I just saw this film last Sunday on my tv connected to a digital receiver (aka "black box") and had no idea how good it was. This is most likely the best Filipino western ever made. Director Artemio Marquez has written an ideal script to showcase action star Lito Lapid's unique skills and abilities.
First, the technical aspects of the film are exceptional from the music to the cinematography. The latter is particularly noteworthy for capturing the screenplay's epic scope. Second, Marquez's direction is top notch and drew out inspired performances from all the actors and actresses involved including beauty queen Melanie Marquez and leading man Lapid.
Lapid is truly the star of the show here and every shot of film is a testament to his onscreen agility and dexterity. Unlike other local action stars, Lapid puts a whole new meaning to the word "physicality" and his various stunts in the film are indeed very physical as opposed to the usual, cliched sequence of an actor with a gun, going through the motions. Marquez's movie is obviously Lapid's most ambitious film after classics Leon Guerrero, Julian Valiente and Kamagong. In many of his classic films, Lapid literally could "fly" like Michael Jordan because of his remarkable acrobatic skills. Even Hong Kong stars Jacky Chan and Yuen Biao would obviously be impressed by Lapid's aerial stunts.
The most memorable action scene in the film is when Lapid's character Kristo lands a series of punches on a bandit while sliding downwards on a steep ravine. All of the fight scenes are in fact, energetic and brimming with adrenaline. One imagines the meticulous preparation, amount of rehearsals and hard work that went into these superb sequences. Also worth noting is one of the earlier appearances of a young Val Iglesias as one of the villains.
Melanie Marquez's turn as an action heroine is also commendable. She did a compelling job as a convincing gunfighter and wasn't content to be just a woman in distress, in bad need of saving by the hero. Her role proves that the part of a leading lady shouldn't be limited to an ornamental function.
In conclusion, Marquez's film is a fantastic display of daring and hyper masculine swagger. It shows Lapid at the top of his game.
First, the technical aspects of the film are exceptional from the music to the cinematography. The latter is particularly noteworthy for capturing the screenplay's epic scope. Second, Marquez's direction is top notch and drew out inspired performances from all the actors and actresses involved including beauty queen Melanie Marquez and leading man Lapid.
Lapid is truly the star of the show here and every shot of film is a testament to his onscreen agility and dexterity. Unlike other local action stars, Lapid puts a whole new meaning to the word "physicality" and his various stunts in the film are indeed very physical as opposed to the usual, cliched sequence of an actor with a gun, going through the motions. Marquez's movie is obviously Lapid's most ambitious film after classics Leon Guerrero, Julian Valiente and Kamagong. In many of his classic films, Lapid literally could "fly" like Michael Jordan because of his remarkable acrobatic skills. Even Hong Kong stars Jacky Chan and Yuen Biao would obviously be impressed by Lapid's aerial stunts.
The most memorable action scene in the film is when Lapid's character Kristo lands a series of punches on a bandit while sliding downwards on a steep ravine. All of the fight scenes are in fact, energetic and brimming with adrenaline. One imagines the meticulous preparation, amount of rehearsals and hard work that went into these superb sequences. Also worth noting is one of the earlier appearances of a young Val Iglesias as one of the villains.
Melanie Marquez's turn as an action heroine is also commendable. She did a compelling job as a convincing gunfighter and wasn't content to be just a woman in distress, in bad need of saving by the hero. Her role proves that the part of a leading lady shouldn't be limited to an ornamental function.
In conclusion, Marquez's film is a fantastic display of daring and hyper masculine swagger. It shows Lapid at the top of his game.
