Why I Love and Hate “Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag”
Opportunities. We search and crave for it in hopes of a better life, not just for us, but for our family, the future family of our family, and so on for the generations to come. However, no matter how much we yearn for it, the fact that these opportunities only come for those armed with what is deemed today as necessary, should not be overlooked. The physical attributes, educational attainment, personal connections, power… money. The disappointing truth is that pure hard work and perseverance does not guarantee a better life. It isn’t enough anymore to just “work hard”.
Based on a novel by Edguardo Reyes entitled “In the Claws of Brightness”, the film introduces Julio (played by Bembol Roco), a young man who lived in the province but must now embark a life in the city to find the woman he loves. A woman promised for a better life.
There are several things in the movie for which director Lino Brocka is commendable for doing, most particularly his depiction of modern slavery and the illusion of justice in the film. He illustrated it in a way that is distasteful and realistic, rightfully so as it was a topic or theme that should not be romanticized. Modern slavery depicted through labor exploitation and the vulnerable and helpless nature that comes with it is something that is experienced by the impoverished day by day. The film played around with the concept of power through education, highlighting that having a degree would open up to better opportunities breaking away from the helpless nature of modern slavery. Moreover, Brocka also explored the illusion of justice wherein, he briefly incorporates a corrupt police officer and the community’s sense of justice being fulfilled without appeal to jurisdiction in the film. I find that Lino Brocka included these themes perfectly and in a disturbing manner.
Despite these, there is one scene that I am not particularly fond of. In an emerging city, prostitution seems to be the only way in which a girl can live. Brocka represented a male dominated community wherein women are objectified and their lives will only lead to prostitution (either by force or poverty). Of course, as this is a 1975 film, gender equality and female empowerment in the Philippines is unpopular hence it can be argued that this film is accurate in its depictions. However, the scene that made me despise how females were represented, was when Julio and the woman he loves reunited only to end up together in bed the next. It just felt highly unfitting. It made no sense whatsoever to have sex first before having a conversation about what the woman went through. It felt ungenuine. This feeling stayed and ruined my connection with the protagonist, especially in the forthcoming crucial scenes.
However, with the themes of modern slavery and the illusion of justice perfectly depicted, screenplay, and cinematography that is noteworthy, I would rate it a 7/10.
Zeraly Saromines is an aspiring filmmaker and film critic who, through her blogs, helps viewers decide whether to watch a certain movie or show or geek out with other passionate viewers. Her opinionated blogs provide her own perspective and opinions whether it be about your favorite superhero, International shows, and Filipino rom-com and the classics — anything that movies and tv shows have to offer. However, she is especially obsessed with finding stories that hint at the harsh realities of life, explore the realms of magic and science, and those that offer new perspectives from underrepresented groups. By challenging her thoughts constantly and striving to be set apart from other critics, she writes her blogs in a much personal way that enables her to engage with her readers. In addition to this, her past experience as an international student provides different outlooks and perspectives on culture and life that again reflect on the content of her blogs.
