BALER: a forbidden love in a time of war

Mark Meily’s war epic film, Baler, is a film based on an actual historical event in our country, “The Siege of Baler” where 57 Spanish soldiers heroically defended Baler for 337 long and gruelling days during the final moments of Spanish occupation in our country.

            Its story focuses on the love of a Spanish soldier, Celso Ressureccion, and a rebel’s daughter, Feliza Reyes. This this story is somewhat inspired by the Romeo and Juliet love story which was given a twist, a love in a time of war. Furthermore, another highlight in the story is patriotism to one’s country, courage and betrayal. Daniel Reyes, father of Feliza, somehow devoted his life to the country. The Spanish soldiers on the other hand strongly defended their country even if it means to give their own life. The Filipinos, although already knew that there is a high possibility of being defeated by the powerful Spanish soldiers, showed courage to fight for their country. On the other hand, the betrayal of a friend a co-soldier caused the tragedy that had happened to Celso.

In this film, although I’m not really a fan of Filipino movies, I can still say that it is one of the best war epic films that I have watched. The extreme long shots in the film helped in giving the audience a feel like they are flashbacked through time. The combination of medium shot and the bird’s eye view shot gave a dramatic effect to the scene where Feliza and Celso met again for the first time after the commotion. The medium shot gave emphasis to the lovers’ emotions. Furthermore, the transitions of the film are really smooth. The texts in between the transitions and the voice over at the start and end of the film helped the viewers understand more about the film.

            All of the characters in the story really gave a great performance. The ones who played as Spanish soldiers were really good in speaking Spanish. On the other hand, the role of Anne Curtis could have been portrayed by other actresses out there who have more “Pinay” features; she was a bit more “meztisa” than the normal young Filipina. But nonetheless, she still had a great job in portraying such role. Jericho Rosales was really convincing in his acting. Every scene, viewers could really see the emotions he was trying to show. On the other hand, Philip Salvador really gave a powerful performance. He could give any emotions, anger, love for the country, concern, etc.

            On the other hand, the symbols in the film that are evident are the puppy, the white flag, the cross, and the church itself. The puppy symbolizes the love of Celso and Feliza for each other. Feliza gave the puppy as a sign of love for Cleso and said to treat the dog like their own son. In the middle part of the story, the puppy was killed by Celso’s co-soldiers. This fatality somehow became the fatality of the couple’s relationship. Next is the white flag, white as we all know symbolizes peace. In the film, the white flag somehow became an instrument to have a ceasefire or when Filipinos and Spaniards send letters or messages to each other. They also used the flag to symbolize that the Spaniards finally surrendered. On the other hand, the cross symbolizes the start of war. The scene when Capt. Enrique Fossi de las Morenas, portrayed by Baron Geisler, was getting ready, the cross fell. Lastly, the church symbolized the Spaniards. We all know that the Spaniards were the ones who influenced us in Catholic religion. The Filipino rebels bombed the church where the soldiers are. This somehow symbolized that the Filipinos want the Spaniards to leave and the courage to defend our country.

            However, one of the cinematic flaws that I noticed in the film is the church. Most of the scenes were shot inside the church and one thing I noticed is that it was shot inside a studio, it wasn’t that realistic.

            To sum it all up, Baler is really a great film. It’s one of the unique movies that don’t only focus on love stories but also patriotism. It also gave a glimpse to the important historical events in the country. 

THE CRIME OF PADRE AMARO: a grave sin

The crime of Padre Amaro is a controversial movie of Carlos Carrera which is based on a novel during the 19^th century, a story about a newly ordained priest who committed a serious sin.

            The film started when a newly ordained priest, Padre Amaro, arrived in the small town of Los Reyes. Padre Amaro will serve as a protégée of the local priest, Padre Benito. Padre Benito, a ruthless political bishop happens to have an affair with a restaurant owner, Sanjuanera.

            On the other hand, another priest in the area, Padre Natalio, is under investigation for supporting a leftist group in his area. While Padre Natalio is fighting for the right of his people, Padre Benito on the other hand is building a large hospital and recuperation centre which is financed by the local drug lords in the local area.

