Dekada '70: A Powerful Film About the Philippines Under Martial Law
Dekada '70 (lit. 'The â70s') is a 2002 Filipino historical drama film directed by Chito S. RoÃo and based on the 1983 novel of the same name by Lualhati Bautista. Set in the Philippines during the period of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, the film follows the struggles of the middle-class Bartolome family. It stars Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon as parents raising five sons amidst the tense political background. Their sons are played by Piolo Pascual, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, and John Wayne Sace[^1^].
The film is a powerful depiction of how the martial law era affected ordinary Filipinos, especially women and youth. It shows how Amanda, the mother, gradually awakens to her own political consciousness and agency as she witnesses the oppression and violence inflicted by the regime on her family and society. It also portrays how each of her sons cope with their own personal and political dilemmas, such as joining the resistance movement, becoming a victim of torture, falling in love with a rebel, or escaping abroad[^2^].
Dekada '70 is widely regarded as one of the best Filipino films of all time. It won several awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor at the 2002 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards[^3^]. The film is now restored in high-definition by the ABS-CBN Film Archives and Central Digital Lab[^1^].
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If you are interested in watching this film, you can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video[^2^] or stream it online on DIRECTV[^3^]. You can also read more about the film's background, plot, cast, and reception on Wikipedia.
Dekada '70 is a film that will make you think, feel, and learn about one of the most turbulent periods in Philippine history. It is a film that will inspire you to stand up for your rights and fight for your freedom. It is a film that you should not miss.
Film Analysis for Dekada '70
Dekada '70 is not only a film about the historical events that shaped the Philippines in the 1970s, but also a film about the personal and political struggles of a Filipino family during that time. The film explores various themes, such as feminism, human rights, nationalism, activism, family, and identity. It also uses various cinematic techniques, such as symbolism, montage, music, and lighting, to convey its message and mood.
One of the main themes of the film is feminism, as seen through the character of Amanda. Amanda represents the typical Filipino woman who is expected to be submissive, obedient, and domesticated by her husband and society. She is often silenced, ignored, or dismissed by her husband and sons, who are more concerned with their own affairs. However, as the film progresses, Amanda gradually develops her own voice and agency. She starts to question her role as a wife and a mother, and to assert her own opinions and desires. She also becomes more aware of the political situation in the country and joins a women's organization that advocates for social change. She realizes that she is not only a mother to her sons, but also a mother to her nation.
Another theme of the film is human rights, as seen through the experiences of Amanda's sons. Each of them suffers from the repression and violence of the martial law regime in different ways. Jules becomes a rebel who fights against the dictatorship, but is captured and tortured by the military. Gani joins the US Navy, but is disillusioned by the American involvement in the Philippines. Em becomes a writer who exposes the atrocities of the government, but is forced to go underground. Jason becomes a victim of police brutality and dies in custody. Bingo becomes a witness to his brother's death and grows up traumatized. The film shows how the martial law era violated not only the civil and political rights of the people, but also their human dignity and freedom.
A third theme of the film is nationalism, as seen through the contrast between Julian and Amanda. Julian represents the traditional Filipino elite who are loyal to the Marcos regime and benefit from its policies. He is a successful businessman who believes that martial law is necessary for peace and order. He is also indifferent to the plight of his fellow Filipinos who are oppressed and exploited by the system. He does not support his son's activism and even disowns him when he joins the rebels. Amanda represents the emerging Filipino middle class who are critical of the Marcos regime and aspire for democracy and justice. She is a compassionate woman who empathizes with her son's cause and supports his fight for freedom. She also becomes more involved in the social movements that challenge the dictatorship. She does not only love her family, but also her country. 0efd9a6b88