Dekada '70 is as pop as the 70's is propagated today. The setting, costumes, props even the role assignments in the family is made to be iconic. Chito Rono made an aesthetically wonderful movie with the color complements and quite theatrical acting of the characters. Nonetheless, i felt that the actors are a bit short or rather over in their acting. Although I admit that I got very taken by Vilma's monologue to Christopher, it still lacked authenticity to fully captivate the audience. The roles are played exactly but lacked genuine emotions from the actors. Considering the book is made to capture the sympathy of its readers, which it does, for women of the 70's as well as the sufferings of the Filipinos during martial law I expected the movie to draw the same amount of passion if not even more especially since the best of Filipino cinema are employed. The acting however on an overall analysis felt practiced/ mastered rather than felt from within. Nonetheless, the movie is rendered wonderfully plus the screenplay is quite informative.
13 Reviews
Story of a family's struggle through the Marcos regime
pro_milf6 October 2006
Dekada 70 the movie was simple and yet excellently produced. Shot in a simple setting yet true to detail. The cinematography was able to sew together the movie; the lighting was good, the angles were good, and most importantly the sound mixing was good as opposed to other Filipino films which have bad sound. Perhaps the most important aspect of the film which carried the whole aesthetic values were the actors. Its a given that it was a star studded cast but what will impress you is the way the cohesiveness of each actor brought the best in themselves. Watch this film and be touched by family togetherness and how each handle the adversities that come with it.Really Heart warming...
Dekada '70
rtanyu5 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Despite being adapted from a book, Dekada '70 captures the essence and theme of the original work. This film has a roster of high profile stars, and is set in a recreated backdrop of Philippines in the seventies. Although the production design was faithful, some modern elements (like hairstyles and clothes) restrain the total seventies feel. The scenes were quite realistic unlike the usual low budget Philippine film, and the acting was superb (none of the camera-conscious feel), and as such it is one of the better made Philippine movies. It successfully describes what it was like for a normal family to live under the Marcos regime, and also deals with some feminist issues.
simply powerful
jasjgm13 June 2003
"Dekada '70" is simply powerful. Vilma Santos's performance is stunning, as usual, (though personally she did a better job in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?"). Christopher de Leon also has a shining performance, as well as Piolo Pascual, who swept the supporting actor awards in, if I'm not mistaken, all of the 2002 Philippine movie/acting awards ceremonies. The movie was actually very faithful to the book, only a few new scenes had been added. It isn't easy watching, but neither is it dragging. Watch out for the abrupt transitions, which is probably the only weak aspect of this film. Though it doesn't match up to Lualhati Bautista's masterpiece, "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?", all in all, "Dekada '70" is still a very good drama. 9/10
MASTERFULLY MADE!
misterphilippines31 October 2004
I admire the director of this movie for being able to make a dramatic film based on a ground-breaking novel. It really pays tribute to the Philippines' Martial Law history. I really felt the seventies in this film. Too bad, this one didn't qualify for an Oscar Award in 2002. But it doesn't matter at all. This is really and excellent film. Vilma Santos once again acted like a superior actress who kbows no bounds. Christopher de Leon was okay. All their children did a good job acting. I also admire the make up designers of the movie who made everything fit to the seventies: the house, the furniture, the clothes, the hairstyle, the fashion and etc. I also liked the ending as well and the soundtrack song. It was really touching.People who like based-on-history films should really watch this one.
Dekada '70 is an inspirational film I will never forget.
nicole_alq23 October 2006
Dekada '70 is one of the most exceptional Filipino films I have seen. The film had depth and was very meticulously created. Owing to the fact that it was based on a novel, the plot of the film was very coherent. Unlike other Filipino films Dekada '70 gave justice to the Philippine Film Industry. Among the typical films that have been sprouting in this generation Dekada '70 left its mark. The quality of the film was astounding. Through the set designs, costumes, and make-up, I was able to get a realistic glimpse of how things looked like in the 70's. Even very minor details were given much attention to make everything look and feel as part of the 70's. I feel that it is very important to stage or film relevant events that are part of our History as a Filipino people. By doing so a wider number of people is reached and awareness on historical events increase. In a phase of apathy and hopelessness, movies like Dekada '70 reminds us that all is not lost for the Philippines is always worth fighting for.