            Meanwhile, Padre Amaro was continuously challenged by pressure, societal problems, and celibacy. Padre Amaro was infatuated to Amelia, the daughter of Sanjuanera and also teaches catechism to the children in their town. What happened to Padre Amaro and Amelia somehow became a repetition as to what had happened to Padre Benito and Sanjuanera. But as Padre Amaro committed a sin, it somehow multiplied for the reason that Amelia got pregnant and they even decided to abort the child which led to the untimely death of young Amelia.

            Seeing this movie, it somehow became an insult to the Catholic Church. That’s why it’s no surprise when I read that before this movie was released, various religious groups tried to stop the film from being screened.

            Padre Amaro himself symbolized the sin of celibacy, lust and untruthfulness. He let lust overpower him. He had a premarital sex with the sixteen-year-old Amelia and kept it as a secret. He was even the one who wanted the abortion in the first place which took the life of Amelia. And lastly, when Amelia died, he was still very irresponsible and even laid all the blame to Ruben, Amelia’s former boyfriend.

            Another thing that I noticed in the movie is when Padre Amaro dressed Amelia in a Vail. He said that Amelia was as beautiful and pure as the Virgin Mary. I find this scene a bit ironic, ironic in a sense that he compared Amelia, a sixteen-year-old girl who already engaged in premarital sex, to the Virgin Mary. Furthermore, on that said scene they were about to engage in yet another sex.

            On the other hand, Gethsemane, the girl who had schizophrenia, was the only one who witnessed how Padre Amaro and Amelia committed the sin. Yet, because of her illness, she can’t tell the truth and shout to the people how sinful the priest is. Padre Benito on the other hand also knows the truth but couldn’t say it all to people for he himself is also guilty of the same sin. He was also blackmailed by Padre Amaro. Both of them somehow symbolized the people, in reality, out there who can’t tell the truth no matter how they would want it. People like these usually face different problems that hinder them from telling the truth.

            On the latter part of the movie, when Amelia was dying, the ray of the sun somehow symbolized the death of the girl.

            As a whole, although the movie was a bit disturbing, I can say that it was still great. Films like these somehow served as an eye-opener to the reality in life. That nobody is perfect to be able to resist from sin. That even a priest could commit celibacy, lust, and even corruption.

JUANA LA LOCA: an obsession

            Mad Love or Juana la Loca is a movie based on a true to life story about love, faithfulness, infidelity, and also a glimpse on the political background of Spain during that time. This character-driven movie focuses on the life of Juana of Castile and her life after her fixed marriage.

            The story begins in a castle where the old Juana was reminiscing and longing for her late husband, Philip. The flashback begins when Juana was already travelling to meet his soon to be husband whom she never even had a glimpse on. This fixed marriage was part of their tradition as a royal family to strengthen their political bond to Flanders. On their first meeting, the two easily fell for each other because of their physical beauties. Juana, on the other hand, became more and more in love with his husband not just because of its good looks but also of its expertise in bed and also, maybe because Juana was so emotionally dependent. This love for her husband grew stronger to the point that she became obsessed with him. Unfortunately, her husband easily fell out of love to her wife and started to become unfaithful to her. Unfortunate events continued to happen to the princess, her sibling and her mother died and to make things worse, that was also the time when she caught her husband having an affair with one of her court ladies, Ines. Hence, Juana’s undeniable insanity. But eventually, Philip’s unfaithfulness to his wife somehow leads to his own death. Of all the things that Philip did to her wife, Juana’s love for Philip still prevailed and forgave his husband.

            Pilar de Ayala who portrayed the role of Juana did a great job. Through her acting, we also felt the emotions that she was trying to convey – love, jealousy, anger, and even lust. Based from what I’ve read from various sites, Pilar’s acting became a huge help in the success of the film. Truly, Pilar de Ayala deserves the best actress award that she gained in this film. On the other hand, Daniele Liotti who portrayed the role of Philip was not that convincing. When he and Pilar have scenes where they have to argue, Daniele’s emotions were not that evident. But I guess he still did a good job in making the viewers mad. Even though the year or era when the events took place was not mentioned, it was still evident that the setting of such film was during the time when Queens and Kings rule. This is all because of the wardrobe, the make ups, and the places the shoot took place.

