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."

In Athena Imperial’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, screenplay writer and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee also recalled how the late film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya first conceptualized the socially relevant film.

“Nabring-up ni Marilou ‘yung idea na gawa tayo ng pelikula tungkol sa mga muro ami, ‘yung mga bata na oppressed, nagda-dive sila under the sea. Nabibingi na sila and nasisira rin ‘yung mga corals. Gawa tayo ng pelikula tungkol doon,” Ricky shared.

Screenwriter Jun Robles Lana, meanwhile, stressed the importance of experiencing the remastered version in cinemas.

“So important to watch this film in the big screen because ‘yun talaga ang intensyon ni Direk Marilou at kapag napanood niyo ‘yung pelikula, you will really realize that this is an event film, especially during that time,” he said.

Cast members Amy Austria and Pen Medina reminisced about their experiences filming in Bohol for the critically acclaimed movie.

Amy admitted that filming the movie was physically challenging, especially when she had to learn how to paddle for her scenes.

“Ang tagal naming ginawa ‘yun eh. Hindi siya ganoon kadali. Hindi ako marunong magsagwan pero kailangan kong matutunan. Maghapon akong nag-aral para doon sa eksena ko,” she recalled.

Pen, for his part, said he was impressed by the young divers featured in the film.

“Nabilib ako doon sa mga bata. Siyempre laki sila roon, mula bata ganoon na ang ginagawa nila. Laro lang. Laro. Kung anu-ano ang ginagawa. Kung minsan naglolokohan sa ilalim,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Jhong Hilario said the film remains important for younger generations because it tackles issues affecting children and society.

“Napupush ‘yung mga bata na mag-work eh. Pero siyempre hindi maganda ‘yun para sa mga kabataan eh kasi kailangan nilang ma-experience ‘yung pagiging bata. Kasi kapag pinagtrabaho mo na parang ito na ‘yung future nila eh, ‘yung pagtatrabaho,” he said.

Cesar also highlighted the movie’s environmental message and its warning against destructive fishing practices that damage coral reefs.

“Ito po ay sumasakop sa pag-iingat sa dagat, kasi sila ay gumagamit sa pangingingisda, nagsisira sila ng coral. Limang taon ‘yan bago tumubo ng one inch, sisirain mo lang ng ilang segundo,” he said.

“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.

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