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Ang Panahon ng Halimaw (Season of Devil)
By Nikki Beato
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In this film, there were a lot of metaphors used, and really has much deeper meaning than we think it is. I have watched other films similar to this, “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw,” but was amazed by the cinematography. It was my first time watching a black and white film and their scripts were sung in acapella wherein music is completely devoid and only the sound of their footsteps, birds chirping, and the wind is in the background, but the people’s screams for help in this deafening silence is so loud and clear.
While watching the film, the silence did not bore me but rather made me furious at how much power the soldiers want to be the rulers of the small town, Ginto. The film started with two soldiers scheming on how they can rule over the town which was by manipulating the beliefs of the citizens, telling them that the killings were made by monsters. There are three citizens with a different story, same intentions, to restore the peace. One is Hugo (Piolo Pascual), searching for his missing wife (Shaina Magdayao) who visited the town to help the citizens as she is a doctor and wants to help the people.
Second is Kwago (Pinky Amador), who is seeking justice for what happened to her family. The third was Paham (Bart Guingona) who is in sorrow about what happened to his town, how they have been overpowered by those monsters. When he visited the soldiers and asked why they are doing this, the soldiers answered him, “It’s just my job, my friend, my job” the soldiers think that by ruling the town means they are the law. I got goosebumps after Paham said, “What you're doing is never right. If man is afraid and has lost trust, it isn't order when you use guns and bullets. it isn't order if man isn't free” and immediately agreed on what he said.
This film’s story is so strong that in every line and actions have a hidden meaning. I would recommend this film to everyone especially now that something from the past might happen again. The film might look boring but as you watch it carefully, you will understand what happened and is still happening to our country. Officials are not the leaders, they are only representatives for managing a peaceful community. We are still much more powerful than them if we would just work together in fighting against bad governance.
Cast:
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Piolo Pascual as Hugo Haniway
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Shaina Magdayao as Lorena Haniway
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Bituin Escalante as Kwentista
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Pinky Amador as Kwago
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Bart Guingon as Paham
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Hazel Orencio as Tenyente
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Joel Saracho as Ahas
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Angel Aquino as Anghelita
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Lilit Reyes as Militia 2
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Don Melvin Boongaling as Militia 1
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Noel Sto. Domingo as Chairman Narciso
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Ian Lomongo as Ian
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Junji Delfino as Aling Maria
Genre: Musical
Director: Lav Diaz
Writer: Lav Diaz