Baler (2008)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

A historical drama based on a siege of a church occupied by Spanish soldiers. Outside, among the Filipinos looking to defeat the Spanish, a woman waits. Inside her love also waits. Both are wondering if and when they will ever be together again. This film gives us another look at life during the Philippine revolution. There are many characters in the movie that I wish to discuss. I can't see focusing on just one. Celso Resurrreccion, is a perfect example of being caught up between sides in a war. He is half Spanish and half "Indio" (as he was referred to in the movie"). He is a soldier for the Spanish army, but in love with a local Filipina girl. His loyalty for his unit and his love for his woman is at odds, as her father fights against the Spanish and is one of the leaders in the siege. Celso makes forays from the church on high risk missions to get provisions (and to see his love), but his loyalty is questions when he is caught leaving without cause. His character is conflicted, but his love remains unquestioned. He loves his woman and will stop at nothing to be with her (an admirable quality). Mr. Reyes is also of interest to me because his character is of a strong and uncompromising man. Having been victimized by the Spanish in the past, he hates them with a passion and has no qualms about destroying his enemies. I felt his angst and actually felt sorry for him when he took a hard line against the wishes of his children. He does soften up a little for his son and grandson, but he does not change his stance or his beliefs. One of the issues I want to further look at is that of love and conviction. Mr. Reyes is strong in his beliefs and will just about disown his children rather than compromise his position. In the end though, Mr. Reyes still loves his children. His son Gabriel is also strong willed, willing to join the priesthood, against his father's wishes. His love of god/religion is strong. Our couples love is also strong, neither willing to give up on love and both able to forsake all others in the name of love, even against warring parties. Another issue I wanted to mention is that of power and control in relation to religion. Some people believe that religion is a social construct designed to hold power over people. Gabriel wanted to join the priests of the church (Spanish Catholicism). His father railed against the idea, saying that his son was being used by the friars and that his son had fallen for their lies. Mr. Reyes saw the Catholic Church as many others did, as a form of social control and tool for assimilation to the Spanish empire. In conclusion, I enjoyed this period film that shows how complicated love and family dynamics can be during a war. As in all wars, families can be torn apart and destroyed by war. I wish it wasn't a romantic tragedy, and I wish that love would conquer all in the end, but unfortunately this film is based on real events and not a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending where everyone lives happily ever after. Del Rosario, V., Rosario-Corpus, V., Genuino, E., Go, H., Rufino, J., Del Rosario, V. (Producers), Meily, M. (Director). (2008) Baler Motion Picture. Philippines: VIVA Films

"This is dragging too long", one of the character said referring to the Baler siege, the same is true of the movie. The movie started fairly well with the story of Celso (Jericho Rosales) and Feliza (Anne Curtis) meeting and falling in love, until the Baler siege happened. The whole middle part of the movie chronicled how the Spaniards sat inside the church waiting for reinforcement to come from Manila, not knowing that Spain is already defeated. In between, there are small stories like Gabriel, the brother of Feliza who wants to be a priest ( this story did not materialize any further after Gabriel went out of the church), the story of the other Filipino/Spanish soldier, Lopa, who fell in love with Luming (Feliza's friend) and the political turmoil of the Spanish Filipino war. Some have criticized the bad Spanish but I appreciate the effort the filmmakers made in making Spaniards speak Spanish. The make up, costume, cinematography are good and the details of the historical context seemed to be well researched. If the facts are true, I must say this is proof that Filipinos are really forgiving people. Even up to now, Filipinos are quick to forgive the sins of their leaders. The filmmakers are laudable for the effort they gave in making a period movie. There was controversy in the source of the funding of this movie but I don't think money was wasted in this movie.

I can relate the movie Baler to my favorite movie, 'Pearl Harbor.' Why? Because both movies revolve in the story of war and is related to romance.I cannot say that this movie was better than Pearl Harbor, of course, because 'Pearl Harbor' was made in Hollywood and effects were worked on very hard, while 'Baler' was made in the Philippines. However, 'Baler,' as I see it, could be something that the Philippine Film Producers can be proud of and is world-class. It is not just good nor very good. It was excellent.Beginning from the plot, the film really did impressed me; and the production like filming locations, acting, and effects were explicit and is undeniably amazing. Also, considering that actors were from the Philippines, the pronunciation of Spanish words were very good that you may not be able to notice that they just memorized their scripts.For the action-packed parts, I need not to elaborate anymore, because if you watch the movie, you will find it yourself. The drama part which was raised by the forbidden love of a Mestizo soldier (Jericho Rosales) and a Filipina lass (Anne Curtis) was also good.8 out of 10 for Baler!

One of the best Filipino movies for me, I am from Maria Aurora a nearby town from Baler and i never known how great the story of the Baler Siege is until i watched the movie.I'm surprised to know that the love story of Celso and Feliza really did exist as what is mentioned on the last part of the movie.The direction is good, while the cinematography was superb.Though a lot of people keep on saying that there are character mismatches in the film, the actors and actresses particularly the lead characters really did a great job.Anne Curtis was beautiful and really effective in her portrayal. She is really commendable Well for me, the movie DEFINITELY deserves its wins especially when you are gonna compare it to some other festival entries.