Kisapmata (1981)

Synopsis:
The irrational tyranny of a retired policeman over his abject wife and family emerges as a powerful force in this story of incest, abuse, and pervasive, internalized fear — apparently based on a true case history. The ex-policeman’s daughter Mila, two months pregnant, is allowed to marry her boyfriend Noel, a mild young man of chubby proportions — but Mila’s father does everything he can to make the wedding difficult. When the mother  hears that her husband has given his permission for Mila to marry, she is shocked and preoccupied. Just after the wedding, she pretends to be sick, forcing the newlyweds to spend the night in her — and her husband’s — house. It quickly becomes clear that the father is not going to let his daughter leave the house again — and his ruthless dominance is unbalanced enough to indicate that a showdown will be inevitable. Meanwhile, flashbacks and dream sequences provide some clues as to who fathered Mila’s baby — an injustice in itself that merits some sort of retribution.

(Synopsis from: http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/movies/synopsis/0„1886057,00.html)

Characters and Castings:
Vic Silayan - Sgt. Diosdado Carandang
Charito Santos - Adelina Carandang
Charo Santos-Concio - Milagros Crandang
Jay Ilagan - Noel Manalansan
Ruben Manalansan - Peping Manalansan


Review:

Kisapmata is not the typical happy ending story. Indeed, the film is very experimental in nature and gruesome to those who are not used to watching gory and melancholy type of film. But I want to commend the director for the films brilliance and for its timeless characteristic.

Other aspect I want to stress is the deep symbolic nature of the film. From the cinematography and lighting, to the movement of the characters, and even how it was story-tell, there is a deep meaning and deep connection with Filipino culture. The patriarchal culture is visibly shown in the film, in simple actions of the hands and movement of the eyes.

Moreover, the faith of the character Mila to Mama Mary and/or to the Cross is also a symbolism of Filipino’s deep root to religion. Whenever there are problems, there is always a concept of asking the Almighty One for help and forgiveness.

And in the reception of the wedding scene, wherein there are small talks and a lot of gestures and eye contacts, speaks a lot that viewers have seen. This is one of the most symbolic scenes of the entire film.

Due to the films concept of longing for freedom, the film have touched and moved its viewer. Overall, the film was manigicent.