Banal

One of the three movies in the Metro Manila Film Festival that opened last January 1 is the controversial movie Banal. Originally given an X-rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) for being conceived as an anti-church flick, Banal caught the attention of many movie critics and viewers. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez A movie that boasts a powerful cast headed by Christopher de Leon, Alfred Vargas and Paolo Contis , Banal portrays police work in the realistic fashion that documentaries depict a story. With GMA News and Public Affairs reporter, Cesar Apolinario making his film debut in the movie, Banal piqued the interests of the avid moviegoers. Realistic and Fearless The movie is about men in uniform – their heroism, weaknesses and double lives. Banal explores police work in a colloquial manner. It presents the unscrupulous behavior of media practitioners and shows an uncompromising picture of Philippine society where demons and saints easily exchange their roles with no one noticing the difference. The story revolves around two cops (Alfred Vargas and Paolo Contis) with conflicting philosophies about police work. They form an unlikely bond during their SWAT team training under Major Miguel Sagala (Christopher de Leon). Five years later, they meet again to find that fate has made them come around to each other’s views, ironically putting them at odds when they uncover a sinister plot to assassinate the Pope during his state visit. This part of the story was probably the reason why MTRCB initially gave this movie an X-rating. Upon appeal by the producers of Banal and the specific request that a priest be a part of the reviewing committee, the movie was given an R-13. Fr. Nico Cruz, SJ ruled in favor of the producers and thus made the movie available to a higher percentage of viewers. But this rating did not appease the concerned friends of the cast and production of the movie. They were still worried that aside from the Church, the movie might also draw the ire of Philippine National Police (PNP). So far we have yet to hear what the PNP thinks about the movie. A new hope for Pinoy Action Positive responses regarding the movie give the Pinoy action films a new hope and lease in life. Garnering a grade B by the Cinema Evaluation Board, this action-suspense-drama sets a new pace for film makers. "Hindi biro ang training namin," says Cristopher de Leon, "dahil maliban sa akin at kina Alfred Vargas, Paolo Paraiso at Paolo Contis, lahat ng kasama namin sa movie, talagang members ng SWAT Team. Kung ano ang training nila, ganoon din ang training namin. Like kung nag-rapel sila, nag-rapel din kami, gumapang din kami sa putikan. And the most important, kung paano mag-handle ng gun. ‘Yung ibang training, nakapasa kami and we're given a certificate and an ID as honorary members ng SWAT,” adds the award-winning actor. The physical demands of the action scenes (stunts, fight scenes, torture sequences, etc.) are compounded by the paranoia and the personal crisis the actors have to internalize. "This is my biggest role so far sa [Metro Manila] Film Festival," says Alfred rather proudly. "It's my first time to play a cop. Leader ako ng unit ko sa Special Weapons and Tactics," shares this adonic hunk. Critics say that this movie is a cross between Denzel Washington’s Training Day and Bruce Willis’ The Jackal. Those who have seen it figured that this film will earn a number of nominations, best picture and best actor included. Is Banal anti-church and anti-police? You be the judge. Catch it in theaters nationwide and join the iGMA forums and tell us what you think about the movie. Get in touch with ALFRED. Text ALFRED [Your Message] and send to 4627. (Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers).