[Full onscreen title “Masyong Bagwisa Jr Bodyguard”; Philippines release date 14th August 1986]
Director/Writer Mike Relon Makiling Executive Producer Wilson Tieng Associate Producers Lucia Tieng Cabochan, Willy Tieng Cinematography Christopher Jones Lobo Music Emil Losneda Editor Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao Production Manager Emiliano “Gunding” Lopez Assistant Director Johnny Ramirez Routine/Stunt Director Baldo Marro Special Effects Jun “Gapo” Marbella Sound Effects Danny Salvador Sound Engineer Rolly Ruta Assistant Editors Francis Vinarao, Ben Tala Assistant Production Manager Nestor “Boy” Lopez Production Design Gerry Pascual Art Director Hector Petilla Wardrobe Tasi Stills Ben Nollora Layout Artist Bing Santos Sound Man Rolly Donozo Assistant Cameraman Edgar Lavarias Boom Man Ohdie de Leon Clapper Boy Tony Trinidad Electrician Simon Primian Unit Driver-General Jay-Ar Ramos Crew Arnel Donozo, Butch dela Cruz, Danny Tindella, Dave Cosico Schedule Master Raul Rios Makeup Artist Clarita Maceda Props & Setting Salvador Camposano, Reynaldo Samoza Service Drivers George Lobitana, Alejandro Canlas, Pedro Canlas Utility Boys Jerry Estrada, Rolando Samoza, Julie Marcelo Field Cashier Lilia “Mynne” Mesa Assistant Field Cashier Juliet Cabanag Title Design Rolly Sante? Graphics Joe Yap, Abe Ampayo, Rene Canlas, Jordan Nogo? Animation Camera Supervisor Oscar Manzo
Cast Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, Philip Gamboa, Cristina Crisol, Ronnie Ricketts, Rachel Anne Wolfe, Brandy Ayala, Baldo “Waray” Marro, Charlie Davao, Mario Escudero, Alicia Alonzo, Bomber Moran, Lucita Soriano, Johnny Madrid, Emilio Estrada, Alvin Alonzo, Vic Varrion, Robert Miller, Danny Riel, Cris Castillo, Rey Sagum, Fred Moro, Usman Hasim, Bobby Henson, Joe Baltazar, Steve Alcarado, Belo Borja, Jun Romero, Mike Francisco, Rod Francisco, Rey Solo, Boy Ranay, Rene Romero, Erning Mariano, Aida Pidido, Boy Clinton, Raul Marquez, Danny Zurbano, Lito Francisco, Omay Rivera, Gil Gaganti, Joy Pidido, Eddie Manalac, Lino Mariano, Boy Faranas, Alan Medina, Sonny Davao, Limbo Lagdameo
Director/Producer Philip Ko Script Sean Lee Tat-Choi Action Director Dion Lam Dik-On Presenter Jeffrey Cheung Kai-Ping Executive Directors Cindy Chow Fung, Sean Lee Tat-Choi Make-Up Flon Mendoza Costume Ester Deleon Craft Service Roy Amaranto
Philippines Second Unit: Line Producer Glenn R. Parian Assistant to the Producer Max Lauresta
Cast “Cynthia Luster”/Yukari Oshima, Robin Shou [Wan-Bo] (A Lung/Inspector Dragon), Waise Lee Chi-Hung [cameo], Phillip Ko Fei, Dion Lam Dik-On, Shing Fui-On, Cheung Chi-Tak, Jason Pai Piao, Lok Man, Ronnie Ricketts, Charlie Davao, Subas Herrero, Rachel Lobangco, James Allen, Bobby Wood, Jonnathan Palmer, Patrick Kirby, Billy Brown, Jess Babida, Brad Smith, Robert Johnson, Paul Karn, Christopher White.
