ERIK MATTI DOES IT AGAIN! The well acclaimed director veers away from cheap love stories and shallow fantasies that consistently plague Philippine cinema. His focus on tackling real life, socio-economic issues & topics make his films worthy, with just the premise alone. In Honor Thy Father, he does just that as his no holds barred depiction of the hypocrisy and corruption within organized religion is so on point, that it is maddening. He also highlights the constant desire of desperate people to attain illusionary victories, whether through schemes or so called alms, due to the present social construct. Greed definitely has its place in the modern world, and Erik Matti reminds us of this harsh truth through fictional yet seemingly real stories of its victims. One of which, is Edgar.
In HTF, the grounded story of Edgar is THE main attraction. The drama and his struggle mirrors true plights of everyday people. As a result, his sense of desperation, was riveting, that one cant't help but anxiously cling to his every decision. JLC does a great job here but Meryll Soriano, as the flawed but well intentioned Kaye, was the standout.
This bold and well crafted picture is my pick for best (or second best?) Filipino film of the year. Give Erik Matti his flowers and hope he continuous to make films that spark controversies due to its true to life themes.
