Movie Critic

Jay A. Belonghilot                                                                            PERSDEVA - FINALS

BSCoE 11A                                                                                        

Ms. Rona dela Rosa

DEKADA ‘70

1.) What values are shown or presented in the story?

                       The movie Dekada ’70 starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon presents lots of values which is essential to whoever people may watch it. The film tells that easy go lucky life is unnecessary in order to surpass challenges within borders. One of the values that the movie had shown is to be a brave person, it doesn’t matter what gender you have or how old you are. The Bartolome family in the film Dekada ’70 had faced every test of God they had encountered, living in a way that they stay strong despite those family problems and social occurrences. The movie also presented a form of political strategy like the proclamation of the Martial Law during the tenure of President Ferdinand Marcos.

                       Sacrificing describes the whole theme of the film which is very crucial for the sake of the nation’s people shown by the parents and their offsprings in the movie. Filipino cultures were also presented, the courteousness and the civility of the Filipino, close family ties, the realization of determining good from bad, honesty – revelation of truth, unity of the people, thoughtfulness to others and most especially the love and care to the family, country, work and fellowmen. It is also shown how determined the Filipinos are, to get democracy by battling for freedom from the dictator government.

2.) Cite Filipino traits that are present. Give examples.

                       The film focuses on Filipino personas which is truly ours. One of the Filipino characteristics that was shown there is a Filipino that is a determined one. Jules (Piolo Pascual) never stop finding solutions until democracy was achieved.

                       Curiosity, when Jules tried to waken up his awareness in the social issues from his childhood days until he got a prize of himself in the end.

                       Responsible, the great man of the house, the father of five sons, the husband of loving Amanda (Vilma Santos), Julian Bartolome (Christopher de Leon) who nourished his family and never gave up.

                       Helpful, Amanda tried to work but her husband does not allow her. The brothers are helping each other and Julian helps his co-members of the revolution just like the wounded friend of him, he bring it into their house and medicated by a doctor.

                       Brave, the student leader (Kris Aquino) never hesitates to lead the student’s organization to fight against the government policies and Jules who joined the revolution with a high rank.

                       Courageous, it is Jules who courageously fought against the torturistic mind of the militaries due to the proclamation of the Martial Law.

                       Talented, Emmanuel (Marvin Agustin) is a great writer.

                       Clever, Amanda and Julian think of strategies how to plan their lives.

                        Independent, Jules is handling his own life in his own way. He decides what thing must be done and didn’t depend on his parents. This is when he leave his home.

                       Funny, the film shows that Filipinos are funny despite those tribulations in life. It is shown there when they bond to each other, during meals and discussion times.

                       Close Family Ties, a typical Filipino family, the father is the one who will decide, during arguments between members, they eat together and hospitality.

                       Loving and caring, Amanda and Julian never lacks of proper advice as a parent and as a friend. They did not stop loving and caring for each other.

                       God-fearing, the Bartolome family attends mass. It is shown in the movie when they go to church and pray.

3.) Reaction

                       “I will not surrender, I will die in what I believe in” quoted by Jules which is very inspiring line that brings so much impact to the Filipino integrity. The film narrates the story of the circumstances of a middle-class typical Filipino family who, over the gap and space of a tumultuous decade, become conscious of the political guiding principle that have in due course led to subjugation, authoritarianism and a state of Martial Law.

                        As a Filipino citizen, this film contributes much to the fellowmen to awaken us, to let us know and to let us realize the Philippine history that marks the world and the minds of every Filipino wherever he/she goes. So good to know that, despite those challenges that our grandparents had faced before, were still here alive and keep on battling for our respective definition of freedom in many ways. The movie rates so high for me because it hits my standards, the actors and actresses were so good as well as the whole set of this project. Dekada ’70 is truly a remarkable one for it brings lots of values and the realization of the importance of close family ties. The film also presented lots of Filipino cultures and beliefs.

                       “Each day, child and parent are born; together they will row the boat along the sea of change because the tranquil soil is only for those who brave the waves in the darkest hours of a raging storm. The masses, the country are fighting for their freedom.” A line of Vilma Santos that touches our hearts. We have to fight; we should have courage in everything in sense, and most importantly never surrender, never lose hope, and trust in God.