            One of the symbolisms of the film was the long reddish hair of Ines. When Juana cut her hair short, she was really upset, maybe because long hair somehow symbolizes beauty for them. It is evident in the movie that most of the ladies, especially the queen, during that time had a long and beautiful hair. Red nipples also symbolized beauty for them, especially for men. There was a time when Juana’s friend and confidant, Elvira, said that she would paint Juana’s nipples red so that the king would be more attracted. There was also a scene where the court ladies were painting Ines’ nipples red. Black dress also symbolized grief in the movie. When Juana’s mother died, she was seen wearing black dress. Additionally, Juana was seen playing a small top which symbolized her friendship with Captain Alvar de Estuniga. It is said that they were friends since childhood. And lastly, one of the symbolisms in the movie was when Juana spread her legs whole heartedly which somehow symbolized Juana’s lust, that even if she was pregnant she still wants to have sex with her husband just to fulfil her pleasures.

            Generally speaking, the film was great and a must watch. And also, unlike others, it’s not just a typical historic movie. Its story was great for it emphasized the power of karma. Furthermore, the thing that also made it unique, this movie was based on a true story, a story that would prove to us that there are really people who would do and give everything just for the sake of love.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL: A sacrifice for family

A story about a love of a father and a husband towards his family, a love of a wife and a mother towards her family, and an innocence of a son – Life is Beautiful.

The first half of the movie revolves around the love story of Guido Orefice, a young Italian Jew, and Dora, a school teacher who came from a wealthy Italian family.

Guido went to Arezzo where he plans to own a bookstore but he first became a waiter in a restaurant where his uncle, Eliseo Orefice, works. Upon arriving in the said place, Guido met Dora in a very unusual way. Dora, having an astonishing beauty, Guido fell in love with her. Dora on the other hand easily fell in love with Guido because of its charm. Dora at that time was already engaged in an arrogant guy from an aristocrat family, Guido end up stealing Dora at her engagement party.

Several years later, Guido and Dora married and had a son, Giosuè.

The second half of the story then revolves around when Guido, his son Giosuè, and his Uncle Eliseo were captured by the Nazi army and taken to a concentration camp. Despite being non-Jew, Dora insisted to be in the same train with his family and was permitted to do so.

Even though they are facing tough times of their life, Guido tried to cover the horrible reality to his son. He told the kid that they are going to a big holiday. In the camp, Guido said to his son that they are just participating in a game where whoever wins, will have a real tank as a prize.

Guido was able to maintain the story up until the war was about to end. In trying to save his family from all the chaos, Guido was killed by a Nazi soldier.

Giosuè on the other hand, not knowing about the death of his father, thought that they had won the game for he saw a real American tank. On their way home, Giosuè saw her mother and reunited with her.

Years later, Giosuè realized the sacrifice his father had made. The sacrifice that made him alive until today. The story then ends with an older Giosuè narrating the whole story.

On the other hand, the symbolisms in the story are the horse, the game itself and Guido’s phrase, "Buongiorno Principessa”.

            The horse in the story, as we all know, was molested, was painted, etc. Such things are made just because the horse was a Jewish horse. The horse then symbolizes all the innocent Jews that were molested just because they are “Jews”.

            Furthermore, the game represented their life. If they win, they will become free and live. If they lose the game, it simply means death.

            Lastly, the phrase "Buongiorno Principessa” represents Dora and Guido’s love for each other. It also symbolizes how they met and how they would know that they are still alive inside the concentration camp.

            Honestly, the films’ production was not that great. But the story itself made it worth watching for. The story was really unique and very touching. It’s not just a simple romantic comedy film.

THE PIANO: Music Speaks

                Jane Campion’s The Piano tells a story of a mute woman, Ada McGrath, whose only way in expressing its feelings is through her piano.

