Dekada '70

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.

"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 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 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 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...