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| Anak Ng Cabron Slum life has never been so degrading and dangerous. In Anak Ng Cabron (Urban Films), Ace Vergel plays Donato Rios, a young emperor of crime in a God-forsaken squatter zone, a prototype of the lumpen mind. His values and manner is the curse of every civilized, right-thinking man. Decent society has no room for scum like him. The only person Donato looks up to is his equally wayward and irresponsible father Mike (Charlie Davao) who is both a gun for hire and boss man for a school of pickpockets. Both father and son worship only money and power but they are unable to expand their empire beyond the confines of the slums. The only method they know is terror tactics. Mike and Donato also have very little respect for women. Donato's most unpardonable acts are not his murderous ways but the way he treats women. To his mother Ester (Perla Bautista), he's rude and insensitive. To Wilsa (Vivian Foz), an attractive medical intern, he's even worse. He kidnaps and rapes her virtually at gunpoint, then continues to molest her, once even spattering her head and face with mud. Donato is a stranger to tenderness and feeling. His vileness is unrelieved. As played by Ace Vergel, Donato projects a boyish mien that masks his true nature. What evil lurks behind such a gentle face. A woman may probably have a spot for him, initially, but all this vanishes once it is clear to her how this near-psychotic gets things done. Perla Baustista as his distraught mother also offers a solid performance. Even Vivian Foz who is the embodiment of an educated and respectable young woman does nicely too. It isn't often that action thrillers offer good performances and Anak Ng Cabron is a surprisingly rare exception. Charlie Davao is adequate as the father. Johnny Wilson as Rafael Cuevas, a crusading radio commentator is also noteworthy, he isn't a stereotype martyr or an ideal father. Anak Ng Cabron is not without flaws, however. Rafael's on-the-air snipes against crooked police officials are not properly woven into the story's main thread, like a subplot moving independently. Then his son's character Eric (Mark Gil) is not sufficiently developed, as though he's there to merely represent the middle-class kid with the lumpen streak. In the closing scene, moreover, it is not likely that the young intern would be so sympathetic to the fallen kingpin, except maybe for melodramatic effect. But even that is not entirely gratuitous. There are references to the Great Divide between the rich and the poor. In one moment, in fact, Donato inarticulate as he is, expresses his deep resentment and utter lack of respect for the exploitative leisure class, yet such excursions to verbalize social messages sound superfluous in the light of the movie's unstinting depiction of the ugliness of the lowlife and the evil that men do. Directed By: Willy Milan Screenplay By: Conrad Galang Cinematography: Ricardo Hererra Music By: Nonoy Tan Film Editor: Ruben S. Natividad Production Designer: Domingo Donato Produced By: Urban Films Release Date: February 17, 1988 |
11:05 PM
Hi Jojo!
I clearly remember this movie in my youth but merely by title alone. I believed this was shown on IBC-13 that time. There were numerous films the likes of Ace Vergel, Rudy Fernandez, Lito Lapid being shown on 13 that I barely recall their titles let alone the story.
Despite a very negative titular character, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this better-made pinoy action flicks in the '80s.
Ace Vergel in the movie at times acts comically yet deadly serious when he doesn't get what he wants. Most especially Wilsa.
Although veteran actress Perla Bautista had done a gazillion times the role of a weary mother, she still gets the audiences sympathy. She doesn't only have to deal with her good for nothing husband but also with a son who went astray.
Though not mentioned often, I really like Johnny Wilson as an actor. He is so good at playing almost anything. He can be extremely good or evil. He can be a doting father, a corrupt senator, a rapist, name it. I think it was the first time I saw him as a radio commentator. I like his role as Gabby's father in Totoo Ba Ang Tsismis?
Anak Ng Cabron's ending is purely for cinematic effect. Yes, Wilsa's sudden sympathy for the fallen Donato is a bit hard to swallow. But as always, Ace Vergel delivers.
4:17 AM
Hello Dennis!
If I remember correctly, Anak Ng Cabron was the first action film to garner the most number of Urian nominations. Even Pepeng Shotgun which in my book is one of the best action movies ever made was unable to achieve this.
Ace Vergel's character was a fully realized film baddie, a first in Filipino movies. Bihira tayong makapanood ng pelikulang kaiinisan ng nanonood ang bida but Ace's performance was outstanding. The added charm and charisma gave complexity to the role which resulted in his winning the Gawad Urian Best Actor award for this movie.
Perla Bautista was excellent in the film as well. She may have portrayed the same role many times before and was finally recognized by the Manunuri for her performance in the film.
I also admire Johnny Wilson as an actor. He was in every movie made in the 80's. He's one of the very few na hindi nakakasawang panoorin in every role he portrays.
It's just unfortunate that they don't make action films like this anymore...
2:36 AM
Wow, Anak Ng Cabron being nominated and won in Urian is saying a lot!
Sobrang agree ako sa sinabi mo, Hindi nakakasawa ang bawat atake ni Johnny Wilson. Sayang lang at wala na siya to teach new actors how to act.
Anak Ng Cabron is indeed one of a kind.
9:02 AM
Anak Ng Cabron proved that an action movie can be compelling, that Willy Milan is capable of directing a good film, that Ace Vergel and Perla Bautista are exceptional performers.
I cannot recall any action movie that came close to what Anak Ng Cabron has accomplished. To be recognized by the Manunuri means that this film is more than just a run of the mill action flick...
7:52 PM
I was surprised too that even though Willy Milan is known for directing pinoy action flicks, he can managed to make a critically-acclaimed action movies.
Thanks for letting me revisit this gem of a pinoy action film!
8:47 PM
After directing those run-of-the-mill action movies, Willy Milan learned from his mistakes and came up with an honest to goodness action picture. It also helped that he had an outstanding cast and an excellent screenplay to work with.
You're most welcome Dennis!