Synopsis (from the Laser Disc cover):Senior police inspector Marcus Lee and unconventional undercover cop Robin track down the vicious drug dealer Dion in Hong Kong. Together with the senior political bureau officer Cynthia, Robin take the criminal to the Philippines for prosecution. But once they arrive, Dion is rescued by his boss, Tiger, leaving Cynthia and Robin with more than their responsibility to deal with rigtheous sergeant, Philip, of the Manila police department, has to keep his eye on Cynthia and Robin under the instruction of his corrupted captain. Tiger, the coldly ambitious leader of the local gang, who builds an empire of crime in Manila, has determined to eliminate anyone who will hinder his way of making money. They include Robin, Cynthia, Philip, Philip's partner, Ronnie and Tiger's rival gang leader Tango. Between Robin and Philip, it is a case of conflict at first sight ; However, when Ronnie and Cynthia are brutally killed in the line of duty by the deadliest killers sent by Dion and Tiger, Robin and Philip finally get together and will stop at nothing to launch a mission against the baron and to fight for Justice with unexpectedly violent results.
After Waise Lee, in a cameo role, arrests the Philippino gang leader Torres in HK, he is extradited to the Philippines, escorted by Inspector Dragon (Robin Shou) and Yukari.On arrival Torres escapes with the aid of corrupt police officers.Yukari doesn’t have much to do until she and Robin Shou confront Torres and his gang.She has a brief but excellent fight wielding a baseball bat, with nice combination kicks.But she is stabbed to death by Torres only halfway into the movie.Dragon then teams up with a Philippino police officer played by Philip Ko.Together they take on a series of gang members, until eventually killing Torres in a final confrontation.Yukari only has an expanded cameo role, with most of the action involving Robing Shou and Philip Ko.The editing is choppy, complicating an already confusing story.Unfortunately some of the action scenes alternate rapidly with comic elements that seem out of place.
At first, this film seems amateurish and silly. In fact, some of the early dialogue is laughably simplistic. Then, something strange happens. It starts to grow on you. The concept is a tried and true one: a couple of Hong Kong cops (played by Robin Shou and Yukari Oshima) have to escort a notorious bad guy back to his homeland (The Philippines). Before they know it, the bad guy has escaped custody and the Philippine authorities just want the Hong Kong cops to go back home. The Hong Kong cops refuse (of course) and vow not to leave the country until the bad guy has been apprehended. The Philippine authorities assign our Hong Kong heroes a babysitter (a reluctant Filipino cop) and before you can say, "BLACK RAIN," the babysitter becomes a co-conspirator and they all take on the bad guys. While there are far better films revolving around this concept, this one has plenty of bells and whistles. My favorite aspect of the film is a pair of silent assassins (one man, one woman) who appear to be completely emotionless and cock each other's weapons with their feet and reload each other's guns after a rampage. Another high point is a particularly scrappy Filipino midget with a big attitude. There are a few impressive fist fights and even a moment or two of real emotion, but for the most part, it's just a cheesy little fun film that hardcore Hong Kong film fans will probably get a kick out of (pun intended).
