‘Animo’ is a local film that deserves mainstream spotlight

1 of 5

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Photos by Raymundo Salao and Gabriel Gazo

I was never a fan of local films, but that is no longer the case after I watched the spotlight screening of Apassa production’s ‘Animo’ in the Cinematheque Centre Iloilo on April 22.

The movie carves out a unique space for itself by exceeding high expectations and featuring an unexpected plot and cast. Who would even dare make a film that would bring up an amulet as a source of magic and sorcery when the contemporary film industry set its tone more on engaging and crisp visuals? Well, it’s Raymund Encanto Salao.

The film revolves around a young man named Nonoy, who gained supernatural abilities and unlocked the secrets of an amulet that was handed down from generation to generation by his great-grandfather, Crisostomo Ytum, who was once the bravest warrior during his time.

This action and fantasy movie is distinct in style and theme, tailored specifically for Filipino audiences. The use of agimat, also known as anting or folklorized as anting-anting, has made it relevant to the local audiences because it has long been part of our material culture, especially when our ancestors believed in magical objects that could provide protection from harm and evil spirits. While its context evolved over time and lost popularity in mainstream pop culture since Ramon Revilla Sr.’s time, the agimat still figures heavily in the daily lives of rural folk.

From protagonist to antagonists or the dark power villains, all are well-cast and fit their roles in appearance, emotion, and line delivery. The main protagonist’s performance is particularly noteworthy for he justifiably brings weight to the character and naturally inhabits that formidable charisma and fierceness that seasoned action stars have.

The fight scenes are thrilling and impressive, reminiscent of a real-life Tekken match. Thanks in part to the cast’s parkour skills and the cinematography’s tactile camera angles. It undeniably captured the physical feats, extended fight scenes, and frantic chases during the action scenes making the exchange of blows and power tumblings breathtaking.

Though there are only a few applications of computer-generated imagery or CGI special effects. One can really see how local film industries are keeping up with that of the mainstream.

Salao’s Animo is a refreshing departure from the rehashing of concepts in previous local films and the predictable and cliché plots or storylines. This work of art is a testament that real settings and cultural specifics can already tell a compelling story and leaves audiences wanting more — not even surprising that after the film, one from the audience asked if a prequel would be possible.