Dekada '70

This movie is not just a mere re-enactment of the 70's and was not just about martial law. It is a melo-drama of a true Filipino family which can transcend even to the succeeding generations. It is definitely one of the smartest screenplays of our time. It was well directed and the cast was well casted. Everything from the cinematography, production design, musical scoring and lights really gave more impact and drama to the film. It was able to bring us back and make us feel the film. I recommend this film,it is worth every peso to watch it. It touches pertinent issues in the society such as politics and the importance of parents and the value of the family in shaping the nation,by promoting nationalism and love for country.

Lualhati Bautista's Dekada '70 (as directed by Chito Rono) is a film executed masterfully. The film captures every aspect of the seventies from the wardrobe, the music and even the atrocious hairstyles. Even the overall look of the film evokes some age; it was as if the movie was actually shot in the 1970s. For a person who has yet to read the novel, Chito Rono's film is a good-enough version. It tells the narrative of the novel and is, perhaps, better than the novel since it is able to draw emotions from the audience. The problem lies once the person has read the novel; in the novel, the focus is on Amanda Bartolome (Vilma Santos). Her husband, Julian Bartolome (Christopher De Leon), is practically non-existent. Bu introducing the husband, the impact of Amanda Bartolome is lessened since as Julian declares in the film, "It's a man's world." Thus, at the start of the film, Amanda appears to be a pushover, a doormat to her domineering husband. It is only at the end that she manages to redeem herself. But despite that, the film successfully conveys the raw emotions and turmoil that were surging throughout the seventies, a time when the rights of every individual was threatened.

Dekada '70 is as pop as the 70's is propagated today. The setting, costumes, props even the role assignments in the family is made to be iconic. Chito Rono made an aesthetically wonderful movie with the color complements and quite theatrical acting of the characters. Nonetheless, i felt that the actors are a bit short or rather over in their acting. Although I admit that I got very taken by Vilma's monologue to Christopher, it still lacked authenticity to fully captivate the audience. The roles are played exactly but lacked genuine emotions from the actors. Considering the book is made to capture the sympathy of its readers, which it does, for women of the 70's as well as the sufferings of the Filipinos during martial law I expected the movie to draw the same amount of passion if not even more especially since the best of Filipino cinema are employed. The acting however on an overall analysis felt practiced/ mastered rather than felt from within. Nonetheless, the movie is rendered wonderfully plus the screenplay is quite informative.

Dekada '70 is one of the most exceptional Filipino films I have seen. The film had depth and was very meticulously created. Owing to the fact that it was based on a novel, the plot of the film was very coherent. Unlike other Filipino films Dekada '70 gave justice to the Philippine Film Industry. Among the typical films that have been sprouting in this generation Dekada '70 left its mark. The quality of the film was astounding. Through the set designs, costumes, and make-up, I was able to get a realistic glimpse of how things looked like in the 70's. Even very minor details were given much attention to make everything look and feel as part of the 70's. I feel that it is very important to stage or film relevant events that are part of our History as a Filipino people. By doing so a wider number of people is reached and awareness on historical events increase. In a phase of apathy and hopelessness, movies like Dekada '70 reminds us that all is not lost for the Philippines is always worth fighting for.

"Dekada '70" is simply powerful. Vilma Santos's performance is stunning, as usual, (though personally she did a better job in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?"). Christopher de Leon also has a shining performance, as well as Piolo Pascual, who swept the supporting actor awards in, if I'm not mistaken, all of the 2002 Philippine movie/acting awards ceremonies. The movie was actually very faithful to the book, only a few new scenes had been added. It isn't easy watching, but neither is it dragging. Watch out for the abrupt transitions, which is probably the only weak aspect of this film. Though it doesn't match up to Lualhati Bautista's masterpiece, "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?", all in all, "Dekada '70" is still a very good drama. 9/10