Nick Nicholson's death scene in Ultimate Revenge (1995)
1995 - Ultimate Revenge (Movie City Company)
Director/Stunt Director Ridley Tsui [Bo-Wah] Script Sean Lee [Tat-Choi], [Jimmy] Leung Chi-Ming Executive Producer Sy Eng Kai [sometimes listed as Si Wing-Gaai] Associate Producer Raymond Chan Music Leung Chi Wah Editors Leung Wing Cham, Leung Kwok Wing Assistant Directors Raymond Chan, Wong Chi-Yan Assistant Action Directors Alex Yip Choi-Naam, Mak Wai-Cheung, Jack Wong Wai-Leung Car Stunts Lee Wai-Leung
Philippines Crew Diosado Dilloso, Alex Austero, Rene Gracilla, Rico Urbita, Domeng Reyes, Henry de Guis, Jose Bolecario, Max dela Pena, Eden Pobe, Danilo Luenlo, Michael Viray, Salvapor Ronald, Wilmer Bolecario, Bernabe Valdez, David Barvelo, Antonio Quijano, Galdo Medez, Elpidio Sy, Jose Malverde, Emmanuel Tauguin Jr, Jesse Manalolo, Reynaldo Atun, Fernando Estacio, Arnold Ginto, Roger Gandas, Anicela Trajano, Gloria Vidallon, Marites York, Ronald Baruelo, Imeloa Mangali, Gary dela Cruz, Leo Payte, Zenaida Santos
Cast Cynthia Khan (Inspector Ching), Lily “Li”/Lee Lee-Lee, Gin Lau [Siu-Gwan], [Cecilia] Yiu Ching-Ching, Tsui Ching Yat [sometimes listed as Chui Jing-Yat], Ronnie Ricketts, Alu Gonzalez, Kim [Maree] Penn (Killer), Gabriel Romulo, [uncredited] Mak Wai-Cheung (extra/stunt double), Nick Nicholson
“Hong Kong Eva” footage features Alan Ng Siu-Hung, Ng Hong-Sang, Ho Wing-Cheung, Ga Ling
1995 - Angel On Fire(My Way Film Company/Omni Films International)
[Original Philippines title “Matira Ang Matibay”]
Director/Writer/Action Director Philip Ko [Filipino version credited to Ko, Teddy “Chua”/Chiu and Artemio Marquez] Screenplay [English version] Mike Cassey [Filipino version] Rey Atalia Executive Producers Christine Eunice Yui Dee, Frederick Timothy Yui Dee [sometimes known as Derek Dee], Melanie Marquez Co-Producer Lam Pak “Heng”/Heung Supervising Producer (HK) Ricky Wong Ga-Kui[sometimes listed as K.K. Wong] Associate Producer (Manila) Louie Kee Cinematography (HK) Lau Yip Cinematography (Philippines) Eduardo “Baby” Cabrales Production Manager Ng Shui-Cheong Sound Recordist 108 Records Ltd Co Editor (HK) Grand Yip Wai-Keung Editor (Philippines) Francis J. Vinarao Presenter Jeffrey Cheung Kai-Ping Assistant Director Lee Chun-Wa Composer (HK) Chow Fook-Wing Music (Philippines) Ringgo Marquez
Additional Philippines Credits: Stunts Darren Shahlavi, Tom Tom Car Stunt Co-Ordinator [uncredited] Marcus Fox Associate Director James Gaines Production Manager Glen Parian First Assistant Director/Script Supervisor Belen Griarte Second Assistant Director Louie Katana Sound Supervisor Willy Islaw Art Directors Lito Estacio, Max Paglinawan First Assistant Cameraman Ariong Cuenco Second Assistant Cameraman Oscar Moreno Third Assistant Cameraman Danny Bustos Assistant Script Supervisor Becky de Vera Assistant Production Manager Manuel Leonardo Dubbing Supervision Lucy Quintos & Co Sound Effects Ben Acosta Effectsman Edilberta Nelgus Assistant Editors Edwin Celes, Roberto Malad Makeup Artist Flor Mendoza Costume Caretaker Fe Herrera Ronnie Ricketts’ Makeup Artist Manang Cita Melanie Marquez’ Wardrobe Renee M. Salud Field Soundman Reynaldo Chiong Crew Mar Enriquez, Cardo Montes, Elmer Adem, Lerry Balagot, Jojo Bolano Electrician Marcial TagodMikeman Jimmy Zabarte Setman Jonnon Salazar Propsmen Jimmy Relox, Alvin Manjares Utility Men Bobby Calceta, Roberto Barlam Drivers Toting Llanes, Amor Tugadi, Roger Estacio Caterer Reynet Lapid Looper Eduardo Acosta PR Department Supervisor Mimilanie M. Dee Assistant PR Department Supervisor Mark Castro TV Supervisor Camille Gomba Publicist Jobert Sucaldito PRO Ross Celino, Robert Silverio, Noel Asinas, Mercy Lejarde, Noel Villa Jr, Pilar Mateo, Archie de Calma, Roel Villacorta
