Underplayed Gems

From What Is Before (2014)

From What Is Before poster
Original title
Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon
Directed by
Lav Diaz
Genre
drama film
Country
Philippines
Runtime
5h 38m
Rated
R18+
Rating
7.9 of 10 from 33 voters
Elsewhere
IMDb
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How it feels

In a rural Philippine village under the Marcos dictatorship, unexplained events disturb the peace of the residents. As strange occurrences multiply, the community is pulled into a spiral of violence.

slow-burnbleakoppressiveominouscontemplativedarktensevisually lush

What happens

From What Is Before (Filipino: Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon) is a 2014 Filipino drama film written, co-produced, photographed, edited, and directed by Lav Diaz. Set during the Marcos dictatorship, the story follows the villagers who face mysterious events in their peaceful community, only to find out that this would start a violent chapter. The film stars Perry Dizon, Roeder Camanag, Hazel Orencio, Karenina Haniel, and Mailes Kanapi. Produced by Sine Olivia Pilipinas, the film first premiered in the Philippines on July 3, 2014. It was later screened in international film festivals, including in Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland on August 7, where it, a competing entry, won the Golden Leopard, Toronto International Film Festival in Canada on September 7, and Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan on October 24. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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