Kisapmata

I continue to be astounded at the topics these classic Filipino movies have tackled considering how conservative the Filipino people were during this era. Kisapmata shows the ugly side of a tightly knit family in the throes of leadership under the Devil himself. I know this story, I used to read about it in the tabloids every single day. The fear that the whole family has for the Father is baffling, there is absolutely nothing you can do but feel as powerless as they do. The amount of control and subtlety Mike de Leon shows here is elegant. Nothing is thrown at your face, instead, things slowly creep under your skin until you're filled with a sense of terror and loathing from your head down to your toes. The moody dream sequences left me totally in awe, I found myself literally shuddering. Did I mention this was based on actual events? Yeah, I think I would consider this a horror film. I'm very impressed! Also, how GORGEOUS is Charo Santos?? Unreal..