Cesar Montano on remastered 'Muro-ami': 'Masaya ako dahil nabuhay ulit siya'

Cesar Montano expressed his excitement over the digitally remastered re-release of the acclaimed film “Muro-ami.”

In an interview with GMA News Online after the film's special screening on Tuesday, the veteran actor shared how thrilled he was upon learning that the award-winning film would return to the big screen in remastered form.

“I’m very excited. Nung marinig ko magkakaroon, nakita ko pa lang 'yung trailer, tuwang-tuwa na ako. So ngayon, I was jumping up and down,” he said.

The actor also emphasized that the restoration stayed faithful to the original version of the film and did not use artificial intelligence in the process.

“Masaya ako dahil na nabuhay ulit siya sa pelikula. And nakakatuwa walang AI ito. Ladies and gentlemen, digitally remastered only,” Cesar said.

“No AI. So, ito mapapanood 'yung as is 'to, where is at as is. Kaya maganda po panoorin,” he added.

According to Cesar, the restored version simply enhanced the film’s visuals while preserving its original quality and storytelling.

“Kung ano 'yung napanood ko before, luminaw lang siya. Pero parang bago pa rin. Parang first time ko rin siyang pinanood. 'Yung paninikip ng dibdib mo habang pinapanood mo, andun pa rin. Ibang klase."

“Muro-ami” was the entry of GMA Pictures to the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival, where it won 13 awards, including Best Picture.

Directed by the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the movie tackled the controversial and dangerous practice of child divers being used in destructive fishing methods.

Cesar portrayed Fredo, a ruthless fishing boat captain.

Aside from Cesar, the film also starred Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario, and Amy Austria, among others.

"Muro-ami" will be shown in select cinemas nationwide starting June 3. —CDC, GMA News