Dekada 70

Philippine Literature
CRITIQUE PAPER
Dekada ‘70

Name: Sadian, Julius Mark L. Score:______________ Date: May 09, 2012
I.Summary
The story of the movie is about what happened in the 1970’s here in the Philippines. Amanda Bartolome(Vilma Santos), never surrenders to search what is the real meaning of being a woman in the midst of the complicated situation of the Philippines during the 70’s under the Martial Law. Since freedom of expression is a tradition to the family, her children’s are opened with what happens to the society.
As the movie goes on, Amanda witnessed the changes in her children especially Jules. Jules’ deep interest in nationalistic songs drove him to join activist movements fighting against the evils of the government. Amanda became concerned about her son’s welfare so she told this to her husband; however, Julian(Christopher de Leon) just ignored her. Because Julian showed no concern, Amanda couldn’t help but burst shouting at Julian, who was shocked by her behavior. The couple’s relationship from then became cold. In 1974, Jules was packing his things. He told his mother he was going to Bicol. Amanda was furious. She shouted to Jules asking what dangerous thing he would do in Bicol. Jules was just dumb-founded by his mother’s yelling. He tried to convince his mother that maybe if she comes with him, her eyes too would open. But Amanda just slapped her son. Jules was arrested and taken to Camp Crame. His family visited him, and it was then and there that Amanda discovered the misdeeds of the government soldiers.
Meanwhile, Amanda’s other son Jason(Danilo Barios) stopped schooling. Because he didn’t do anything, he became addicted to womanizing. One night, Amanda and Julian received a call about Jason, who was caught with marijuana. They tried to find Jason among several police stations until they found out Jason had already been released but didn’t come home to them. Eman(Marvin Agustin), Amanda’s other child, searched for Jason but one night came home crest-fallen with the news that Jason had been brutally killed. Amanda cried for nights. She thought her life was useless. She thought of leaving Julian, but she didn’t. She realized she and Julian still had a lot of things to talk about. They talked thoroughly and this became the start of their understanding.When Martial Law was lifted, more than three hundred political prisoners were released including Jules. The family was very happy with the realease of Jules. They gathered a family dinner and talked about things.After the meal and a couple of beers, Jules said that he and his wife, Mara(Ana Capri) will go back to the movement, Julian didn’t rejected what Jules have said and he allowed him to go.
Amanda’s children, from Jules to Bingo(John Wayne Sace), now lived their own lives. Amanda no longer worried about her husband’s love for the family. Amanda realized her worth – that there’s more that she could offer to the world around her. She was delighted that even Julian was now awakened to help their country and fellowmen.
II.Reaction
The actors are so great and they are really good to watch, I personally like the role of Piolo Pascual as an activist. He has a strong role in this movie because he stood up for what he believe, a belief of fighting for freedom in his own way. I also like the role played by Vilma Santos, she is a very loving mother to her five children and her husband. The movie was really great, I have watched many movies and plays about mythology but this “Dekada ‘70” caught my attention. This movie made my tears fell down from my eyes when it comes to the torture scenes of Willy(Jhong Hilario) and Jules(Piolo Pascual). The ambience of the movie is very old fashioned; short shorts, Volkswagen Bettles and crazy hairdos you can really feel the 70’s when you watch it. The director(Chito S. Roño) and the production staff are very creative, they have detailed every scene by flashing every year starting from the late 60’s up to the later part of the 70’s. The story ends in the burial of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr., Ferdinand Marcos’ greatest critic. After that a rally in front of the Manila Post Office is on going, the rallyists shouts “Tao! Bayan! Ngayon ay Lumalaban!” which for me it means people and the nation is united in fighting for freedom.