Heremias

HEREMIAS (UNANG AKLAT: ANG ALAMAT NG PRINSESANG BAYAWAK)

HEREMIAS (BOOK ONE: THE LEGEND OF THE LIZARD PRINCESS)
Lav Diaz
Philippinen 2006
515 min
V'06

A hurricane is about to hit the Philippines and the inhabitants of Caromatan, a country village, are preparing to be evacuated to a more secure area. But Heremias, a peddlar, decides not to join the group and goes off on his own with his cart. This is the beginning of the man's long voyage that will take him to the town of Hapon, after he has been robbed of all his goods. Heremias is tracking the thieves, and by chance overhears a group of young people planning to kidnap, rape and murder a girl. He tells a police sergeant, who advises him to forget everything he heard because one of the young men is the son of a very influential politician. Even the local priest refuses to help him.

It is no coincidence that the protagonist, Heremias, has a biblical name. The trials that face him would make anyone renounce their faith. But not Heremias. As in his monumental epic Evolution of a Filipino Family, Diaz provides a picture, through a personal drama, of social conditions in the Philippines as these have developed during the 20th century. The rural locations, captured in beautiful black & white images, give the film and its story a timeless aspect. This also emphasises the parable element in this unmistakable morality tale. In addition, the film provides an almost meditative viewing experience. The long, uncut shots slowly draw the viewer into a story with an enormous emotional impact. (Gertjan Zuilhof)

Credits
  • Perry Dizon
  • Ronnie Lazaro
  • Jordan
  • Cid Lucero
  • Roeder
  • Dante Balaois
  • Simon Ibarra
  • Lav Diaz
  • Mara Benitez
  • Arvie Bartolome
  • Earl Drilon
  • Bob Macabenta
  • Lia Martinez
  • Lav Diaz
  • Lav Diaz
  • Earl Drilon
  • Yeye Calderon
  • Noel Miralles
sine olivia 11A Mirasol Townhomes Mirasol Street, Cubao Quezon City, Philippinen T 92 0591 6315 lavrente@yahoo.com

sine olivia 11A Mirasol Townhomes Mirasol Street, Cubao Quezon City, Philippinen T 92 0591 6315 lavrente@yahoo.com

Video (Betacam SP)
bw