alike.com.ph—It’s been 46 years since the late Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines. Last Friday, September 21, we commemorated the lives lost and its victims who are still alive today. Beyond history lessons and books that talk about Martial Law, the following films remember the time of struggle during those dark times as it also gives an understanding on how Martial Law affected Filipinos then and now.
Dekada ‘70 (2002)
Photo from Star Cinema Productions
Originally from the novel written by Lualhati Bautista, Dekada ’70 centers around Amanda (Vilma Santos) and Julian (Christopher de Leon) as they raise their family during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. It explores their struggle as a family as their children turn to various forms of activism and eventually become victims of violence during the dark era.
Respeto (2017)
Photo from Arkeofilms
Set in the present day, Respeto explores the life of young Hendrix (played by Abra) as he dreams of becoming a rapper. In his journey, he encounters a poet called Doc (Dico de La Paz) who teaches him the essence of rhyme and verse. Doc shares to Hendrix his writings during the Martial Law as it unveils his wounds from the Martial Law era.
Batch ‘81 (1982)
A scene from Batch ‘81
Alpha Kappa Omega Batch ’81 or simply known as Batch ’81 is a film that centers on the lives of newcomers as they strive to be part of a fraternity through a tough hazing process. An allegory to the hardships during the Martial Law, the film explores violence through power and repression.
Barber’s Tales (2013)
Photo from Apt Entertainment
Set during the Martial Law, a newly-widowed Marilou (played by Eugene Domingo) inherits the only barber shop in town from her late husband. The barbershop was a family business passed down by generations of men from her deceased husband’s family. Barber’s Tales explores how a woman like Marilou rises from a patriarchal history through her small barbershop. The same way, the film mirrors the story of Corazon Aquino and how she rose from her husband’s shadow in becoming the first woman to be president.
Citizen Jake (2019)
Photo from Cinema Artists
Citizen Jake centers around the life of journalist Jake Herrera Jr. (played by Atom Araullo). The film explores a family conflict that involves Jake’s father as one of Marcos’ cronies which challenges him and his principles.
Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975)
A scene from Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag
Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag tells the tragic story of Juilo Madiaga (played by Bembong Roco) and Ligaya Paraiso (Hilda Koronel) as they face challenges of poverty. The film explores several issues during the Martial Law in the seventies through the experiences of Julio and Ligaya.
Liway (2018)
Photo from Cinemalaya
Set in the 1980’s, Liway centers around the life of Day (played by Glaiza de Castro) and Ric (played by Dominique Roco) as they raise their 10-year-old son in prison. As to normalize his childhood, Day tells his son tales of Liway of Mt. Kanlaon based on her personal struggles as a rebel during the Martial Law.
Liway first premiered in Cinemalaya 2018 and was praised and applauded by the audience. The film will officially be in cinemas nationwide starting October 10, 2018.
Through these films, we remind ourselves of the Martial Law era as they manifest the aftermath of the repression experienced by many Filipinos. We must remember the lives of Filipinos lost, as well as the lives that were greatly affected. As a society, we must continue to educate ourselves of the events that took place during 1972 – 1981 for us to never forget a part of our history that has wounded so many lives until today.
As the saying goes history repeats itself, we Filipinos must continue to fight against repression and tyranny, so we may never experience the same events again.
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