Kisapmata

Kisapmata is a 1981 drama film directed by Mike de Leon, written by de Leon and Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., and based on Nick Joaquin's 1968 article entitled "The House on Zapote Street".

It was a breakthrough film as it was the first major treatment of incest in Philippine cinema. The movie was both a critical and box-office success, establishing De Leon as one of the great directors of the new generation. The movie garnered 10 major awards in FAMAS, was presented in Cannes in the Director's Fortnight, and was adjudged by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino as one of the 10 Best Films of the 1980s.

The film deals with some strong themes including incest, murder, suicide and parricide.

Summary

Dadong Carandang (Silayan), a retired police officer, is the domineering father of Mila (Santos), and he is extremely jealous of the latter's suitors, never allowing them into his house. One day, Mila falls in love with Noel Manalansan (Ilagan) and they decide to seek Dadong's permission to get married. Mila finds out she is pregnant. Dadong agrees on the condition that Noel pay a ridiculously costly dowry as well as shoulder a luxurious wedding. Noel agrees and works hard to meet Dadong's demands Bonoy Carandang (Gonzaga) a dream of father.

After the wedding, Dadong insists that the couple stay in his house. Despite protestations by the couple, they acquiesce. The couple is not allowed to sleep together for various reasons, i.e., that Mila's mother Dely (Solis) is sick and Mila needs to comfort her through the night.

After several months of living in this misery, the couple decide to escape. They were hunted by Dadong, to no avail. One day Dadong changes his tactic and makes some compromises to bring them back. Eventually, the couple decide to go back to Dadong's house, but only to gather their belongings. Dadong pleads with Mila not to leave as it is revealed that he has been carrying out an incestuous relationship with his daughter all along, and the baby is his. When Mila and Noel stand firm on leaving, Dadong is driven to desperation and brings out his gun, shooting Dely, Noel, and then finally, Mila. Seeing to no longer consume himself in such obsession, he shoots himself.

Cast

• Vic Silayan as Sgt. Diosdado Carandang
• Charo Santos as Milagros Carandang
• Jay Ilagan as Noel Manalansan
• Charito Solis as Adelina Carandang
• Ruben Rustia as Peping Manalasan
• Carlito Gonzaga as Bonoy Carandang
• Aida Carmona as Onyon
• Juan Rodrigo as Ernie
• Cora Alforja as Cynthia
• Dindo Angeles as Mario
• Ray Villania as Eddie
• Edwin O'Hara as Pulis 1
• Mandy Bustamante as Pulis 2
• Crisanta Cruz as Pinty Manalansan
• Mely Mallari as Diomy
• Monette Alfon as Landlady
• Teresita R. Sanchez as Dra. Trinidad

Awards and nominations

It won a total of 8 Gawan Urian Awards and received 1 FAMAS award nomination.

Trivia

The movie's title became the title of a hit song by the Filipino band Rivermaya.

External links

• Kisapmata at the Internet Movie Database