In the year 1970, members of various student organizations hosted a picket rally to denounce the incumbent Philippine President Marcos. This group of political activists calls themselves "Katips" (a derivation from the word "Katipunan" or "Katipunero"). They consist of student leader Greg (Jerome Ponce), writer Panyong (Vince Tañada), the generous Alet (Adelle Ibarrientos), freshman Art (Johnrey Rivas), labor leader Estong (Joshua Bulot), and the outspoken Susie (Vean Olmedo). Accompanying them are Sister Claire (Dexter Doria) and Sister Josie (Patricia Ismael). During their peaceful protest, militants from the Metropolitan Command, headed by Lt. Sales (Mon Confiado), arrested and killed Ka Manding (Nelson Mendoza), the leader of the rallyists. This instigated a deep conflict between the police forces and the demonstrators.
Some time passed, and Martial Law was enacted in the country. Ka Manding’s daughter, Lara (Nicole Laurel Asensio), arrived from the US, and she stayed with Greg, Panyong, and Alet at a hideout for Katips. During their stay together, and despite having different views about the country, Greg and Lara fell in love.
But these fleeting moments will end soon now that Martial Law is in effect. Lt. Sales and his minions return to kidnap members of the Katips and torture them one-by-one for their act of rebellion.
As a film, "Katips" surely has many flaws.
It has songs that don't match well with the overall message of the scene, the editing is terrible, and there are conversations that run for too long. The 2 hour and 20 minute runtime feels overbearing; it could’ve been 1 hour shorter by removing unnecessary scenes and musical pieces.
There are good songs, though. But those cannot cover the fact that this film looks awfully cheap.
I’m sure "Katips" thrived as a musical play. I can see the talent attached to it really has that theatrical finesse and competence. But it doesn’t translate well into film. Maybe director Vince Tañada wanted to add every piece, every moment, and every song in his award-winning play to this project. That’s why there's a disarray in pace, message, and theme.
To be honest, we can go on and on about things that can be improved or omitted. There are too many head-scratching and cringe-worthy moments sprinkled all over it. Though, you can forgive it sometimes, as it is apparent that the movie has no money and everyone is trying their best to utilize the resources that they have.
Furthermore, this film is gutsy. What makes "Katips" such a valuable piece in cinema right now is that it's the David to today's Goliath.
"Katips" is one of those rare films that's in the right place at the right time. It's the movie we need as Martial Law starts to become a fiction and a lie to many people, no thanks to fake news and influential people trying to distort history, mostly in favor of the Marcoses.
As "Katips" suggested, it is not the Aquinos that are the real victors and the real heroes in toppling Marcos's tyranny, it's the Filipino people. It's the students, the teachers, the nuns, and the ordinary Filipinos who fought back against oppression and fear just to let their voices be heard. Amidst the terror, they lived every day to help bring democracy back to the country by educating and empowering people. They protest, write, tell stories, love, sing, and scream their hearts out for justice and freedom.
That is why "Katips" strike a very sentimental chord in people's hearts. It earnestly tells the story of the people holding the rosaries, the pens, the flowers, and the placards. Not the ones with the badge, crown, or gun. It's the story of the true victors and their defeats during one of the Philippines' darkest days.
In an alternate universe, we might be forever celebrating their heroics. Maybe all of them are alive and well with us today. Giving talks and tours about a history everyone shouldn't forget. But this is not our reality. Blood has already spilled. The dictator's son is already in power. And the projects to clean up the Marcoses name are already in motion. It is not yet over. We still have a lot of things to do.
2.5/5