Dekada '70 well-made. But far from perfect.
tripxyde15 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This novel of Lualhati Bautista always caught my eye whenever I find myself on a decent bookstore. Its mysterious appeal tickled my interest in one of the most dramatic eras of Philippine history, the Marcos era. The writer is one of the most respected writers of our time, and is a Palanca award winner.
It's been a big question mark why it hasn't won as the best screenplay in the Filmfest. No doubt as to say that Dekada 70 has a most heart-wrenchingly brilliant storyline. It let's us be witness to the events in the life of a simple family during the tumultuous time of the 70's. During the Marcos rule, the Martial Law, and during the struggles of the subversive fugitives. Piolo Pascual, (who deservingly won as best supporting actor) played the son who was adamant on foregoing with his leftist idealism and his nationalist struggle, despite the risk of tragedies which may strike and affect his entire family. It was particularly heart-wrenching during the scene when Piolo is seen coming out from a detention cell, damaged with marks of torture. It was far more wrenching when we see Christopher De Leon, the padre de pamilya, going berserk and screaming "Pinatay nila ang anak ko!" (they killed my child). De Leon convincingly played a father whose emotions and decisions played a large game of risk and endure. Vilma Santos, who played the mother of the children, the only woman in a family of men, is the central character of the story. It seems that she has been the only strong character among the men in his life: his husband and his children, all of which has been clouded by their own weaknesses, their emotions and how they try to desperately hide it.
Marvin Agustin, delivers a simple performance as the child who gets into writing and arts instead of being as subversive as his brother. While Danilo Barrios plays a memorable character who carries the sunshine among the family with his bubbly humor and amusing innocence. (On the other hand, I found it idiotic and was laughing at those gossip magazine critics who made a fuss and praised Carlos Agassi for his performance, when he did not really do some acting. All he did was grab his crotch, attempting phone sex. A CGI Dobey can act far more better.)
Now for the downer parts. Although the film Dekada 70 is a must see movie with impressive acting and a storyline which could go down in literary history, the direction of Chito Roño was plainly unimpressive. The director of the "Dragon Katol" commercial may have done a better job. He did not really do some extra art to beautify the film. And if he ever did some, it was so plain and overused that we did not even notice it. The welga (mass demonstration) scene was so disappointing as it was ridiculous. It was so obvious to see that the welga extras were a bunch of corny, bored, and "lack of motivation" actors, who did not really act as if they were working their way through the riot police. IF you recall the scene, there was one part when only the first row were pressing to march forward, while there was a vacant space at their back, disqualifying the effect that the crowd was really pushing forward. The sequence of the scenes and the acts was also bad and lacked style in timing. Dekada 70 was like cooking paella. You're sure you have a good recipe, and good ingredients, yet the cook you chose is somebody who cannot even make a good tinola. It was such a waste of talent. It could have been delicious. But since you're hungry for some new exotic food, you try to enjoy it as you can. But it will haunt you, wondering if it was done by somebody better.
It's been a big question mark why it hasn't won as the best screenplay in the Filmfest. No doubt as to say that Dekada 70 has a most heart-wrenchingly brilliant storyline. It let's us be witness to the events in the life of a simple family during the tumultuous time of the 70's. During the Marcos rule, the Martial Law, and during the struggles of the subversive fugitives. Piolo Pascual, (who deservingly won as best supporting actor) played the son who was adamant on foregoing with his leftist idealism and his nationalist struggle, despite the risk of tragedies which may strike and affect his entire family. It was particularly heart-wrenching during the scene when Piolo is seen coming out from a detention cell, damaged with marks of torture. It was far more wrenching when we see Christopher De Leon, the padre de pamilya, going berserk and screaming "Pinatay nila ang anak ko!" (they killed my child). De Leon convincingly played a father whose emotions and decisions played a large game of risk and endure. Vilma Santos, who played the mother of the children, the only woman in a family of men, is the central character of the story. It seems that she has been the only strong character among the men in his life: his husband and his children, all of which has been clouded by their own weaknesses, their emotions and how they try to desperately hide it.
