Motion pictures, in retrospect: An analysis of Filipino films

Abstract

This is a descriptive study to identify some of the technical changes in selected Filipino films through time. The films in this study cover six decades and these are: “Biyaya ng Lupa” (Blessings of the Land), 1959 by Manuel Silos; “El Filibusterismo” (The Reign of Greed), 1962 by Gerardo De Leon; “Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag” (Manila in the Claws of Light), 1975 by Lino Brocka; “Kisapmata” (In Just the Wink of an Eye), 1981 by Mike De Leon; “Bayaning Third World” (Third World Hero), 1999 by Mike De Leon; and “Magnifico” , 2003 by Maryo Delos Reyes.

The data in this study were gathered through watching and analyzing the technical elements of each of the six films (one from each decade) from 1950 to 2000. The technical elements of film considered are: color, length, and sound. The research study used qualitative content analysis as its method to determine the changes in the technical aspects of film.

The analysis described the technical elements in each film and showed that through time, there are noticeable changes in films according to color, length, and sound respectively.