Exploring Film and Literary Angles: A Cross-Genre Critique on Cirilo Bautista’s Political Parable and Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ‘70. Lualhati Bautista adapts her own bestselling novel, Dekada 70, into a political drama directed by Chito S. Rono. The film features prominent stars such as Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, Carlos Agassi, Danilo Barrios, and John Wayne Sace. The setting is in Urban Metro Manila during the ’70s.
This story follows the tumultuous lives of Amanda and Julian, a married couple, and their five sons. Throughout the decade, the family witnesses the political changes and struggles imposed by Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law. Despite a relatively peaceful period from the 1970s to 1975, tension within the family rises as Amanda’s eldest son joins a militant group, her son Emmanuel writes communist propaganda, and another son impregnates a girl.
During the years 1976-1979, significant changes occurred as a result of Amanda’s children becoming the voice of reason and understanding. Their strong beliefs and unique perspectives on life paved the way for imminent challenges. In Cerilo Bautista’s parable “What Does a Woman Own,” I found a tangible reflection of the film. The character of an elderly widow, who was robbed by intoxicated military policemen but pleaded against taking what she did not possess, is possibly symbolic of Amanda.
Amanda serves as a symbol of detachment, representing the marginalized role of a mother and housewife in society during that time. Unlike the breadwinners who experienced the dire effects of the Philippines’economic decline, Amanda belonged to the middle class, neither benefitting from the riches nor suffering the worst of the financial crisis. However, under the Marcos regime, her cow, trinkets, and daughter were taken away, and her two sons were killed, leaving her stripped of happiness. Her eldest son was imprisoned while her other son was accidentally killed, highlighting how they were mere puppets in their homeland. This mirrors the parable “The Emperor and the Foolish Writers,” which addresses vigilance, injustices, wakefulness, and the social responsibilities of writers during the Martial Law era.
Human rights advocates and civil libertarians believe that the armed forces and law enforcement committed these atrocities with Marcos’ approval. Marcos’s control over the military prevented other parts of the establishment from speaking out against the abuses, allowing them to continue. Writers in the Philippines viewed the upcoming martial law as a threat to freedom and democracy.
Although the Filipino mass lacked opportunities to voice their opinions and be listened to by the government, they demonstrated their determination to resist the regime through protest writings. Many books and internet sources document the testimonies of various writers during that time, exposing the hardships and brutality endured under Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. This era stands as a testament to their resilience in challenging circumstances.
Although residing in a democratic nation, I was disheartened to discover that during the period of martial law, all aspects were governed and manipulated. This newfound awareness served as a reminder of the significance of advocating for justice, as we must not ignore the events unfolding in our own homeland. The film epitomizes true excellence and sincerity, making it a timeless masterpiece. For individuals contemplating watching it, this movie has the potential to greatly enrich your comprehension of the fundamental principles underlying democracy – a privilege our country presently enjoys. Undeniably, it is an absolute must-see.