Marvin Agustin, delivers a simple performance as the child who gets into writing and arts instead of being as subversive as his brother. While Danilo Barrios plays a memorable character who carries the sunshine among the family with his bubbly humor and amusing innocence. (On the other hand, I found it idiotic and was laughing at those gossip magazine critics who made a fuss and praised Carlos Agassi for his performance, when he did not really do some acting. All he did was grab his crotch, attempting phone sex. A CGI Dobey can act far more better.)
Now for the downer parts. Although the film Dekada 70 is a must see movie with impressive acting and a storyline which could go down in literary history, the direction of Chito Roño was plainly unimpressive. The director of the "Dragon Katol" commercial may have done a better job. He did not really do some extra art to beautify the film. And if he ever did some, it was so plain and overused that we did not even notice it. The welga (mass demonstration) scene was so disappointing as it was ridiculous. It was so obvious to see that the welga extras were a bunch of corny, bored, and "lack of motivation" actors, who did not really act as if they were working their way through the riot police. IF you recall the scene, there was one part when only the first row were pressing to march forward, while there was a vacant space at their back, disqualifying the effect that the crowd was really pushing forward. The sequence of the scenes and the acts was also bad and lacked style in timing. Dekada 70 was like cooking paella. You're sure you have a good recipe, and good ingredients, yet the cook you chose is somebody who cannot even make a good tinola. It was such a waste of talent. It could have been delicious. But since you're hungry for some new exotic food, you try to enjoy it as you can. But it will haunt you, wondering if it was done by somebody better.
great (Dr. Isagani Cruz)
jason_ad412 October 2006
the acting was simply amazing! a good adaptation of the book. the casting was also wonderful. the family was how i imagined it to be. it was good that Vilma portrayed Amanda because she has been one of the great actresses in our country. but i feel that Christopher De Leon didn't fit his role that much. Danilo also looked older than the one in the book. I also felt that Piolo's wife should have been more beautiful. But I was amazed by the condition of the cars that they used. the house was also in good form. It was also good that they didn't include morbid parts from the book. Over all the film was good. i could watch that film over and over again.
nice one
bimbot-1869823 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Dekada '70" is simply powerful. Vilma Santos's performance is stunning, as usual, (though personally she did a better job in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?"). Christopher DE Leon also has a shining performance, as well as Piolo Pascual, who swept the supporting actor awards in, if I'm not mistaken, all of the 2002 Philippine movie/acting awards ceremonies. The movie was actually very faithful to the book, only a few new scenes had been added. It isn't easy watching, but neither is it dragging. Watch out for the abrupt transitions, which is probably the only weak aspect of this film. Though it doesn't match up to Lualhati Bautista's masterpiece, "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?", all in all, "Dekada '70" is still a very good drama. 9/10
A brilliant film but an awkward adaptation
piba1620 August 2006
Lualhati Bautista's Dekada '70 (as directed by Chito Rono) is a film executed masterfully. The film captures every aspect of the seventies from the wardrobe, the music and even the atrocious hairstyles. Even the overall look of the film evokes some age; it was as if the movie was actually shot in the 1970s. For a person who has yet to read the novel, Chito Rono's film is a good-enough version. It tells the narrative of the novel and is, perhaps, better than the novel since it is able to draw emotions from the audience. The problem lies once the person has read the novel; in the novel, the focus is on Amanda Bartolome (Vilma Santos). Her husband, Julian Bartolome (Christopher De Leon), is practically non-existent. Bu introducing the husband, the impact of Amanda Bartolome is lessened since as Julian declares in the film, "It's a man's world." Thus, at the start of the film, Amanda appears to be a pushover, a doormat to her domineering husband. It is only at the end that she manages to redeem herself. But despite that, the film successfully conveys the raw emotions and turmoil that were surging throughout the seventies, a time when the rights of every individual was threatened.
not as good as the book
desire_of_the_endless16 August 2004
Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista has to be one of my most favorite books. The story of Amanda Bartolome's tale of dealing with her family, and self-discovery during the turbulent era of Martial Law in the Philippines really was as entertaining as it was eye-opening. It's really too bad that the movie failed to capture the actual essence of the book.
