Aguila

I am no expert movie critic and I rarely post logs on the internet, but I must make an exception for this movie. I was truly blown away by what I have seen. I have long ago dismissed local Filipino movies as crap and of the opinion that only the truly brain-dead or the truly bored would actually exert any effort to watch the local films. I find that I don't enjoy even the "classic" Lino Brocka films which we were required to watch in high school film lit classes. The current films are hell of a lot worse with plots that a 5-year old can guess, slap-stick action that defy all vulgarity, dramatic scenes so pathetic that they become comedic. The local film scene lacks good scripts, directors, and actors. I can't help but feel sorry, if not even contemptuous, of our local cinema. This movie completely turned my world around. Suddenly, I was watching a movie that is truly world class. A good script, splendid acting, and a motion picture that is bathed is SUBTLETY. I couldn't quite believe that the best movie I've seen in recent years would actually be Filipino made. I hardly saw any tears in this movie but I myself was moved to tears by just the situation presented in the movie. The actor's lines were very concise but delivered everything they needed to say. The cinematography focused on the actors with lots of close-ups. They truly made use of the visual cues to convey their message. I also found wit in here without the attendant toilet humor. This is a 3 1/2 hour movie but I guarantee that you will enjoy every moment of it. So if you have nothing better to do, check out this movie (if you can find a copy)

In my quest to see more Philippine classic movies, I came across Eddie Romero's Aguila, considered by many as one the most accomplished Filipino films. I haven't lived long enough to know him and I haven't made an effort yet to read about his life but I'm pretty sure he left the country better than it was before through his art.

Aguila started really slow for me. Maybe it was the old quality of the picture or the crickets in the background that I stopped at the 50-minute mark to sleep. Just like the dreams on my nap, a lot of things happened when I resumed my viewing. I was hesitant to continue but the remaining 160 minutes proved to be the best parts. My eyes were glued on the screen as the film showed little by little the complex and tragic history of the Philippines. The Americans 'rescued' us from the Spanish. They taught us their ways. Then the Japanese conquered our lands. Filipinos killed Filipinos. Of course, we already know these but the rich storytelling and humanistic characters made this one of a kind. I had to pause several times because I was mesmerized with the bold writing. It was brave yet grounded by humor. Most notably, it is relevant today as it was relevant before. The film throws interesting ideas and challenges the audience to think for themselves. I loved that about Aguila because it didn't glorify the plot. The line between good and evil was clear but nothing was right more than the other. Its characters were flawed just like everyone is. Aside from the pain seeing an honest depiction of our society, Aguila gave me comfort reminding that each of us are weak creatures turned stronger by our experiences. Finding meaning isn't a straight line because at the end of the day, we can only control so much. I don't know about others but that thrills me always.

Thank you Aguila team for the detailed, rewarding, and reflective history lesson!

I've seen this movie as a kid in 1980 and I have never forgotten it since. I love to watch it over and over again. A must see for all movie lovers. I just wish that they restore the film and sell it on DVD or even BluRay so I can fully enjoy the film.