Don Victorino Hernandez, a creole secular priest from Manila, has two passions: botany and the total conversion of the native population particularly the Agtas, who in spite of the rigorous undertakings of Spanish colonialism continue to live in the hinterlands, giving them a notorious reputation in the minds of the lowlanders as well as the colonizers.
His initial assignment in an affluent parish in Bikol gives him the chance to pursue his interest in plants. The lush tropical landscape provides him with a variety of flora for his collection while he performs the task of conversion. He encounters Dunag, an Agta girl whose life will intertwine with his, along with Sikaw, her lover; and Guada, a former balyana or pre-colonial priestess.
Dunag, who eluded Sikaw in a tribal marriage practice, finds sanctuary in the church as well as in Don Hernandez. In her conversion to the Catholic faith, Dunag is guided by Guada, who continues to practice her animist beliefs despite being Hernandez’s convent help. In turn, Dunag helps Sikaw in his conversion when they decide to get married against the wishes of Don Hernandez. The priest sees this as an act of defiance against his own scheme for them; their marriage triggers his descent into paranoia and violence.
Don Hernandez is eventually reassigned by church authorities to a much smaller and much more desolate doctrina or mission post. Don Hernandez's faith and intellect are challenged by Natividad, a folk healer, who claims to have dreamt the Virgin Mary. Tormented by Natividad’s claim and after several haunting experiences, Don Hernandez decides his fate.
Dunag, who eluded Sikaw in a tribal marriage practice, finds sanctuary in the church as well as in Don Hernandez. In her conversion to the Catholic faith, Dunag is guided by Guada, who continues to practice her animist beliefs despite being Hernandez’s convent help. In turn, Dunag helps Sikaw in his conversion when they decide to get married against the wishes of Don Hernandez. The priest sees this as an act of defiance against his own scheme for them; their marriage triggers his descent into paranoia and violence.
Don Hernandez is eventually reassigned by church authorities to a much smaller and much more desolate doctrina or mission post. Don Hernandez's faith and intellect are challenged by Natividad, a folk healer, who claims to have dreamt the Virgin Mary. Tormented by Natividad’s claim and after several haunting experiences, Don Hernandez decides his fate.
The controversial film that got initially an X-Rating by the MTRCB. Ilan sa mga eksenang natanggal at nawala ay iyong eksena na ginawang patuka ng manok ang ostiya, pinalitan yung subtitle ng body of christ into different language. 2nd is yung scene na pagbabaon ng ostiya sa ilalim ng lupa and 3rd is yung pag suck ni Alex ng nipples ni Mitch.
A period film that tell us the story between the relationship of native Filipinos to parish priest. Kung paano hinikayat ng mga kastila ang katutubo na maging Kristyano. Maraming simbolismo sa pelikula na nagbigay mensahe sa atin upang balikan ang ating nakaraan at ipaalala ang ating pinagmulan.
Alex Medina is good in the film. As well as the rests of the casts that are native in Bicol. Story and Screenplay is good and may mga eksena talaga na may mas malalim pa na ibig sabihin. Musical Scoring is also good hearing the native songs from Bicol. Production design and look of the film fits the period that it was covered.
Maayos ang kabuuan ng pelikula. Kailangan mo lamang intindihing mabuti ang mga bawat eksena, pag isipan at pagnilayan upang iyong makuwa ang gustong sabihin.
My Verdict: 3/5
A period film that tell us the story between the relationship of native Filipinos to parish priest. Kung paano hinikayat ng mga kastila ang katutubo na maging Kristyano. Maraming simbolismo sa pelikula na nagbigay mensahe sa atin upang balikan ang ating nakaraan at ipaalala ang ating pinagmulan.
Alex Medina is good in the film. As well as the rests of the casts that are native in Bicol. Story and Screenplay is good and may mga eksena talaga na may mas malalim pa na ibig sabihin. Musical Scoring is also good hearing the native songs from Bicol. Production design and look of the film fits the period that it was covered.
Maayos ang kabuuan ng pelikula. Kailangan mo lamang intindihing mabuti ang mga bawat eksena, pag isipan at pagnilayan upang iyong makuwa ang gustong sabihin.
My Verdict: 3/5
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| Alex Medina @ screening of Angustia |
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| Ma. Isabel Lopez and Alex Medina @ screening of Angustia |
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