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{{short description|1980 Filipino film directed by Eddie Romero}}
{{short description|1980 Filipino film directed by Eddie Romero}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Águila
| name = Aguila
| image = AguilaPoster.jpg
| image = AguilaPoster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical poster
| caption = Theatrical poster
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| distributor = {{Plainlist|
| distributor = {{Plainlist|
* Bancom Audiovision
* Bancom Audiovision
* [[ABS-CBN Film Productions]] {{small|(restored version)}}
* [[ABS-CBN Films]] {{small|(restored version)}}
* [[FPJ Productions]] {{small|(restored version)}}
* [[FPJ Productions]] {{small|(restored version)}}
* [[Cinema One Originals]] {{small|(restored version)}}
* [[Film Development Council of the Philippines]] {{small|(restored version)}}
}}
}}
| released = {{Film date|1980|2|14|df=yes}}
| released = {{Film date|1980|2|14}}
| runtime = 210 minutes
| runtime = 210 minutes
| country = [[Philippines]]
| country = [[Philippines]]
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}}
}}


'''''Águila''''' ({{translation|''Eagle''}}) is a 1980 Philippine [[period drama film]] written, produced and directed by [[Eddie Romero]], touted as "''the biggest event in local movie history''" and "''the biggest Filipino film ever made''". It features an [[ensemble cast]] topbilled by [[Fernando Poe Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video48.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-eighties-12-fernando-poe-jr-amalia.html?m=1|title=THE EIGHTIES # 12: FERNANDO POE, JR., AMALIA FUENTES, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, EDDIE GARCIA, CHARO SANTOS, ELIZABETH OROPESA, JAY ILAGAN, CHANDA ROMERO, IN EDDIE ROMERO'S "AGUILA" (1980) |date=21 July 2019|accessdate=26 October 2019| website=Video48 Blog|first=Simon|last=Santos}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/updates/33111318-mga-pelikula-ni-fpj-na-yumanig-sa-takilya?fbclid=IwAR1w1nAG7A-NKJ7FmOPIH6eziyGleBwKkImm0nRDZKjR6sghbDU_dLVhBcw | title=Mga pelikula ni FPJ na yumanig sa takilya | publisher=[[ABS-CBN|ABS-CBN Entertainment]] | date=13 November 2018 | accessdate=26 October 2019 | first=Mary Ann | last=Bardinas}}</ref>
'''''Aguila''''' ({{translation|''Eagle''}}) is a 1980 Philippine [[period drama film]] written, produced and directed by [[Eddie Romero]], touted as "''the biggest event in local movie history''" and "''the biggest Filipino film ever made''". It features an [[ensemble cast]] topbilled by [[Fernando Poe Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video48.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-eighties-12-fernando-poe-jr-amalia.html?m=1|title=THE EIGHTIES # 12: FERNANDO POE, JR., AMALIA FUENTES, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, EDDIE GARCIA, CHARO SANTOS, ELIZABETH OROPESA, JAY ILAGAN, CHANDA ROMERO, IN EDDIE ROMERO'S "AGUILA" (1980) |date=July 21, 2019|accessdate=October 26, 2019| website=Video48 Blog|first=Simon|last=Santos}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/updates/33111318-mga-pelikula-ni-fpj-na-yumanig-sa-takilya | title=Mga pelikula ni FPJ na yumanig sa takilya | publisher=[[ABS-CBN Entertainment]] | date=November 13, 2018 | accessdate=October 26, 2019 | first=Mary Ann | last=Bardinas | archive-date=January 25, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125025128/https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/updates/33111318-mga-pelikula-ni-fpj-na-yumanig-sa-takilya | url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Plot==
==Synopsis==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:AguilaPoster2.jpg|thumb|right|Another version of the theatrical poster]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:AguilaPoster2.jpg|thumb|right|Another version of the theatrical poster]] -->


Flashbacks encompass the history of the Philippines as well as the life story of the elderly Daniel Águila. The Águila family gathers to celebrate Daniel's 88th birthday, but the old man is nowhere to be seen - he has been missing for a decade. Suspecting that his father is in [[Mindanao]], one of his sons takes off for that region in a determined search. Along the way, his memories of the nation and his father's life tell the story of eighty tumultuous years of personal and historical development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317062/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|title=Aguila (1980): Plot|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=26 October 2019|first=Eleanor |last=Mannikka}}</ref>
Flashbacks encompass the history of the Philippines as well as the life story of the elderly Daniel Águila. The Águila family gathers to celebrate Daniel's 88th birthday, but the old man is nowhere to be seen - he has been missing for a decade. Suspecting that his father is in [[Mindanao]], one of his sons takes off for that region in a determined search. Along the way, his memories of the nation and his father's life tell the story of eighty tumultuous years of personal and historical development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317062/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|title=Aguila (1980): Plot|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=October 26, 2019|first=Eleanor |last=Mannikka}}</ref>


==Synopsis==
==Plot==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Decades of Eagle Vision.jpg|thumb|right|Stills from the film showing the life and times of Daniel Aguila.]] -->
''Águila'' chronicles the passionate saga of the life and times of a [[Filipinos|Filipino]] family.