First of all, the true main character of the story is really Amanda. In the movie, amanda just has a few thoughts and reflections at the beginning and the end of the movie and nothing more. It really focuses on how her family grows as a family, and is affected by the drastic changes and events at that time. What I really wanted to see was Amanda's thoughts as the events of the story occur.
But if not looking at the book and not really looking at Amanda as the protagonist, you can see that the movie explains well what could have happened to any common bourgeois family in those times. You can also see the just how powerful the acting of Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Dimples Romana and Marvin Agustin was in this film. Even Jhong Hilario, Carlos Agassi, Tirso Cruz III, Carlo Munoz, and John Wayne Sace gave good performances. I personally found that the characters such as Mara and Jason were taken for granted. Ana Capri didn't do justice as Jules' wife and role model for Amanda, and though Danilo Barrios gave a pretty good performance as Jason, I didn't really see him as the wild child Jason was. And Piolo Pascual didn't really for me look the part of Jules. For one thing, He's too much of a pretty boy, and another is that his acting is so-so. The transition of scenes also left me a tad confused at times.
All in all, this movie deserves a 9/10, but seeing how different and in that way, inferior it is to the book, no offense to Lualhati bautista who wrote the book and the screenplay, plus a few other weak elements, I think it deserves a 7/10. But it still is a good movie. I recommend it to everyone whether you are a Filipino or a foreigner, whether you were present in those times or not, it is a movie you will enjoy.
First of all, the true main character of the story is really Amanda. In the movie, amanda just has a few thoughts and reflections at the beginning and the end of the movie and nothing more. It really focuses on how her family grows as a family, and is affected by the drastic changes and events at that time. What I really wanted to see was Amanda's thoughts as the events of the story occur.
But if not looking at the book and not really looking at Amanda as the protagonist, you can see that the movie explains well what could have happened to any common bourgeois family in those times. You can also see the just how powerful the acting of Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Dimples Romana and Marvin Agustin was in this film. Even Jhong Hilario, Carlos Agassi, Tirso Cruz III, Carlo Munoz, and John Wayne Sace gave good performances. I personally found that the characters such as Mara and Jason were taken for granted. Ana Capri didn't do justice as Jules' wife and role model for Amanda, and though Danilo Barrios gave a pretty good performance as Jason, I didn't really see him as the wild child Jason was. And Piolo Pascual didn't really for me look the part of Jules. For one thing, He's too much of a pretty boy, and another is that his acting is so-so. The transition of scenes also left me a tad confused at times.
All in all, this movie deserves a 9/10, but seeing how different and in that way, inferior it is to the book, no offense to Lualhati bautista who wrote the book and the screenplay, plus a few other weak elements, I think it deserves a 7/10. But it still is a good movie. I recommend it to everyone whether you are a Filipino or a foreigner, whether you were present in those times or not, it is a movie you will enjoy.
excellent
voltaire_esguerra12 October 2006
This movie is not just a mere re-enactment of the 70's and was not just about martial law. It is a melo-drama of a true Filipino family which can transcend even to the succeeding generations. It is definitely one of the smartest screenplays of our time. It was well directed and the cast was well casted. Everything from the cinematography, production design, musical scoring and lights really gave more impact and drama to the film. It was able to bring us back and make us feel the film. I recommend this film,it is worth every peso to watch it. It touches pertinent issues in the society such as politics and the importance of parents and the value of the family in shaping the nation,by promoting nationalism and love for country.
Chronicles the experiences of a Filipino family living in the shadow of martial law.
saint_sara21 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
A quintessential, though rather stereotypical, look at a Filipino family living in the 1970s: a patriarchal father that seeks to hide all forms of emotion, a tired housewife that centers her entire life around her family, a good-looking, responsible first-born son that runs off to be a rebel and fight for a greater cause, a second son that gets a girl pregnant (every 70's family's worst nightmare) and becomes an OFW, and a third son that gets picked up by the police one night and found murdered in a dump site. But the movie is one of raw power, pregnant with meaning from every end, and one that will touch the hearts of Filipinos who still feel the ghost of martial law in their midst.
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