Movie Review: Death March

Death March was set in Bataan on 1942 tells the story of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers that were forced to march in the blistering heat amidst disease, starvation and maltreatment by the displeasured and disgusted Japanese guards. Miguel is horrified by the dead soldiers talking to him. Alex starts to hallucinate and question his sanity. Roy takes care of his wounded American captain and tries to keep him alive. In the middle of this nightmare, Hatori seems to be unreal - he is both angel, guard, officer and civilian at different times.

I' ve been able to watch the closing film of Cinema One Originals Film Festival and the Philippine Premiere of  Death March, an Un Certain Regard Selection in Cannes Film Festival 2013. The film highlights the series of experiences of fellow Filipino and American soldiers during the death march in 1941. It’s a beautiful representation of what happen during that time. Maganda ang visuals ng film at kakaiba din ang mga screenplay na ipinakita upang ilahad ang kwento ng mga sundalo. Naipadama din ng pelikula ang emosyon na gustong sabihin ng mga characters na sundalo sa pelikula. Especially to Sid Lucero’s character na nagpamalas ng kakaibang lalim na pagganap sa pelikulang ito. Kapuripuri din ang production design na pelikula na isang malaking studio lang pero ginawa nilang parang malaking kalsada. So kakaiba styte talaga ang ginamit sa pelikulang ito from the set design pa lang up to the treatment on how to tackle the history. The films well capture the emotion up to the paranoia of the soldiers during the death march. No wonder this film got in the selection on Un Certain Regard in Cannes Film Festival because of its uniqueness in style, look and treatment of the film. An unconventional film to watch to.

My Verdict: 3.5./5

Zanjoe Marudo @ premiere of Death March

Jason Abalos @ premiere of Death March

Jacky Woo, Jason Abalos, Direk Adolf Alix, Zanjoe Marudo and Evelyn Vargas @ premiere of Death March