Watching Viva Films' Baler is like watching a
majestic eagle fly with huge stones attached to its feet—the eagle's innate
grace and splendor are dragged down by the unnecessary baggage. The sub-par editing and production of the
film handicap the otherwise noteworthy performances of its main actors,
particularly that of Jericho Rosales.
SYNOPSIS. Baler is the love story of Feliza (Anne Curtis), the daughter of a rebel commander and Celso, a half-Spanish soldier (Jericho Rosales), set in the twilight years of the Spanish regime in the Philippines. The young couple struggle to keep their forbidden love alive despite familial and political tensions, culminating in an almost year-long blockade known as the Siege of Baler.
"Love is difficult in times of war," says a Filipino soldier named Lope (Mark Bautista) who serves the Spanish army, like Celso does. His statement encapsulates the movie's theme. The main conflict, that of Anne and Jericho's relationship, takes place against a backdrop of clashes between father and son, mother and daughter, duty to family and country, and loyalty and self-preservation. Thus, Baler explores the question of whether love—romantic, familial or patriotic—can survive the most brutal of human endeavors: War.
THE CONS. I am thankful I am not a film student; otherwise, I am sure that I will have a lot more beef to grind against how Baler was made. Instead of cultivating a sense of dread, drama, or even desperation for the plight of the Spanish soldiers, the scenes were cut in a way that prevents viewers from forming an emotional attachment to the characters. A siege is supposed to be nerve-wracking but the fight scenes merely looked like a messy montage.
The movie's production also leaves much to be desired. A little more attention to detail could have
helped viewers in suspending their disbelief.
For instance, a soldier blows a shiny trumpet even after everything in
their fort had turn to grime. The fingernails of Ryan Eigenmann remain pristine
even as the soldiers are supposed to be languishing under the siege. And why would Anne Curtis read a letter
while holding a gas lamp underneath the document?
THE PROS. Fortunately, the performances of the main stars are the one shining light in this movie. Phillip Salvador emphatically personifies the bitter Filipino victimized by foreigners. His hatred for the Spaniards is white-hot and all-encompassing; the only thing that stops his hatred from consuming him is his love for his child and for the grandson he later learns to love. His journey of forgiveness symbolizes the difficult yet nonetheless attainable path toward the reconciliation between invaders (Spaniards) and their victims (Filipinos).
Anne Curtis does a commendable performance of getting viewers to disregard her obviously mestiza features and accept her as the full-blooded Filipina she portrays. Also noteworthy is her willingness to put everything into her character. When she is wracked by sorrow, everything in her shows it—shivering body and grimacing face included. Dyosa-beauty notwithstanding, she ably portrays the role of a simple girl denied her love by the ravages of war.
The real gem of Baler, however, is Jericho Rosales. Playing a half-Spanish soldier who remains hopeful despite the seemingly impossible odds against their love, Jericho's character is the one viewers identify with most easily. Celso is exactly the man you would want with you in times of hardship—working despite the odds, loyal amidst difficulties, gentle but not averse to the use of force, ultimately true to his heart. Single-handedly, Jericho connects the viewers emotionally to the Spaniards traditionally regarded as the enemies of Filipinos.
THE VERDICT. Baler has a good story to tell and the actors portraying their roles have done their best to dramatize that tale. Director Mark Meily says that Baler is based on a true story and with this historical film, Filipinos will be able to appreciate the rich culture and wealth of experiences that we can cull from our ancestors. Essentially, Baler is a siege of the senses for viewers.
This Metro Manila Film Fest entry is endorsed by the
Department of Education.
Baler will open in cinemas nationwide starting
Christmas Day, December 25.
