Piolo Pascual (left) in a scene from “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw”
Lav Diaz’s political drama “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw,” starring Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao, is an odd cinematic brew that unapologetically turns the movie musical genre on its head—and, like his winking references to a boxer, an actor and a comedian in the film, we expect no less provocation from the acclaimed Filipino auteur.
The irrepressible filmmaker behind such screen classics as “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” (our personal favorite) and “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (his most commercial film to date) has single-handedly made his “lengthy” productions accessible, even in the local mainstream industry.
Diaz’s latest film is an “intense cri de coeur” that reminds viewers of the dangers of martial law as it takes a scathing swipe at how the Filipino people have conveniently chosen to ignore the lessons of the past, as well as the leaders who callously propagate “myths” to justify violence and abusive behavior.
Deadly crossfire
It follows the story of troubled poet Hugo (Piolo) who goes to Ginto, a small town overrun by military operatives under the leadership of a two-faced despot, in search of his missing wife, volunteer doctor Lorena (Shaina).
But, Hugo quickly finds himself caught in the deadly crossfire when the oppressed villagers decide to fight back but get punished for it.
Piolo Pascual (left) and Shaina Magdayao
“Halimaw” is movingly anchored on a devastating tale that desperately needs to be told, and we’ve long been acclimatized to the plot-setting longueurs inherent in Diaz’s deeply ruminative stories.
But, we find it hard to wrap our head around some of its cast members’ “underwhelming” musicality and melodic ineptness (like the lesbian lieutenant who’s made to “prattle” a lot).
Wince-inducing moments
To say the least, these wince-inducing moments of self-indulgence dilute the impact of “Halimaw’s” powerful and provocative narrative.
If Diaz didn’t want singers who couldn’t act, couldn’t he find actors who could sing (like the surprisingly proficient Shaina, Bart Guingona, Pinky Amador and the vocally gifted Bituin Escalante) and give justice to his dissonant “melodies”?
It’s like listening to your annoying, tone-deaf neighbors singing their hearts out at full throttle—but without the music. The only difference is, they’re right there on the big screen “singing” just for you!