Cast Cynthia Khan (Interpol Agent Siu Ching), Ronnie Ricketts (Harry/Lok in HK version), Sharon Yeung [Pan Pan] (Wong Li), Waise Lee [Chi-Hung] (Inspector Su Chin), Winston G. Ellis (Black Leopard), Melanie Marquez (May), Tom Tom, Lee Chun-Wa (Tony), Darren Shahlavi (Tony’s thug), Anthony Alonzo, Mark Houghton (Buyer's Bodyguard), Philip Ko (Rocks/Ko Cheung in HK version)
Cast on Philippines version: Ronnie Ricketts (Boyet), Cynthia Khan (Mai), Anthony Alonzo Rex), Philip Ko (Chang), Melanie Marquez (Natasha), Luis Gonzales (Mr Estrada), Winston Ellis, Dinky Doo Jr (Jimmy), Nog-Nog (Max), Louie Katana (Lee), Jojo de Leon, Jonathan Gabriel, Rando Almanzor, Mike Cassey (Eddie), Warren Escudero, Shema Yamamoto, Telly Babasa, Bobby Orbo, Jolly Jugueta, James Gaines, Belen Griarte, Ernie David, Dick Zamora, Rey Ebdane, Mark Martin, Manuel Leonardo, Thunder Stuntmen, Scorpio Stuntmen
Cynthia Khan is a Hong Kong police officer hot on the trail of a supermodel who has stolen a "precious thing" from ShaolinTemple and is trying to sell it in Manila. Sure, she's a rather unattractive supermodel (wear enough makeup and anyone can be a supermodel), but she can fight fairly well. In Manila Ms. Khan hooks up with a goofy, but kind-hearted cab driver (Ronnie Ricketts) who likes to box in his spare time. I bet he'll come in handy... At the end of the movie, she also joins forces with a mainland cop played by Sharon Yeung, but her scenes seem pathetically out of place, like they were originally shot for a different film. The good guys finally prevail after a laughably excessive exchange of firepower.
This film looks pretty good for a low budget Filipino effort. Cynthia Khan looks great and her outfits are extremely cute. Unfortunately, her fighting scenes are only average, and are occasionally spoiled by some embarrassingly poor wire stunts. Sharon Yeung's brief fight scenes are good, but she doesn't even look like she's in the right movie. And you know you're in a low budget movie when high and mighty crime lords drive the Ford Mustang II as their vehicle of choice.
Between 1990 and 1995, the Hong Kong film industry was booming, and lots of low-budget producers were jumping on the bandwagon. It was during these years that a new sub-genre of films was born, that I like to call ‘the Angel series’. These were low-budget action movies that ripped off the Michelle Yeoh films by featuring various female Hong Kong stars in leading roles kicking ass on the bad guys. I’m talking about films like ANGEL MISSION, ANGEL TERMINATORS, ANGEL OF VENGEANCE, etc. These films are not sequels and don’t have much in common, other than hot Hong Kong actresses in starring roles. ANGEL ON FIRE was actually filmed in the Philippines in 1995, and was carefully produced to look like a Hong Kong film. Tai Seng has recently released ANGEL ON FIRE on their budget HK DVD line.
ANGEL ON FIRE is directed by Hong Kong director (and former action star ) Philip Ko, who also has a feature role in the film as a gang leader named Rocks. Cynthia Khan, best known for the IN THE LINE OF DUTY series, takes top billing as an unnamed Interpol agent, who goes undercover to catch a thief. Waise (13 COLD BLOODED EAGLES) Lee plays Su Chin, the Interpol chief who gives her this assignment. Sharon Yeung plays another Interpol agent named Wong Li, who joins Cynthia Kahn’s character uncover.
