December 16, 2024
The country of Kalayaan was a monarchy led by their royal family led by Lakan Makisig Nandula (Vic Sotto). He had three children, namely Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes) and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez). One day, armed secessionist rebels led by Wigan (Archi Adamos) sowed chaos in broad daylight as her convoy was crossing a bridge en route to her wedding to the Prince of Thailand.
Meanwhile in a remote province in the north, there was a farmer named Sulo (Piolo Pascual) who lived with his grandfather Lolo Kip (Soliman Cruz). Because his father Sigwa (Arnold Reyes) was executed for committing a crime, Sulo had no markings on his skin, the sign of a Tinatwa (Banished), the lowest caste in society, poorest of the poor. His father's death scene scarred him and his palm to the present time.
The main concept of this film was a bold reimagination of what the Philippines would be like if it was never colonized by foreign powers from since the dawn of her history. The main peg is Thailand, a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliamentary government. The code of laws, ceremonial dress, and formal language has remained basically native Filipino, with foreign influences only as a result of more modern globalization.
In fictional Kalayaan, the Lakan was essentially a dictatorial strongman, with a puppet prime minister. The soldiers of his military are called Bagani. His royal guards are called Kalasag. His decisions are guided by his Punong Babaylan (Ruby Ruiz), a shaman who can divine the future. It is already 2024, yet ancient forms of capital punishment for crimes and duels challenged via the law of retribution ("tugmaan") are still being practiced.
We see a very different Vic Sotto here. His Lakan Makisig was unsmiling, serious, restrained, dignified as king should be. Piolo Pascual imbued his peasant Sulo with a rare intensity and palpable pride. Sid Lucero gave his Bagwis a strong anti-hero vibe, as his usual. Cristine Reyes's portrayal of Matimyas was reminiscent of her Imee in "Maid in Malacanang" (2022). Sue Ramirez's breezy Lualhati gave us something to smile about amidst the intrigue.
You can clearly see the efforts of director Michael Tuviera, scriptwriter Michelle Ngu and production designer Nestor Abrogena Jr. to build this alternate reality within which our country existed in the film. They were advised by professors of history and anthropology to guide their world-building. They were meticulous in details of fashion, ornaments, tattoos, and interior decor. Direction, screenplay, production and costume design merit award consideration. 8/10
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