“KAKAININ DIN BA nila tayo ng buhay, Papa? (Will they also eat us alive, Father?)”

That was the question Angel (Krystal Brimner) asked her father, Edgar (John Lloyd Cruz), in one of the most poignant scenes in ‘Honor Thy Father,’ which for me is the best film of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, if not the best Filipino film of 2015.

I happened to watch the film on December 26, the day the news broke about its disqualification from the Best Picture category of MMFF 2015, a day before the awards night.

READ: ‘Honor Thy Father’ disqualified to compete for MMFF 2015 Best Picture

I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence, but the film seems to face the very challenge its lead character suffers: being eaten alive by dirty politics, even in the festival it’s part of.

Without a doubt, ‘Honor Thy Father‘ is the biggest treat for this year’s festival audience, who for years have been denied quality films to watch during the Christmas break.

Matti and Yamamoto

Director Erik Matti is pure genius. I liked his hand in ‘On The Job,’ and I like him even more for ‘Honor Thy Father.’ The same praise goes to writer Michiko Yamamoto, whose first work I admired was ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ back in the early 2000s.

‘Honor Thy Father‘ tackles the most sensitive yet important aspects of being Filipino, or of being human for that matter (religion, money, and family), flawlessly and poetically encapsulated and sent out for viewers to digest through its main character’s eyes. While it takes on the broad irony of faith (in religion and in God), the bond that keeps a family together, and the outside forces that keep that bond intact or dismantled, ‘Honor Thy Father‘ makes sure it is personal and first-person, putting viewers in Edgar’s shoes.

The absence of plot twists or long narratives, which usually make good films, makes ‘Honor Thy Father‘ extra excellent, as it focuses only on the drama and poetry of a desperate man taking desperate measures to save the family he loves. It all takes place against the rural views of Baguio and Bontoc, amid highlights on faith, biblical verses, and self-righteousness.

The Cast

Seeing Cruz in such a heavy role is still quite new to many, but no one would deny it’s his best performance so far. Though I loved him in almost all his films, especially ‘The Trial,’ where he played an intellectually challenged individual, his ability to carry the weight of his character in ‘Honor Thy Father‘ cements his best actor win. Knowing that he co-produced the film only sealed our love for the actor.

To say Meryll Soriano is perfect for her role is an understatement. She will give our ultimate choice for best actress, Jennylyn Mercado, a good fight. Whoever wins, we’ll gladly accept.

Dan Fernandez, Boom Labrusca, and Khalil Ramos, who play Edgar’s brothers, deserve accolades as well. Tirso Cruz III, who plays the church leader, again proves his acting power, which only gets better over time. The guy is a sure best supporting actor winner.

‘Honor Thy Father‘ is worthy of your time, money, and praise. Expect to leave the theater thinking and contemplating. Just make sure to spread the word, because the Filipino viewing public deserves a masterpiece like this.

Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rate: 10/10

Note: This review is part of our MMFF 2015 Movie Review project for this blog. We aim to watch all the film entries in this year’s festival, not only to write reviews but also to encourage discussion among our thinking readers. After all, MMFF is definitely here to stay every Holiday season whether we like it or not. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

READ: 8 Metro Manila Film Festival Competing Films: Trailers, Producers, Actors