Cavite (2005)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Directors:

Neill Dela Llana
Ian Gamazon

Writers:

Neill Dela Llana (writer)
Ian Gamazon (writer)

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

Deliver unspeakable terror or lose everyone you love...

Plot:

Flying back to his home country, an American man is informed that his mother and sister have been kidnapped and will be killed if he doesn't comply with certain demands.

Plot Keywords:

Bank | Jihad | Security Guard | Philippines | Bus

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Ian Gamazon	...	Adam
Edwin Lagda	...	Running Man - Adam's Dad / Alleyway Victim
Edgar Tancangco	...	Adam's Father
Norma Tancangco	...	Adam's Mother
Quynn Ton	...	Little Sister
Mariza Levario	...	Arguing Voice (voice)
Neill Dela Llana	...	Arguing Voice / Alleyway Assassin
Dominique Gonzalez	...	Dana
Ryan Lagda	...	Little Boy Thief / Kidnapped Kid
Nestor B. Casilis	...	Terrorist with Gun
Rico V. Lagda	...	Kidnapped Kid
Robert Sanque	...	Thug in Bathroom
Joven F. Abrenica	...	Thug in Bathroom
Solita R. Nadal	...	Woman on Cell Phone

Runtime:

USA:80 min

Country:

Philippines | USA

Language:

English | Filipino | Tagalog

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:Not Rated

Filming Locations:

Noveleta, Cavite, Luzon, Philippines

Company:

Gorilla Films

Movie Connections:

Features Puzzle Bobble (1994) (VG)

An ordinary guy is trapped in a web of intrigue as he tries to save his mother and sister who have been kidnapped by terrorists.

"Cavite" proves that if the story is good enough, technical excellence is unimportant. Filmed on video with a crew of two, and no budget whatsoever, Cavite is a gripping, roller coaster of a ride. Called to the Philippines, a completely Americanized, young Filipino-American discovers that his mother and sister have been kidnapped. A cellphone planted in his backpack rings and he learns they are held by terrorists and he must follow every direction he is given or they will be killed. Guided by the terrorist's voice on a cellphone, what follows is a tense voyage through the underbelly of Cavite, a city in the Philippines. Although this is at its soul a thriller, by focusing on stark images of third-world poverty, the film cleverly illustrates why terrorist acts have appeal for many. Like all classic thrillers the stakes get higher and higher and the tension grows as the story moves on to its inevitable climax. Although some critics have indicated that they thought the lead actor was lacking in ability I found exactly the opposite -- he is the perfect "everyman," trapped in a situation not of his making. This is great storytelling. I saw this movie twice and recommend it highly.