I had been wanting to watch Lav Diaz's films for the longest time. I was always fascinated by why he makes such long films. Yesterday, I started his filmography with Norte, The End of History, and I thought that film was tremendous already. It was a great introduction to his work. So today, I decided to watch his 8-hour masterpiece, Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis, or in English, A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery.
My parents and I had planned to watch this days in advance, so we were ready. I woke up at 5:30 AM, and we started the film at 5:45. By the end, I was completely stunned. This is a magical film with some of the most breathtaking visuals I have ever seen. The compositions, framing, and long takes are extraordinary, and I could not get enough of them. The acting performances from Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz are both brilliant, and it is inspiring to see actors of their stature work with one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Filipino director of all time.
Set during the Philippine Revolution, from the aftermath of José Rizal's execution in late December 1896 to the months following the death of Andres Bonifacio in 1897, the film follows several interconnected perspectives. At its center is Gregoria de Jesus as she searches for the remains of her husband, Andres Bonifacio. Alongside her story are the journeys of Simoun, Basilio, and Isagani, characters taken from Rizal's novels, as they wander through a nation haunted by grief, failed ideals, and the uncertainties of revolution. Lav Diaz also weaves Philippine mythology into the narrative through figures such as the Tikbalang and Bernardo Carpio, blurring the line between history, folklore, and national memory.
At just over eight hours long, this was not an easy watch. My eyes were giving up around the five-hour mark, but after some coffee I locked back in. Despite its demanding runtime, I found the experience deeply rewarding. I especially loved the ending and the final reflections of its characters. Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis is a mournful, immersive, and unforgettable meditation on Philippine history, and one of the most unique films I have ever seen.
I had been wanting to watch Lav Diaz's films for the longest time. I was always fascinated by why he makes such long films. Yesterday, I started his filmography with Norte, The End of History, and I thought that film was tremendous already. It was a great introduction to his work. So today, I decided to watch his 8-hour masterpiece, Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis, or in English, A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery.
My parents and I had planned to watch this days in advance, so we were ready. I woke up at 5:30 AM, and we started the film at 5:45. By the end, I was completely stunned. This is a magical film with some of the most breathtaking visuals I have ever seen. The compositions, framing, and long takes are extraordinary, and I could not get enough of them. The acting performances from Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz are both brilliant, and it is inspiring to see actors of their stature work with one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Filipino director of all time.
Set during the Philippine Revolution, from the aftermath of José Rizal's execution in late December 1896 to the months following the death of Andres Bonifacio in 1897, the film follows several interconnected perspectives. At its center is Gregoria de Jesus as she searches for the remains of her husband, Andres Bonifacio. Alongside her story are the journeys of Simoun, Basilio, and Isagani, characters taken from Rizal's novels, as they wander through a nation haunted by grief, failed ideals, and the uncertainties of revolution. Lav Diaz also weaves Philippine mythology into the narrative through figures such as the Tikbalang and Bernardo Carpio, blurring the line between history, folklore, and national memory.
At just over eight hours long, this was not an easy watch. My eyes were giving up around the five-hour mark, but after some coffee I locked back in. Despite its demanding runtime, I found the experience deeply rewarding. I especially loved the ending and the final reflections of its characters. Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis is a mournful, immersive, and unforgettable meditation on Philippine history, and one of the most unique films I have ever seen.
