Not many Filipino films hauntingly capture how a cause takes root, draw people in & make them hopeful, only to find out its true cost at the end.
In fact, mere association can get you into deep
trouble. From mentor to student, brother to brother, bystander to fighter, the
fires of one’s principles & beliefs can easily spread and take hold of
one’s actions. The film showed how a nation’s identity is formed, sometimes
incidentally, only to be later inflamed by brutality. History books simply wrote 3 priests faced execution after false accusations. But its portrayal on screen was so emotional,
it had me crying even after the credits rolled. Fr. Gomez, at the edge of his
life, could only entrust his fate to God. Fr. Zamora was too deep in his depression
for just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Fr. Burgos, once passionate
fighting for his & other people’s rights amidst prejudice, was unnerved
with disbelief that justice has been denied from them for so little evidence.
Perhaps we can also relate more to the ones who escaped such dire fate. Caught on advocacies without truly knowing its weight, we eventually cave in to cowardice when the going gets tough due to pressure, lack of money, maybe false hopes and promises. After the film, I felt like I owe an apology for not being able to hold the line for those who taught us to be good and true. I would like to make it up this year with a bit more purposeful and worthwhile activities, God willing.
Fun fact: I sent audition videos a little late for small parts but if you noticed, it was a male dominated film & the closest female role I can recall is that of the nun running to Fr. Gomez screaming in panic that the police was here to arrest him ahahaha. Would still have taken that role just because it’s a JesCom production.
Side Note: Theater thespian Cedrick Juan is haunting my
dreams.
