Japanese occupation in the
Philippines in a film (“Oro, Plata, Mata”, “Tatlong Taong Walang DIyos”, “Aishite
Itmasu”, “Markova: Comfort Gay”, “Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure”) is not new
but Sundalong Kanin gave it a different flavor that is not only scrumptious but
also epic.
The movie narrates the story of
four children who aspired to become soldiers and tried to find ways in
retaliating against the Japanese colonizers. But as they faced the realities of
war, their world was turned upside down.
Janice O’ Hara’s courageous
efforts in showcasing the loss of child innocence during war times is
remarkable as the Philippine cinema rarely tackled it. She magnificently
presented the harsh times during that era (with a limited budget!) which was told
through the eyes of the children but she made sure that it was not your-ordinary-period-film-used-in-history-class
as she focused rather on the friendship of the four characters that underwent
into a drastic change.
Her lens perfectly captured a
downward trajectory of emotions – from joyful, carefree, and heart-warming to
depressing, pitiful, and suspenseful. She was able to lift the audience’s
spirits as she demonstrated the children’s heroic efforts and innocent antics then
pulled them down instantaneously as she depicted how childish bravery is no
match compared to the unforgiving war situation. In which, the latter could transform
the former from adorable and folly to disheartening. I literally felt the earth’s
weight on my shoulders as the film progressed and I was in distraught when it
ended. It just shows how brilliant O’Hara is in radiating the film’s emotions
to the audience.
Moreover, her narration was very
fluid as it is plot-driven. Every scene contributed to its awesomeness as it
perfectly grasped the development of the storyline and the characters. I am not
against the comicality of one of the extras as the head of the guerilla front after
it was presented in the middle of the film. I believe it was a nice way of trying
to put back one’s sanity after being handed so much negative vibes without
deviating from the narrative. More so, the characterization was effective as it
was very accurate: “Americanized” Filipinos. Indeed, it was a job well done and
Mario O’Hara would be very proud of what his daughter had become!
Kudos also to the great cast most
especially to the four main characters (Nitoy, played by Nathaniel Britt, Benny
played by Isaac Aguirre, Carding, played by Akira Morishita and Badong, played
by Elijah Canlas) for their flawless portrayal! These kids brought innocence when
needed but pulled out a superb outflow of emotions in engaging scenes. Hats off
as well to Marc Abaya for he made sure that aside from singing, acting is also
his forte. Also, Enzo Pineda’s addition in the film was worthy. Art Acuña was very
convincing on his Japanese accent while Paolo O’Hara was amazing in his take as
a filthy barrio chief. Lastly, I would also like to commend Rania Delamar as
Alice because her “dead stare in the abyss” still haunt me
.
I still can’t get over with the film’s
incredible emotional upsurge. I am still astounded on how talented the
production team and the cast are in presenting a period film even with limited resources.
Indeed, the films that depict children as their main characters in this year’s
festival are the frontrunners of the competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if this
would win as O’Hara did give the audience a buffet to feast on. Kanin pa nga!
Rating: 10/10
Photo credits: Cinemalaya