Mimi is a former-model turned thief. She breaks into a Shaolin temple and steals an ancient relic. She is caught in the act by the monks, and they chase her through the streets of Hong Kong on bicycles. She is then picked up by helicopter, which is piloted by the gang leader who hired her to steal the relic, Rocks. Mimi tells him that she was caught in the act and wasn’t able to get the relic. Meanwhile, Interpol chief Su Chin (Waise Lee) assigns one of his top agents (Khan) to go undercover and capture Mimi and recover the relic, no matter the cost. He informs her that she will be joined by another under cover Interpol agent named Wong Li.
Rocks accompanies Mimi to the headquarters of a crime boss named Tony. Tony hired Rocks and Mimi to retrieve the relic, but Rocks betrays them both and steals the relic at gunpoint. Rocks is actually loyal to a different crime boss who wants the relic. What Rocks does not know is that the statue he possesses is a fake; Mimi still has the original. Rocks' boss is furious when he finds out he has a fake relic, and threatens to kill Rocks. At the airport, Cynthia Kahn meets a goofball taxi cab driver named Harry, and they attempt to follow the suspects, but the taxi breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Cynthia and Harry become fast friends, and she calls on him again for her transportation needs.
Harry tells her he is a boxer, and asks her to go to one of his fights. The fight turns out to be one of the illegal pit-fighting affairs, held by the crime lord that is desperately trying to acquire the relic. Harry has to fight a massive fighter from Africa called Black Leopard. The mean African fighter clearly has the advantage, but Harry manages to outsmart the Black Leopard, and he and Cynthia flee the illegal fight.
Mimi has managed to avoid capture and retain the relic. She goes to a huge field with a large circular electrical tower to make the switch and get her payoff from a third party buyer. Things get a little complicated when Tony and his men show up. Tony goes on a tirade saying how hurt he is she betrayed him (apparently they had some romantic thing going on). Just as Tony is about to kill Mimi, Rocks arrives with his own battalion of thugs, including the Black Leopard. An all-out war erupts between the gangs for possession of the relic. Cynthia and Harry show up and join the fray. Then undercover Interpol agent Wong Li arrives to assist them. But how can three people stop an explosive gang war?
Director Philip Ko wrote the script, directed, and acted in ANGEL ON FIRE. The only positive thing I have to say about Mr. Ko’s talents, is that he is a decent character actor. This film is very bad, even by B movie standards. Some films are so bad, that they are entertaining (like MIGHTY PEKING MAN or PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE), but this is just plain bad. The script is terrible, the direction and production is without any style or flair, the characters and acting are atrocious (except for some of the character actors portraying the crime lords). Ko does not know how to generate any suspense or tension, or give us any characters we can care about.
Cynthia Khan is graceful in ANGEL ON FIRE. She kicks butt and looks good doing it. Though she mostly uses her martial arts skills to beat the bad guys, she does resort to firearms a few times. She is an underrated actress, but you would never now it from this film (I still can’t believe she slummed in this production). Sharon Yeung is looking butch and showing her age. But she can still move like a limber young panther. Her role is limited, and she just shows up at the climax to help Cynthia Khan fight the rival gangs.
The film chugs away at a snails pace, until the last thirty minutes or so. Despite the ineptness of the entire movie, the last act delivers some excitement and violent action. Two gangs do battle over who will keep the relic, and our heroines help take down thugs from both gangs. The battle ground shifts to a small airport where things get crazy when the gang leaders take to the sky. Tons of rapid-fire, machine-gun action, exploding grenade launchers, and endless kung-fu fights finally bring the film to life for a little while. This climax still does not justify having to sit through the entire movie though.
