Kisapmata: A Movie Review

"Kisapmata: A Movie Review”

Kisapmata (1981) is a film directed by Mike de Leon and written by de Leon and Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. It is famously based on Nick Joaquin's 1968 article entitled "The House on Zapote Street". The breakthrough film was a first of its kind in Philippine cinema- it brought a wide array of topics that weren’t openly tackled before in the industry. Themes of incest, suicide, parricide, abuse and the oppressive patriarchy were presented in the movie. It also showcased the traditional Filipino practices of marriage, courtship and strong kinship ties.

The film opens up with Mila telling her father that she was getting married because she was pregnant. The reactions elicited from her father were typical, concerned and exactly just how a father should react. It is interesting to note the male dominance in this scene. Mila was addressing only her father, and her mother was just listening nearby, not saying a word. In various scenes of the movie, the mother was always obedient to the father. She carefully observed her words and actions- clearly afraid of the domineering patriarch. The presentation of female submission did not lie on Mila’s mother alone, but to her, as well. She was also obedient, she seldom complained. Mila followed her father’s decisions and command in everything- too afraid to speak or complain, even in times when she wanted to rebel against him. The movie is very anti-feminist, but then again, even the Filipino society is.

The different problems in kinship and strong family ties were thoroughly explored in the movie. Aside from the subtle hints of incestuous acts and perversion, there was also the issue of overbearing in-laws. Mila and Noel were forced to live in an uxorilocal setting, due to plans devised by the father. The father would involve himself in every aspect of his daughter’s life, including her marriage. This holds true for most Filipino couples, especially those residing with or near the in-laws. Often, this will result in arguments and the couple deciding to soon live on their own. This resulted in both for Mila and Noel, and probably, for plenty of couples around the country.

It is disheartening to note how obsessive and over controlling the patriarch of Mila’s family is. In the movie, he has done a number of psychotic things- like threatening the house help, bringing a gun, etc.