By Jan Marbella
Martial Law — two words that bring numerous conversations among people. Documentaries and films have been made remembering the tyrannical rule of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, one of which is the 2018 film, “ML.”
Directed by Benedict Mique Jr, “ML” is an independent film telling the story of a METROCOM soldier (Eddie Garcia) who is both retired and afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, making him think that Martial Law was still in effect during present time. Aside from having a striking plot, it had garnered numerous awards, such as Best Editing and Best Actor, in the 14th Cinemalaya Independent Festival.
Off to a Terrifying Tone
There was no wasting time in setting the tone immediately at the start of the film. As Colonel Dela Cruz (Eddie Garcia) had his haircut, he went home and was barked at by an innocent dog of a neighbor. He then gave it dog food and killed it with a hammer.
This was a nod as to how brutal he must have been as a Metropolitan Command (METROCOM) soldier during the time; as well as a possible parallel to how innocent people were tortured and killed during Martial Law. The film revisits the country’s frightening history through its plot as it went on.
As the film progressed, the viewers are introduced to the main character Carlo (Tony Labrusca) in one of his classes.
There were undeniably so many angles from all sorts of people regarding their take on Martial Law, which was also depicted in the students of the class. Division was present as there were students who said they are in favor and there were also who did not approve of it. This divisive situation was dissected further when their professor gave an assignment which was an essential piece of the story.
It was very interesting to see how the students were to go about it as they were tasked to find someone aside from friends and relatives and ask what it was like during Martial Law.
Questions Left in the Dark
The plot revolves around Carlo’s assignment and choosing Colonel dela Cruz as his interviewee. The Colonel’s home address was also an Easter egg in of itself (21 September Street), since it was the same date as when Martial Law was declared back in 1972.
As Carlo started his interview regarding Martial Law, he was struck in the head and was brought to the basement. This escalates the tension in the film as it evoked fear from the audience for what may happen next to Carlo.
His questions were left unanswered by the Colonel and what happened afterwards was the opposite of the supposed interview, as Carlo was now the person being questioned by the Colonel, referring to him as an activist and asking where his headquarters were.
The scenes were filled with a serious and tense ambience with the scenes in the Colonel’s house since it is enveloped in mystery along with the feeling of horror on seeing the Colonel in his true colors. The film’s literal dark setting with select lighting is also noticeable and adds to the feeling of uncertainty for what will happen next.
Horrendous Persecution
Perhaps, the most disturbing parts of “ML” were the scenes that involved torture. From pointing a gun to the head to electrocution and waterboarding, Colonel Dela Cruz was more terrifying than ghosts and apparitions.
Following Carlo’s torture, it was unfortunate that his dearest friends, Jace (Henz Villaraiz) and Pat (Lianne Valentin) were also lured by the Colonel by using Carlo’s phone pretending to be him.
Seeing Carlo, Jace, and Pat being continuously tortured by the Colonel was more than enough to make the audience feel the atrocities of Martial Law. For someone who was born post-Martial Law, it was horrifying to imagine how abusive and demeaning the government was back then as the former president Marcos established the Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command enhancing the presence of police force.
The film was like a medium in which the ghosts of the Martial Law victims can communicate, reminding the audience of what really happened during the time, in contrast to those who attempt to revise history in the present telling otherwise.
With the Philippines’ history, full of stories that are remarkable and cruel, it’s vital for the next generations to learn of the true events that happened in the past for them to keep on fighting on what’s right and just.
The Grim Reality
Feelings of frustration and helplessness prevailed in the latter part of the film as Carlo’s crew had no means of calling out for help. The cinematography was superb, especially in the torture scenes where close-up shots of the victims were worth noting that highlights the pain they felt as they were enduring the Colonel’s cruelty.
In the end, Carlo and Pat managed to escape, because the Colonel had been distracted, but Jace was killed and framed as a drug pusher.
Maddening and frightening as it is, “ML” is a reflection on the realities of Martial Law to the present, when innocent people are still being killed through the administration’s extrajudicial killings, as well as the abuse of power by those who are supposed to serve the people.
The film did not only go beyond its goal in delivering a message to the audience about one of the country’s darkest chapter, but it also managed to encapsulate the feeling of living during the Martial Law era.
“ML” is a fierce reminder for people to never forget the lives that were lost and the cruelties that have been made. Power is still used in the wrong way, making it a living testament that the past can still haunt the present.
Watch the film trailer of “ML” here (Trigger warning: blood, torture, and violence):
