In Erik Matti's world of half-light, earth tones, murkiness and subterreanean explorations of the literal and metaphorical depth of human quest for survival, "Honor Thy Father"is an unflinching, and unsympathetic mirror. Kafkaesque in scope and depth, the movie effectively tackled the disorientation, alienation and desperation of the characters undone by misfortune.John Lloyd is a good actor. His past performance proved this, but this film dug deeper and demanded far more- and he was able to deliver a riveting, complex and compelling performance. Meryl Soriano did well also. I hope they get the top acting prizes.
Matti's treatment of organized religion is uncomfortable and somehow reductive. Known for his hostile opinion regarding Christianity, or religion, or maybe a facet of fundamentalism, this portrayal is not a surprise. The whole premise of the film is built around this supposed hypocritical group of unrighteous deceivers. I should be disturbed, but I am not because I know this is not an accurate picture, and essentialist in its perspective. Some might say it is a shallow, unfair, and often biased. Again, this is not a surprise, but this is reflective only of the film maker's personal views. I don't agree with the broad-stroke caricature, but as a story-device, it was effective with the complicated and disturbing tapestry. Tirso Cruz III is spellbinding as the bishop. (This is great fodder for theological reflection - is this how we are seen? Is this an accurate portrayal? In what aspects does it hit us? In what ways is it untrue?)
Overall it is an excellent work. It is not perfect, it has flaws, but compared with the other MMFF offerings, it is cut above the rest. Oh, oh... and the sound track! Oh my goodness - that haunting, plaintive lament version of "Ama Namin" is the best! Dong Abay is brilliant. I can't get it out of my mind. Up Dharma Down's cover version of Sampaguita's Tao is also poignantly moving. Go, please watch it. Support well-crafted Filipino films like this.
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