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Ang Hupa

The Halt
Lav Diaz
Philippines 2019
278 min
V'19

Lav Diaz has long been the cinematic poet and prophet of the Philippines, and his new feature THE HALT upholds this title. Set in 2034 in a vaguely futuristic world, it shows us a Manila that is also eerily, familiarly decrepit. And it presents one of the most scathing, sadistic, and psychotic portraits of a political leader in recent cinema in the figure of President Nirvano Navarro (on par with Sokurov’s portrait of Hirohito in THE SUN). THE HALT features a large cast and myriad parallel stories: a revolutionary fighter, Hook Torollo, forced into hiding; a traumatized sex worker called Hammy seeking solace; and two lesbian military soldiers and lovers, who slavishly fulfill the President’s repressive orders. As always in Diaz’s work, discussions on ideology and political exigencies abound, particularly with the hesitant Hook, who finally rejects direct political action to work serving the poor. This time, there is also considerable narrative thrust, as Hook joins a plot to assassinate Navarro. Like most of Diaz’s films of late, THE HALT is filmed in somber black-and-white and steeped in dark shadows that suggest a world devoid of pleasure and justice. (Ela Bittencourt)

In the presence of Lav Diaz and Hazel Orencio (producer).

Credits
  • Hazel Orencio - Martha Officio
  • Piolo Pascual - Hook Torollo
  • Joel Lamangan - President Navarra
  • Shaina Magdayao - Haminilda Rios
  • Mara Lopez - Marissa Ventura
  • Lav Diaz
  • Lav Diaz
  • Daniel Uy
  • Corinne De San Jose
  • Lav Diaz
  • Jemboy Aguilar
  • Max Celada
  • Allen Alzola
Sine Olivia Pilipinas

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