            In the story, Ada McGrath together with her young daughter Flora and her piano, are sent to 1980’s New Zealand for an arranged marriage to a wealthy landowner, Alistair Stewart. Upon arriving at the beach of New Zealand, there was no one there who would meet them so Ada and her daughter spent a night alone. From the very first time Ada met Alistair, she already had an ill feeling towards him for the reason that Alistair wouldn’t agree on carrying the piano since there are insufficient men that could carry Ada’s piano.

            Even though Alistair and Ada are married, the two never had any sexual interaction and are even awkward to each other. Ada, not having what she wanted, never tried to befriend his husband but instead focused more in winning back her piano. She then decided to go to Alistair’s friend, George Baines, together with her daughter who served as her interpreter. Baines, on the other hand, tried to refuse the request at first but then eventually decided to help the women. Seeing Ada’s passion towards playing piano then became attracted to the women and decided to buy the piano. He then asked Alistair’s consent for him let his wife give some piano lessons to Baines. Getting Alistair’s approval, Ada had no choice but to teach Baines play piano. And besides, she has also been longing to play her piano again. But on the said piano lesson, he asks that he would rather listen than to play. Being attracted towards Ada, Baines took the chance and offered Ada a deal – he would give her piano if Ada would let Baines “do what he wants” while she’s playing the piano.

            On the other hand, Flora became suspicious for her mother wouldn’t let her in during piano lessons and most of the time, there was no music playing. Flora, treating Alistair as her real father, told him all those things. Hence, Alistair knew everything and tried to lock down Ada onto his house. But eventually, having the confidence and trust towards his wife, Alistair unlocked his house. Before leaving for work, Alistair asked his wife if she would meet Baines again, Ada shakes her head no. Having the trust towards his wife, Alistair finally left.

            Ada, on the other hand, asked her daughter to send a package for Baines which was a single piano key with “dear George, you will have my heart, Ada McGrath.” inscribed on it. Being mad towards her mother’s infidelity, Flora decided to give the package to Alistair whom she considers as her real father and not to Baines. Angered, Alistair furiously returned home and cut Ada’s index finger off. He then sent Flora to Baines the severed finger with a message that if try to meet again, Alistair would cut off Ada’s finger one by one.

            After Ada’s recovery, Alistair decided to send Ada away … together with Baines. In their journey, Ada insisted to throw the piano to the ocean. As it sinks, she purposely put her foot into the rope. But she then realized to live and escaped into the rope.

            For me, this one is again one of the greatest and most unique films I’ve ever watched. Honestly, at first, I thought the movie was boring and senseless. But I was so wrong. The conflict of the story was only shown on the latter part of the movie. On the other hand, the film showed that even those people who are very nice people who are very conservative have their limitations on these aspects. Alistair and Ada are the perfect examples for this one. At first, Alistair was very kind and thoughtful towards his wife and when even he already knew about the latter’s affair, he still accepted her. But in the end, he became the antagonist in the picture and came to a point that he cut off the finger of his own wife … in front of their daughter. Ada, on the other hand, was at first very conservative but towards the end of the film, her lust couldn’t be controlled.

            Probably the main symbol in the film is the piano itself. The piano became Ada’s instrument to speak. Whatever she feels, she would just play a song onto it. Another symbolism is probably the piano keys. This somehow symbolized Ada’s body. When Baines was taking advantage onto her, every key is somehow equivalent to parts of her body. Same thing happened when Alistair was really mad towards Ada. The single piano key somehow became equivalent to her index finger.

            All in all, The Piano is really a great to watch. Although you might find it a bit boring at first, I assure that your opinion would drastically change.

THE DREAMERS: The not so typical Movie

Matthew, portrayed by Michael Pitt, is an American exchange student learning French in Paris. Although he has been living in Paris for a few months already, Matthew has no friends.

Being a film aficionado, Matthew spends most of his time at Cinematheque Francaise. There, he met Isabelle, portrayed by Eva Green, and his brother Theo, portrayed by Louis Garrel. The three of them eventually became closer for they share the same interest which is watching films particularly The Classics.

By living in the same house, Matthew witnessed the extreme intimacy shared by the siblings, the extreme intimacy that could be somehow deemed as “incestuous”.

