Review by Aga Posadas
"What is 'esprit de corps'?" and
"What is a 'kiss'?", two questions that don't usually go together in
one occasion. The film Esprit de Corps managed to combine these queries and
made its audience wonder.
Set during the Marcos regime, Esprit de
Corps is a gripping story of avarice for power and lust/love. Two ROTC cadets
(Sandino Martin and Lharby Policarpio) fight for the highest position in their
unit, led by the aggresive Major Mac (JC Santos). Will the two do anything to
gain power? How will Major Mac choose the best cadet to fill in his shoes? The
film focuses on Major Mac's interrogation with his candidates and how he uses
his position to fulfill his desires.
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| The cast and crew of Esprit De Corps during the premier night at Cinema1, Trinoma Mall. |
This film is Kanakan-Balintagos' (formerly
Aureus Solito) entry to Cinema One Originals 2014 which won Best Director, Best
Production Design for Hai Balbuena and Best Actor for Sandino Martin. This was
adapted from Solito's one-act play which gave the audience the feel of watching
the theatre in an intimate space. Simple yet engrossing, the screenplay is a
work of a genius. It may represent the culture of corruption of power within
the military and/or government. It could be too queer because of the steamy making
out scenes between the actors and some frontal nudity but this film is one of
the best examples of scripts that don’t literally discuss the issues. The
political issues were shown, not told.
The technical aspects of the film were
superb. Photography was flawless. Most of the film was taken in a small
interrogation room and the lighting fit every emotion the actors had to
produce.
The actors are worthy of a standing
ovation. Their efforts and talents are obvious with all their sweating and
moaning in most of the scenes. The three main characters were given justice. It
even looked like they went through military training before filming. The
breakthrough performances should be noticed by the big production companies as
we now lack real talents in the mainstream media.
Kanakan-Balintagos experience and knowledge
in the arts was evident in every aspect of the film. Verdict: Esprit de Corps
deserves an A. If you get turned on, please do it at home.
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