What is life to people after being devastated by a typhoon? How could they live after the tragedies? How will they stay to be as one? These are some of my questions while watching Iisa (As One), a film directed by Chuck Gutierrez. The film was then described as “a thriller about a never-ending war, a town ravaged by a devastating storm and the woman caught in between.” But the film was more than that. 

 

Iisa started through a shot from the sky. It was raining heavily, then revealing human bodies that were all lying in the mud. The opening scene has made me feel interested in continuing to watch the film. It made me ask what happened, and what will happen next. As the actors try to retrieve the dead bodies in the flood as well as try to know their identities, the story progresses to another conflict. The story revealed the character of Ross, played by Angeli Bayani, a teacher in NPA territory, and a picture of another devastation in the film. She was married to an NPA soldier Rufo, played by Jess Mendoza, but their child was separated from them. Their child was in the hands of Rufo’s wealthy parents, played by Mitch Valdez as Emma. Ross wanted to live a normal life for her son, so she did everything even to the extent of committing a sin against the Party. Bayani’s visuals were exceptional. She was able to put the character of Ross into someone whom the viewers will get interested in. 

 

The film showcased the aftermath of Bagyong Pablo, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2012. The typhoon landed in Mindanao, which caused widespread destruction to areas of Mindanao. It destroyed houses, destroyed crops, brought flooding, and the worst of all, the cause of death of the residents. The narration of Sister Jo, played by Rio Locsin, as to how she witnessed the disaster will definitely let the audiences reimagine what it was like. Locsin also played a significant role in the film. She was the spiritual element in the film, who was also a member of the Party. 

 

Arnel Mardoquio’s script has made the film be taken with seriousness. The character’s dialogue will make you think twice, be bothered, and question a lot of things in life. Dexter Dela Peña’s cinematography is commendable. He was able to deal with the challenges while shooting given that the film was mostly shot outside. He was able to present the film beautifully depicting the location but also showcasing the disaster. There was a shot I love the most. It was the shot of a bon fire then revealing the survivors behind it. I take it as a metaphor about the disaster and how the survivor strived to continue living after experiencing a life’s threatening situation. Because, in most situations, the problem of survivors is about how they could live after losing their home, their things, and even their loved ones. In addition, Emerzon Texon’s musical score is impactful. It added gravity to the film. When the music is heard, you will definitely be quiet and will just want to feel the music. 

 

Every character played their role excellently. With the right emotion and acting, they were able to narrate and present what it is like to be a member of NPA, damaged by the typhoon, and needing help to survive from hunger but doing their best to stay away from the military. Indeed, Gutierrez had well-thought of the cast, carefully picking which role should be given to each one. 

 

Iisa had bravely presented and tackled the ever relevant topic in Philippine setting - aids during disaster, as well as the NPAs. The film will let you think about the institutions, the unending fight in order to survive, the wealthy people becoming more wealthy, the poor being left behind, the government’s steps during calamities, the hoarding of supplies during calamities, and the politicians. 

 

The film talks about the tragedy during disaster and to one’s life. Let us not romanticize the movement. Use the film to let yourself see the truth that lies behind what we only know. Watching the film, I get attached to the character of Ross. At first, I found her to be so mysterious that she returned to the collapsed chapel as if she was finding something important but was unable to find it. When I knew the reason why she committed the sin, I understood her. There was no such thing as precious as mother’s love. How her story ended should be watched by everyone. 

 

Lastly, the ending frame was beautiful. It was carefully attached to how the film started - the sky, the heavens, the heavy rain but with a twist of emotions given to the viewers. 

 

Indeed, Iisa (As One) is a film told from reality. It carefully depicted a kind of story that can easily be forgotten - disasters and survivors. We will see the aftermath of disasters, and how tragic the life of people can get. Make sure to open your mind and be ready to get disturbed while watching the film, because it is only in this way that you can understand the film in its deepest sense. 

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