As the three grew closer, they became secluded and somehow made their own world, an own world that’s away from all the chaos from the outside world.

Honestly speaking, I find the movie a bit interesting yet disturbing. Interesting in a sense that it’s not the typical movie that people usually watch. It’s like a mixture of romance, comedy, socio-political, etc. On the other hand, I can definitely say that it is disturbing. It’s so unusual seeing siblings being on the same bed all naked and even taking a bath together.

Other than this, it’s also so weird to see that a twin brother would just simply watch his twin sister lose her virginity just because of a simple game. But nonetheless, I guess Theo did it on purpose to make Matthew realize that he’s wrong regarding his belief on Isabelle’s virginity.

In my understanding on the movie as a whole, the twins were just trying to stay away from all the chaos on the outside world. And as a way to stay away from all of these, they were acting very childish and played certain games that are connected to the movies they have watched. Matthew, on the other hand, represents a man or someone who made or established a boundary towards the twins’ childish acts. He was trying to make the twins realize all the things that have existed on the outside world that they haven’t noticed because of their isolation. Yes, at first Matthew also tried to play childish and just went on the flow but not until the end. But in the end, although Matthew was there to make the twins realize things that they have neglected, Isabelle and Theo still stayed together leaving Matthew behind. It’s like all Matthew’s efforts are all gone wasted.

All in all, I can say that the movie is okay, well, it was great, but not until the end. Yes, it has comedy, romance, sex, etc. but the thing that ruined my great impression was the ending. I honestly didn’t like the last part because it was hanging. However, I could still say that I recommend this movie for all the fans of movies like this. Movies that’s quite interesting and mysterious.

SCHINDLER'S LIST: A Millionaire’s Nobility

One of the best movie Steven Spielberg has directed, Schindler’s List, is a true to life story about Oskar Schindler. The millionaire who saved 1,100 lives in exchange to his fortune.

            The film took place in Poland during the 1940’s where Holocaust happened.

            Oskar Schindler, a businessman who hires Jewish slaves to become his workers for his factory in making kitchen utensils. In such business, he witnessed the unjustly treatment of the Nazi officers towards the Jews. Witnessing such cruelty, Oskar Schindler continued hiring slave Jews in order to be saved from cruelty.

            On the other hand, Amon Goeth, the commander of the Nazi officers, is the antagonist in the picture. He randomly shots the innocent Jews, regardless of age and gender, whenever he feels like doing so. Because of this, Goeth’s camp was labelled as a “death camp” while Schindler’s camp was labelled as a “haven” by the Jews.

            As the brutality has gotten worse, Schindler gradually developed his sense of conscience and moral. Through this, he decided to sacrifice his fortune and bribe the Nazi officers in exchange for the lives of the Jews. In saving such lives, Schindler became broke and was even forced to hide from the government after the war. But even though these things happened, he still felt sorry for he could save more lives if he didn’t wasted his money before.

            Before he left, the Jews decided to give him a ring with “whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.”

            Honestly speaking, I find the movie a bit boring but not until the part when Amon Goeth started killing some of the Jews. This one really got my attention and made me feel sorry for the victims. On the other hand, the black and white style of the movie also helped the viewers feel like they are really part of the movie and made them feel like they are also in the 1940’s era.

            A number of symbolisms can be found in this film. Some of these are the girl in a red coat, the candle, and the list itself. The girl in a red coat symbolizes the change of heart and mind of Oskar Schindler. When Schindler saw the dead girl, he got really shock and felt sorry for she was only a girl. Another symbolism of the movie is the candle. Its smoke symbolizes the bodies of the innocent Jews who were burnt. Lastly, the list does not only represent the lives who were saved but also the hope for the Jews to live peacefully especially to the saved ones.

            Generally speaking, this three hour movie is really a great one and is really worth it. In my case, although I was already aware about this tragic event, the movie gave me a clearer picture on such situation. It also gave a highlight on the issue of racism. Although it still exist nowadays, it’s still good to think that it’s not that rampant and violent. Also, slavery nowadays fortunately doesn’t exist.