Santiago!

1970

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Boots Anson-Roa, Jay Ilagan, Hilda Koronel, Fernando Poe Jr., and Dante Rivero in Santiago! (1970)

In the Philippines during the Japanese occupation, a Filipino soldier who is guilt-ridden over an incident that killed many civilians deserts the rebel army and retreats to a nearby barrio, ... Read allIn the Philippines during the Japanese occupation, a Filipino soldier who is guilt-ridden over an incident that killed many civilians deserts the rebel army and retreats to a nearby barrio, where he is branded as a coward.In the Philippines during the Japanese occupation, a Filipino soldier who is guilt-ridden over an incident that killed many civilians deserts the rebel army and retreats to a nearby barrio, where he is branded as a coward.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 3 nominations total

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6dokvader

A rare Brocka / FPJ collaboration

In the backdrop of World War II, Filipino soldiers blow up a schoolhouse, believing it to be occupied by Japanese soldiers. Gonzalo (played by FPJ) discovers that the occupants are actually old men, women, and children. Overwhelmed with guilt, he cares for a survivor named Cristina (Koronel) and escapes. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, the impact runs deep. Gonzalo entrusts Cristina's well-being to Lydia (Roa) and her family, who has a longstanding relationship with known guerilla Celso (Rivero). Concerned about Cristina's recovery Gonzalo has no time for love but tensions loom anyhow between the three.

Lino Brocka, known for his gritty dramas, takes a departure from his usual work with this period film set during World War II. Starring an icon of action cinema, Santiago!, still delves into themes of hardship, vengeance, and redemption. The fiery schoolhouse scenes are visually captivating and a site to behold. However, overall, the film remains an average melodrama without pushing any boundaries.