I had a very high expectation with Erik Matti’s newest opus prior to seeing the movie. This film is one of the most talked about entries in this year MMFF and my curiosity has to be fed with substantial confirmation. True to its hype and reviews, it did not disappoint me.
The theme is atypical, not the usual comedy, fantasy, horror, love story genre lording the box office during Christmas season. The social realism was highlighted in its full essence. Central characters were pernicious and hypocritical. They defied values and resorted to cruelty to get to the end. There is not much of redeeming value in finality.
Edgar (John Lloyd Cruz) is the miner husband of Kaye (Meryl Soriano) who is the daughter of a pyramiding business head. Edgar is a dutiful father to their only daughter and a very supportive husband. Conflict arises when the father-in-law’s business is revealed to be a scam. The couple is left answerable to all the investors whose money were swindled by Kaye’s father. Edgar is driven to do everything to ensure that his wife and child are alive and safe.
The storyline is very simple. Ace film maker Erik Matti and award winning screen writer Michiko Yamamoto manage to effectively expound on the complexities of the situations the central characters have to deal with. The circumstances are driven for the lead characters to either go astray for survival or do the noble thing but die.
The movie also defines social classes in addressing deceit, greed and pretense. The religious sect leader (played by Tirso Cruz III) in the film is one best example of this state. This is in contrast of Edgar’s motivations and ways in getting things done. The less fortunate are dealt unfairly while the upper class people can act in subtlety to achieve money and power.
Cinematography is at its finest. I like the texture and color. Both match the theme of the film. Baguio as the main location is a perfect choice for the movie backdrop. Production design is commendable as it gives the movie goers the feel of each scene capacity. Screen play wise, I can say it’s very fluid and real. The dialogues are crisp, frank and genuine.
This vehicle is an acting showcase for its lead actors. Tours de force performances go to John Lloyd Cruz, Meryl Soriano and Tirso Cruz III. John Lloyd starts inferior to the dominant character of Meryl. He’s just in the shadow of his wife, attending prayer group sessions in the religious sect that his wife got into. But towards the middle of the story, his transformation to a “husband gone bad” (to save his family) is intense. Meryl and Tirso deliver equally bravura performances as well.
Honor Thy Father mirrors the current state in our society. There’s a world out there where one is willing to sacrifice to save his family. It shows how one’s love can lead him to do whatever it takes to defend his family.
This movie is worth your time and money. Go see it while it’s still in the movie houses. Quoting Erik Matti, Filipino audience deserves quality movies.
My rating: 10/10.
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