It's 2011 and we're still in the age of television remakes. This merits a lengthy discussion on how it's supposedly a sign of the TV networks' creative-juice drought, or how it sends a message to aspiring TV writers that they and their new ideas aren't needed. But, we have to admit, the resurgence of the so-called remakes also has a good side. It introduces past cinema, television and literary gems to the new generation.
Gems like Pablo S. Gomez' komiks classic Machete—-the story of a wooden statue that comes alive—are now being adapted into TV by GMA-7. Directed by Don Michael Cuaresma, it airs weeknights on the Kapuso network.
It is now set to capture an entirely different generation, and also a different market. Despite being placed in a kid-friendly timeslot (where networks usually place the likes of fairytale Grazilda and teen soap Mara Clara) and being starred in by the wholesome Aljur Abrenica with a squeaky clean image, we all know that Machete has a not-so-wholesome past.
Machete's earlier incarnations came in the form of ST (the Cesar Montano movie) and TF (the Gardo Versoza film) versions. Both marketed as sexy films, there's no way parents of the early '90s would have allowed their kids to view a movie about a wooden warrior awakened by carnal desires. The first thing that makes the 2011 Machete TV remake interesting and worth observing is to watch how they turn a story now associated with sex flicks into a primetime fare (Although ABS-CBN also had a similar tame version of the tale via their series Komiks).
We saw the weekend re-run of the pilot episode and, yes, it's kid-safe. Focusing on the legend rather than the nakedness of Aljur Abrenica and his abs, GMA-7 turns the wooden sex symbol into an ethnic hero. Machete 2011 is all about the ancient tribal warrior whose unmatched fighting skills nearly makes him invincible. But despite his skills and strength, death comes to him because of his love for Aginaya (Bella Padilla), a princess from a rival tribe.
A mysterious tree grows from his grave, and during the present-time, this tree is cut off by order of Marla (Ryza Cenon) and amidst the protests of Rosella (present-day Bella Padilla). The tree is important to Rosella not only because this is where her mother tells her the legend of Machete, but also implies that she is the present-day Aginaya. The tree, of course, is turned into the wooden Machete statue, by Marla who takes the idea from a stolen sketch by Rosella.
The story-telling in the weekend episode already exhibits a refreshing change in the way the networks do primetime series—it is super fast-paced. It is so fast, the synopsis above does not even cover half of the episode. The main character's childhood is not stretched for a week or two. Machete is seen being drawn, being sculpted and coming to life: all in the same episode.
The series also shows excellent camera-work, even showing aerial shots in the tribal fight scenes set against a marvelous mountain backdrop. The modern scenes featuring the clashes of the rich and spoiled villain Ryza and the frequently slapped, beaten and pushed to the ground Bela also play with the foreground and background of the sets and locations.
But despite these observed "changes," Machete still has the tried and tested formula of Philippine teleseryes: like how the rich villains think, act and do their schemes. Ryza tries this kontrabida style of the sharp sing-song speech, raised chin and eyebrows and walking circles against the bida while delivering a demeaning dialogue, but fails because she still appears soft and meek to be a convincing mean girl.
Bela Padilla, relatively a newcomer, meanwhile is a revelation in acting like a veteran artist, being comfortable in front of the camera and exhibiting an onscreen presence, sometimes looking like Bea Alonzo. She successfully portrays a character who is often mistreated but is no weakling.
The title role Machete, having been portrayed by Philippine cinema's Pinoy tough studs, is a tough one. It could have been perfect for the late Marky Cielo, considering his heritage and how he embraced this heritage during his short showbiz stint.
Aljur has the body to be this generation's Machete (good for him!) but his soft facial features and mild manner of speaking can be a problem, especially since he's supposed to be the greatest and most skillfull fighter in history. These same qualities also give the impression that he's too young for the role, looking just like a young boy in costume. He must work harder to appear and act more tough, mature and experienced.
The weekend recap episode established the series' premise concisely and effectively. The story now focuses on how Machete, a warrior from the olden times, should blend in modern Manila (but having Grazilda, the fairy tale character who was thrown into Manila before Machete, lessens the impact of this arc), and we expect some "mountain man in the city" jokes anytime soon. Of course, we will also be watching how Machete and Aginaya find each other, Marla's evil plots notwithstanding.
If Machete sticks with its quick story-telling style and its actors improve in time, it's on the way to becoming a good adaptation of the komiks classic. We also expect new villains and story arcs to add spice to this Pinoy mythology.
Over all, Machete has the potential to introduce to a younger audience a new hero that's truly Pinoy and tied to our history and heritage. We just hope that GMA-7 takes advantage of this connection to not just come up with another fantaserye, but also to create something that's intelligent, informed and culturally-enriching.