1987 - Sparrow Unit: The Termination Squad(Cine Suerte Inc/Davian International Ltd)
[listed variously as “Target Sparrow Unit” and “Sparrow Unit: The Extermination Squad”]
Director Ben Yalung [listed in the Philippines creedits as "M7"] Story/Screenplay Tony Capo Producer Romy Yayung [Yalung?] Executive Producer George Amber Production Manager Louie Michaels Cinematography Dominic Blacksmith Music Themescore Production Supervisor Antonio Bridge Art Director Brian Drake Editor Stephen Soul Post-Production Supervisor Julie Viray Sound Effectsman Jun Martinez Props/Special Effects Danny Abadeza Sound Supervision Tony Faustino Assistant Editors Ciriaco Itim, Popoy Crisostomo Field Cashier Jimmy Bacar Script Girl Keya J. Flores Production Assistant Pam M. Olviga Storyboard Artist Ben Barrameda Assistant Cameraman Mel Dapilus Soundman Rudy Teope Clapper Armando Mariano Camera Lifter Bernabe Valdez Boom Man Chito Almacen Electrician Eddie Quintana Driver/Generator Man Johnny Ramirez Grip Mark Bali-Balita Crew Cesar Abulok, Gilbert Villaverde, Eden Pobe, Rolly Tolentino Props/Setting Lando Enriquez, Lito dela Cruz Utility Danilo Din, Ansel Ramirez Titles/Opticals Rolly Santiago Optical Supervisor Boy Quilatan Optical Assistant Egay Marcello Schedule Master Ben Rojas Makeup Artist Tita Dominguez Assistant Makeup Flor Navarro Catering Marina Yalung Service Drivers Andy Razon, Bogart Villanueva, Nato Oronos Loopers Inong Encarnacion, Randy Crisostomo
Cast Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, Ronnie Ricketts, Debbie Miller, Sonny Parsons, Dick Israel, Allen Balman, Ernie Ejercito, King Gulliver, Bomber Moran, Vic Diaz, Mario Kasser, Romero Rivera, Robert Tame, Ernest Forte, Fred Moro, Jimmy Reyes, Johnny Vicar, Jose Romulo, Connie Angels [Angeles?], Rocita Summers, Rey Tomenes, Bebot David, Lito Francisco, Boy Media Villo, Dante Abadeza, Boy Sta. Maria, Ben Padria, Renato Tanchingco, Joe Estrada, Mario Fernandez, Thunder Stuntmen
Super violent and bloody Filipino actioner with great cheesy moments, a Vic Diaz cameo and did I mention bloody? Sheesh! Nobody dies a clean death here! Certain provinces have taken a strong dislike to the military and are pushing to break away from the government. To do this, they decide to send squads of guerrillas called “sparrow units” into Malta to kill every cop and military guy they can get in their gunsights! After the papers start taking note of the massacres, the military decides that it’s kill or be killed and the body count starts piling up. Brainless, violent cheese at it’s finest.
Director “Wilfredo”/Willy Milan Story/Screenplay Pete Pascua Producer Sunny Lim Executive Producer Naty A. Almanza Music Robert Andres Cinematography Jani Sioson Music Robert Andres Production Designer Danny Javier [listed as “Daniel Martin” on the VHS cover] Production Manager Tony Viray Editor Stephen Soul Routine Instructors Ver Quirante, Mardy Fuentes Special Effects Gorgonro Tible Schedule Master Jojo de Leon Production Assistant Allan Almanza Makeup Artist Liway Zuniga Setmen Arsanio Salvo, Omeng Olgasan Stills Rudy Ramos Assistant Editors Boy Manang, Robert Andres Props Man Boy Donato, Edmond Guiwan Shooting Unit 2 Bukand Liwalway Production Executive Baby Alordogan Production Secretary Rosendo Drapo Credits Leay Ocampo Supervisor Dennis Estrella Catering Supervisor Remedros Alavae Drivers June Ocampo, Lito de Vera, Leopoldo Manaul Utility Boyet Zamora
Cast Dante Varona, Eddie Garcia, Ronnie Ricketts, Philip Gamboa, Aurora Sevilla, Kristel Romero, John Regala, Fred Gamboa [listed as “Fred Moro” on the Dutch VHS cover], Tom Oliva, Lucita Sorano, Dexter Doria, Manny Doria, Eric Robles, Edgar Duval, Rico Tarman, Lt San Juan, Dave Moreno, Princess Punzalan [listed on the VHS cover as “Princes Pascua”]
Fred Adelman’s review from the Critcon Online website:
