BATRINA, John Eric P.

Mrs. Priscilla M. Agaton

XII - Aquino

21st Century literature

A critique paper on “Kisapmata”

Mike De Leon directed the 1981 film "Kisapmata," which was a crime-drama-suspense genre
that was uncommon in Philippine cinema. This film is about a patriarch who loses control of his
daughter through marriage and his daughter's attempts to flee their prison-like household. Charo
Santos was one of the four main lead actors and actresses. Concio plays Milagros "Mila"
Carandang, Jay Ilagan plays Noel Manalansan, Vic Silayan plays Sgt. Diosdado "Dadong"
Carandang, and Charito Solis plays Adelina Carandang. Living under the hand of a tyrant was
suffocating, and Mila and her mother Adelina had similar life experiences. Diosdado "Dadong"
Carandang's tyrannical rule over those who live around him. 

The term tyranny is derived from the Greek root word tyrannos, which means "absolute power."
Sgt. Diosdado "Dadong" Carandang, the patriarch, was a tyrant who oppressed, dictated, and
controlled the lives of everyone in his household. He was a former sergeant and has many
connections to those in positions of authority above him. Even though he was retired, he retained
the behavior he developed while still a sergeant. He believes he has control over the laws.

and he is free to do whatever he wants. He was a corrupt leader or sergeant who used his power
and authority to treat others cruelly and harshly. He was a tyrant who manipulated and oppressed
his subjects; coaxes others to do what he wants by using fear, threats, and weaknesses.

Dadong has also perpetrated domestic violence against Milagros "Mila" Carandang and Adelina
Carandang. Adelina, the mother, was aware of and witnessed the incestuous act.
Dadong had committed a crime against their daughter. Mila later decided to marry Noel
Manalansan, the father of the child growing in her stomach. Mila and Noel's marriage resulted in
possessiveness and obsession with Mila and her child, according to Dadong. Dadong then began
to rule over their lives, from inviting guests to their wedding to their ostensibly honeymoon
night, as well as their lives in his home. Mila and Noel, on the other hand, are beginning to break
free.

Dadong's shackles were removed, and they began to fight for their freedom and independence
from him. Dadong eventually kills Mila, Noel, and Adelina before committing suicide.

He believes that if they leave him, he will take them all to the afterlife to be with each other in
death.

This film depicts the abuse of power by those in positions of authority and power. Diosdado
"Dadong" Carandang is a tyrant who dictates and overrules his wife's life. Adelina and the lives
of married couple Mila and Noel Mila and Adelina bear the brunt of their patriarch's abuse.
Dadongs' possessiveness, obsession, and selfishness resulted in their deaths.