Dekada '70

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 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 isn't just a historical drama-it's an emotional gut punch that brings the realities of Martial Law into sharp focus. Vilma Santos delivers a stunning performance as Amanda, a mother who slowly finds her voice amid political turmoil, while Christopher de Leon's Julian embodies the generational mindset of quiet compliance. But it's the sons, particularly Piolo Pascual's Jules, who carry the weight of rebellion, showing how youth are often forced to sacrifice for change. The film doesn't just recount history; it immerses you in the suffocating fear and quiet defiance of the era, making it impossible to look away.

Visually, *Dekada '70* masterfully uses its period setting to reinforce its themes. The muted color palette and naturalistic lighting create an authentic, almost documentary-like feel, pulling viewers deeper into the family's struggles. The use of space-whether the confines of their middle-class home or the wider streets marked by protests-reflects Amanda's own journey from passive observer to active participant in history. The soundtrack is understated yet haunting, lingering in moments of both heartbreak and resilience. Every artistic choice feels purposeful, making the film not just a retelling of the past but a visceral, urgent reminder of its relevance today.

"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

Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista has to be one of my most favorite books. The story of Amanda Bartolome's tale of dealing with her family, and self-discovery during the turbulent era of Martial Law in the Philippines really was as entertaining as it was eye-opening. It's really too bad that the movie failed to capture the actual essence of the book.

First of all, the true main character of the story is really Amanda. In the movie, amanda just has a few thoughts and reflections at the beginning and the end of the movie and nothing more. It really focuses on how her family grows as a family, and is affected by the drastic changes and events at that time. What I really wanted to see was Amanda's thoughts as the events of the story occur.

But if not looking at the book and not really looking at Amanda as the protagonist, you can see that the movie explains well what could have happened to any common bourgeois family in those times. You can also see the just how powerful the acting of Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Dimples Romana and Marvin Agustin was in this film. Even Jhong Hilario, Carlos Agassi, Tirso Cruz III, Carlo Munoz, and John Wayne Sace gave good performances. I personally found that the characters such as Mara and Jason were taken for granted. Ana Capri didn't do justice as Jules' wife and role model for Amanda, and though Danilo Barrios gave a pretty good performance as Jason, I didn't really see him as the wild child Jason was. And Piolo Pascual didn't really for me look the part of Jules. For one thing, He's too much of a pretty boy, and another is that his acting is so-so. The transition of scenes also left me a tad confused at times.

All in all, this movie deserves a 9/10, but seeing how different and in that way, inferior it is to the book, no offense to Lualhati bautista who wrote the book and the screenplay, plus a few other weak elements, I think it deserves a 7/10. But it still is a good movie. I recommend it to everyone whether you are a Filipino or a foreigner, whether you were present in those times or not, it is a movie you will enjoy.