Here's a strange one: A Filipino morality tale about Muslim vs. Christian beliefs disguised as a war actioner. A group of Muslim rebels, led by the hot-headed Kiram Sali, attack Christian Philippine Army outposts every chance they get, which angers not only Army General Alfredo Basco (Eddie Garcia; THE WOMAN HUNT - 1972), but also Kiram's peace-loving teacher brother, Omar (Dante Varona), who doesn't believe killing is the answer, even if he doesn't agree with the Christian way of life. The Manila Tribune sends earnest, but wet behind the ears, female reported Mitch Vasquez (Aurora Sevilla) to the troubled region to get the real story and she ends up witnessing more than her young Christian mind can handle. General Basco sends his best man, Captain Reyes, to talk to Omar about amnesty for his brother and the rebels, but when Omar talks to Kiram about the offer, he turns it down. General Basco then personally goes to Omar's village to try and talk some sense into him and Kiram, but it turns out to be a deadly trap orchestrated by the village's evil mayor, who wants the Muslims and Christians to continue fighting for his own personal monetary gain. General Basco is slain and, of course, Kiram and the rebels are blamed, which leads to an all-out holy war between the Muslims and the Christians, resulting in the deaths of many innocent women and children. Omar gives up his peaceful ways when the Army kills Kiram and some of his own schoolchildren. Omar becomes the leader of the rebel forces and unites all the different rebel clans into one fighting force. The first thing Omar does is kill the mayor for his treachery (and we find out that Omar is actually the bastard son of General Basco!) and then he leads his fighting force on attacks against the Army. General Basco's real son, Raoul, becomes a Muslim-hating killing machine who leads his Army unit on many Muslim village raids (even members of his own unit believe Raoul is taking things too far, letting his hatred blind his humanity). The two half-brothers will eventually have to face each other in final combat. Who will be the winner? Are there any true winners when it comes to senseless war?
Those expecting a typical balls-out Filipino war actioner are going to be severely disappointed, because KRIS COMMANDO, directed by Wifredo "Willie" Milan (W - 1983; CLASH OF THE WARLORDS - 1985) and written by Pete Pascua, is more interested in theological warfare than battlefield warfare. Sure, there are plenty of gunfights and bloody deaths (including small children being murdered), but the viewer is also bombarded with plenty of Muslim and Christian ideology, some of it pretty heavy-handed, especially Mitch's plea to her soon-to-be Muslim-hating Mother-In-Law (General Basco's wife) on why she wishes Muslims and Christians can put their differences aside and live in a violence-free Philippines. Not all the symbolism is bad, though. There's an excellent sequence where General Basco is being killed in the enemy trap, intercut with scenes of Mitch, Raoul and the rest of the Basco clan celebrating Mom's birthday in Manila. The Muslim village that General Basco dies in is populated by sick and hungry women and children, while a healthy Momma Basco and her clan feast on cake. It's a potent sequences marked with excellent editing that magnifies the differences in the two religions, but doesn't play favorites, as both sides suffer equally. Most of the bloody war action is saved for the final third of the film, where Omar goes into Rambo mode (shirtless, but with a bandana tied around his upper arm rather than his forehead) and Raoul flips out and starts killing Muslims indiscriminately. There are plenty of bloody bullet squibs and even a decapitation, but how action films view this film depends on their tolerance level for religion in the storyline. It tries to play fair with both sides, but Muslims have the slight edge here, thanks to Christian Raoul wigging-out in the finale. I guess this film also makes a good parable about War in Iraq and the difference that religion plays there, but that's purely a coincidence. Or is it? Also starring Ronnie Ricketts, Kristel Romero, John Regala, Philip Gamboa, Tom Olivia, Lucita Sorano, Fred Gamboa, Dexter Doria, Eric Robles and Princess Punzalan. Never legitimately available on U.S. home video, the print I viewed was sourced from a Dutch-subtitled VHS tape on the Miami Home Entertainment label.
1986 – Bodyguard (Viking Films)
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