MOVIE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

Name Dela Cruz, Lea Angela Course/Yr/Sec BSMLS-2C Rating _______

STEP 1. PRE-VIEWING
A. Title of the Film/Movie Babaylan
Record Group Source Optimum Minds Media Productions
B. What do you think you will see in this motion picture? List Three concepts or ideas that you might expect to see based on
the title of the film. List some people you might expect to see based on the title of the film.

Concepts / Ideas People

1. Realms of the Spirits 1. Babaylan
2. Pre-colonial culture 2. Spirits
3. The Vocation to be a Babaylan 3. Datu
STEP 2. VIEWING
A. Type of motion picture (check where applicable):
Animated Cartoon Theatrical Short Subject
Documentary Film Training Film
Newsreel Combat Film
Propaganda Film Other: Fictional
B. Physical qualities of the motion picture (check where applicable):
Music Live Action
Narration Background Noise
Special Effects Animation
Color Dramatizations
C.
Note how camera angles, lighting, music, narration, and/or editing contribute to creating an atmosphere in this film. What is
the mood or tone of the film?
Camera angles can greatly affect how one perceives the entire film, as it also contribute to the psychological meanings that
a viewer will associate in every scene. Each particular shot encourages the viewer to identify with the subject. However, in
the movie, the elements of cinematography are neither well-established nor carried out. To specify, the film lacks the proper
color grading it should have, serving injustice to the supposedly atmosphere of the film – it is sometimes oversaturated, it
occasionally lacks hue, generally disabling the specific moods to be created. Moreover, the sound effects are of varying
volumes, and it can sometimes overpower the loudness of the character’s voice.
STEP 3. POST-VIEWING (OR REPEATED VIEWING)
A.
Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that were validated by your viewing of the motion picture.

- Spirits - Babaylan
- Ancient Culture - Datu
- The vocation to be a babaylan - Diwata

B.
What is the central message(s) of this movie/film?
The message of the film revolves around the concept of a tradition that has been nearly forgotten by the modern world. Thus,
the plot of the story focuses on the quest of a group of individuals, as they embark on a mission to acquire knowledge to their
unanswered questions therefore immersing themselves to an age-old culture which is connected to their own. As a result, doors
were opened which paved way for them to further dive deeper into their being, their roles in the society, the world they live in,
and through the endless pit.
C.
Consider the effectiveness of the film in communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and
weaknesses?
The message of the film seized the audience’s curiosity due to its substantial ground which covers the concept of the Filipino
culture. Moreover, the sense of Filipino nationality was satisfactorily conveyed since the producers utilized the Filipino
language, and the narration which accompanies some scenes clarifies the context. The down side of the film, however, was
the weak cinematography it possessed, the ability of the onscreen artists when it comes to giving life to their respected
character. Ultimately, it can be concluded that efforts were made yet were not sufficient to be able to reach the summit.

SPC / AS / Soc Scie Div./ Movie Analysis Worksheet Page 1 of 2

 D.
How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond?
The filmmakers wanted to convey to its audience the concept of a culture that may anytime slumber into oblivion due to the
current world’s continuous improvement. To do so, they want their audience to perceive what the protagonist sees to enable the
viewers to visualize and ponder their thoughts regarding the ancient tradition the Filipinos use to have during the Pre-Spanish
colonization. Generally, the film wants us to recognize the life the so-called Indios used to have before they were pressed under
the boot heel of oppression such as having and being led by female leaders, believing in anitos, and living a life of tranquility.

E.
Does this film appeal to the viewer's reason or emotion? How does it make you feel?
In the end, the film made me feel neutral, or noncombatant. I did not feel remorseful that we are no longer living under the
influence of an age-old culture, nor did I feel vivacious and victorious that globalization occurred and it brought us to where our
country and our lives are right now. Improvements happened because they are supposed to, for the citizens to keep up with the
ever-growing changes of the global economy therefore we, the Filipino people, have to be modern but we must not forget our
roots, our ancestors, the ones who gave birth to our civilization. Without the supplementary readings our professor provided, the
message of the film would be pointless and the output, as a whole, would only be viewed how it was supposed to be: a
requirement.

F. List two things this motion picture tells you about life of the Filipinos ( ) at the time it was
made:
During the pre-Spanish colonization, the Babaylan were once the highly-respected leaders and are viewed as one of the
1.
formidable figures in history.
The past and the recent moment are connected to each other, an evolutionary identity that will also aid us in understanding
2.
our ancestors.
G.
Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion picture.
 Given the supernatural powers that characterize a babaylan, can they transform into an aswang if willed?
 Are babaylans considered as pagans? Or were they the ones who are considered as gods?
 What are the fundamental reasons that spirits will show up to some people?

H.
What information do you gain about this event that would not be conveyed by a written source? Be specific.
The relevance of the existence of Babaylan in the modern generation as well as the enlightenment that they, too, can dance.

SPC / AS / Soc Scie Div./ Movie Analysis Worksheet Page 2 of 2