CONGRATULATIONS and acclamation have been poured out upon the first directorial job of veteran journalist Arlyn dela Cruz’s Maratabat, or “Pride and Honor,” which made a limited run from December 17 to 24 under the Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave Category.
And it is not because of the unlimited coverage of the press who went out primarily to support and who eventually wrote heaps upon heaps of praise for the work of a colleague who dared to venture into filmmaking, but especially because of what I believe is to the ordinary moviegoers—at least to Filipino moviegoers—the best thing that a movie can offer—a superb casting.
Maratabat’s actors, veterans and newbies alike, captured the admiration of the audience even just a few minutes into the film.
Even to the uninitiated who does not make movie-going a habit, the slightly familiar and mostly unfamiliar faces effectively drew the emotions expected of the scenes.
But the actors who made the most impact were the indie actors, particularly a guy named Kristoper King who, I believe, deserves at least a best actor nomination.
I am not a regular movie-going person myself and, in fact, the last movie I’ve watched in a regular theater has been some years back.
It goes without saying that I am not easily impressed by films and would only watch it when left with no choice.
I do not regret having watched Maratabat, though, because, as I confessed to Arlyn after watching the movie, I think Maratabat, despite its disclaimer, is inevitably linked to a true-to-life event which in the history of the journalism profession in the country is one of its darkest.
The film definitely challenged each and every journalist who watched it by its insightful prodding to discover for themselves the truth to the film’s new revelations.
I have followed Arlyn ever since the publication of her first book about her abduction by a rebel group.
What inspires me most is the fact that this courageous lady remains a bundle of joy, a beautiful person unaffected by what could have been major setbacks in the lives of ordinary and less determined people.
Congratulations, Arlyn, and may you inspire and surprise us more in your future endeavors! BEEN THERE DONE THAT/JOSEPHINE JARON-CODILLA
