hit the mark. One in particular is the gruesome torture montage of those forcibly detained. Vince Tañada's turn during /that/ scene, in particular, was heart-wrenching and shows why he deserved the win during the FAMAS awards. And while certain creative and technical choices may not make it my go-to movie about this terrible time in Philippine history, I do recommend watching it with friends who feel strongly about the matter. It makes the experience all the more fun, even profound, when experiencing the spirit of that moment in time.
Overall, a warm congratulations to the cast and crew who made the film!