Mapua University-Manila

School of Media Studies

S.Y 2019-2020

“When will the Suffering end”

A Film Review Paper for

“Alpha Kappa Omega Batch ‘81” A film directed by: Mike De Leon

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Introduction to Film

Submitted To:

Mr. Roberto Reyes Ang

Introduction to Film Professor

Submitted By:

Ramos Daniel Rafael V.

DF-1 | A84

October 10, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Batch 81’ is about the journey of Sid Lucero (Mark Gil) and six other new pledges of the

fraternity called “AKO” which means “ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA”. Within six months they will

experience extreme physical and mental initiation from the fraternity. The “MASTERS” of the

fraternity would determine who will get accepted. I do recommend to watch this movie mostly

for the younger generation, because it’s pure relevant and fascinating up until todays current

events.

NARRATIVE
What's good about the narrative of this movie is that it portrays the Filipino peoples suffering on

martial law era and it shows hope for the ones who suffer. For example the medical consultation

scene of Sid Lucero to the frat doctor (Johnny Delgado). In this scene the frat doctor is

reminding Sid Lucero to not give up yet because the pain will surpass as what he said “Lahat ng

hirap at may hangganan”. Another example is all the initiation of the masters to the new pledges,

it shows how really difficult it is to get in to the “AKO” fraternity. I think the portrayal about the

government being the “AKO” fraternity and the new pledges being the Filipinos who suffered

really worked because the viewers can relate and at the same time think about the reality.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

The Cinematography on this movie is not that great in the eyes because the screen ratio is square

and most of the shots didn’t follow the rules. However the story is still the bread and butter so no

matter how bad is the cinematography the story pulls it up. For example the scene of third

initiation, the shots of “Vince” the “master” was all high angle, where it shows weakness.

Another example is the scene of fourth initiation where the pledges are being paddled the shot

angle used was low angle that shows power and superiority. I like how the cinematography uses
the dodge tilt angle to emphasize the guy who is vomiting in the urinal bowl and also I like the

way each and every member was shot in medium close up to see and show their emotions on the

said scene. In that scene most of the frames was center framing while zooming in. They didn’t

use the rule of thirds because I think in that scene center framing is easier for the audience to

follow and center framing shows more emphasis on the subjects emotions.

They always use the center framing when focusing on a particular character that is being

initiated, I find it easy to distinguish on what the director is trying to show or to tell. One thing

that I notice is that they also used the low angle shot or worms eye view to the new members

who is being initiated maybe the director is showing equality on every member but I do think

that it’s a floss and it’s much better to use the high angle on those new members to show

weakness and small, but still you wont even notice it if you’re a regular viewer.

The last part of the movie is the most fulfilling and satisfying scene for me, because most of the

shots is wide to establish the setting and also to show another emphasis to the fraternity members

who is marching around the new members who is in the center frame. There is a lot of high angle

shots when the fraternity is singing to the new members that is laying down on the floor

surrounded by the old members. It really made me feels like the suffering is over and the

initiation is done. Also the symmetry of circled members around the center framing was clean. I

do highly consider the floss and the lack of resources when it comes to equipment for

cinematography back then. I am amazed that the director pulled of this master piece in Philippine

Cinema.

EDITING
In this movie most of the editing is kind of simple, there is a few scenes like the scene of “Pacoy

Ledesma” and “Jenny Estrada” doing their thing up to the next scene of the dance practice of the

“UPAKAN” performance. The two scenes is bridged or connected by the use of match cut sound

bridge. The moan of “Jenny Estrada” and the yell of the dance instructor where used to connect

the sound bridge match cut. It's not that recognizable but you can catch it on the second watch.

The editing before is done manually that’s why I’m very impress because the simple things to do

today on editing is not the same as before that a lot of effort is needed on a simple match cut.

Overall my tip is when you’re watching this movie, always pay attention on the details and think

how much effort is needed for that scene to be done and appreciate.

CONCLUSION

I do highly recommend this movie for everyone who haven’t seen it, and for those who wants to

know more about 80’s life, because it tells a good reality story on what is like to be a student and

at the same time to join a fraternity in the post martial law era. The cinematography and editing

is not that pleasing but the story uplifts it really. Also it tells a lot of symbolism about martial law

and the government before, a lot of people who experience martial law can really relate to this

movie. What a great movie by Mike De Leon.