Dekada '70

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.

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.

the acting was simply amazing! a good adaptation of the book. the casting was also wonderful. the family was how i imagined it to be. it was good that Vilma portrayed Amanda because she has been one of the great actresses in our country. but i feel that Christopher De Leon didn't fit his role that much. Danilo also looked older than the one in the book. I also felt that Piolo's wife should have been more beautiful. But I was amazed by the condition of the cars that they used. the house was also in good form. It was also good that they didn't include morbid parts from the book. Over all the film was good. i could watch that film over and over again.

Dekada 70 the movie was simple and yet excellently produced. Shot in a simple setting yet true to detail. The cinematography was able to sew together the movie; the lighting was good, the angles were good, and most importantly the sound mixing was good as opposed to other Filipino films which have bad sound. Perhaps the most important aspect of the film which carried the whole aesthetic values were the actors. Its a given that it was a star studded cast but what will impress you is the way the cohesiveness of each actor brought the best in themselves. Watch this film and be touched by family togetherness and how each handle the adversities that come with it.Really Heart warming...

I admire the director of this movie for being able to make a dramatic film based on a ground-breaking novel. It really pays tribute to the Philippines' Martial Law history. I really felt the seventies in this film. Too bad, this one didn't qualify for an Oscar Award in 2002. But it doesn't matter at all. This is really and excellent film. Vilma Santos once again acted like a superior actress who kbows no bounds. Christopher de Leon was okay. All their children did a good job acting. I also admire the make up designers of the movie who made everything fit to the seventies: the house, the furniture, the clothes, the hairstyle, the fashion and etc. I also liked the ending as well and the soundtrack song. It was really touching.People who like based-on-history films should really watch this one.