It is 1980. The influential and affluent Águila family celebrate the 88th birthday of their missing and long-presumed dead patriarch, Daniel Águila ([[Fernando Poe Jr.]]). It truly becomes a celebration of Daniel's life when his son, Mari ([[Christopher de Leon]]), receives news that Daniel is alive, living somewhere in the provinces. Mari, a business tycoon and former Senator, combs the countryside in search of his father. In the course of his search, the Águila family history is unravelled. Spanning a period of 80 years, it covers [[Philippine Revolution|the 1896 Philippine Revolution]], [[History of the Philippines (1898-1946)|the American occupation, the Japanese era]], [[History of the Philippines (1946-65)|Post-War reconstruction]] and [[History of the Philippines (1965-86)|the student militant activities of the late 1960s to early 1970s]].
In 1980, the influential and affluent Águila family celebrate the 88th birthday of their missing and long-presumed dead patriarch, Daniel Águila. His son, Mari, receives news that Daniel is alive in the provinces. Mari, a business tycoon and former Senator, combs the countryside in search of his father. In the course of his search, the Águila family history is unraveled.


It all begins when Daniel's father, Artemio (Dave Brodett), an officer in the [[Katipunan|Revolutionary Army]], dies by treachery. His mother, Isabel Teodoro ([[Amalia Fuentes]]), is raped by that same traitor, Simeon Garrido ([[Eddie Garcia]]), and later marries him for convenience. As a young soldier accompanying Simeon to Mindanao, Daniel again becomes witness to injustice: Simeon and some Americans ruthlessly take away [[Ancestral domain|Muslim tribal lands]].
It all begins when Daniel's father, Artemio, an officer in the [[Katipunan|Revolutionary Army]], dies by treachery. His mother, Isabel Teodoro, is raped by that same traitor, Simeon Garrido, and later marries him for convenience. As a young soldier accompanying Simeon to Mindanao, Daniel again becomes witness to injustice: Simeon and some Americans ruthlessly take away [[Ancestral domain|Muslim tribal lands]].


Daniel's life is one of complexity - of human emotions and relationships. His affair with a [[Iranun|Muslim]] woman, Farida ([[Sandy Andolong|Andrea Andolong]]), results in a love-child, Osman ([[Jay Ilagan]]). He marries Sally ([[Charo Santos]]), Mari's mother, who later falls ill and dies. He also discovers the [[incest|incestuous liaison]] between Simeon and Lilian ([[Elizabeth Oropesa]]), his half-sister, who in turn unsuccessfully attempts to seduce him.
Daniel's life is one of complexity - of human emotions and relationships. His affair with a [[Iranun|Muslim]] woman, Farida, results in a love-child, Osman. He marries a lawyer named Sally, Mari's mother, who later falls ill and dies. He also discovers the [[incest|incestuous liaison]] between Simeon and Lilian, who in turn unsuccessfully attempts to seduce him.


Daniel's expiriences during [[Philippines campaign (1944-1945)|World War II]] and with the American-controlled post-war government only increase his mounting disenchantment with life and society. Mari's amoral political ambitions and his grandson's, Raul (Ricky Sandico), activist stance drives him further into disillusionment. Finally, Daniel heeds his longing for peace and leaves.
Daniel's experiences during [[Philippines campaign (1944-1945)|World War II]] and with the American-controlled post-war government only increase his mounting disenchantment with life and society. Mari's amoral political ambitions and his grandson Raul's activist stance drives him further into disillusionment. Finally, Daniel heeds his longing for peace and leaves.


Mari's journey ends when he finds Daniel in an [[Aeta]] village in [[Bohol]], where Daniel has found serenity, far from the maddening machinations and injustices committed by a civilized society.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Banal |first=Chelo R. |date=3 February 1980 |title=Aguila |url= https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-rT_Ycc1i8/XTQ230QwqMI/AAAAAAAA7Is/oEJuFMW4gNkrhfwKqQaj5l15qtE87ubAACLcBGAs/s1600/Aguila%2Barticle-sf.jpg |magazine=Philippine Panorama |location=[[Intramuros]] |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |accessdate=14 November 2019}}</ref>
Mari's journey ends when he finds Daniel in an [[Aeta]] village in [[Bohol]], where Daniel has found serenity, far from the maddening machinations and injustices committed by a civilized society.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Banal |first=Chelo R. |date=February 3, 1980 |title=Aguila |url= https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-rT_Ycc1i8/XTQ230QwqMI/AAAAAAAA7Is/oEJuFMW4gNkrhfwKqQaj5l15qtE87ubAACLcBGAs/s1600/Aguila%2Barticle-sf.jpg |magazine=Philippine Panorama |location=[[Intramuros]] |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |accessdate=November 14, 2019}}</ref>


==Cast of Characters==
==Cast of Characters==
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* [[Charo Santos]] as Atty. Monica Salvación "Sally" Llamas ''[[Nobiliary particle#Spain|de]]'' Águila
* [[Charo Santos]] as Atty. Monica Salvación "Sally" Llamas ''[[Nobiliary particle#Spain|de]]'' Águila
* [[Chanda Romero]] as Diwata
* [[Chanda Romero]] as Diwata
* [[Daria Ramirez|Daria Ramírez]] as Elvira
* Daria Ramírez as Elvira
* [[Eddie Garcia]] as ''[[Don (honorific)|Don]]'' Simeon Garrido
* [[Eddie Garcia]] as ''[[Don (honorific)|Don]]'' Simeon Garrido
* [[Celia Rodriguez]] as Margo Cepeda
* [[Celia Rodriguez]] as Margo Cepeda
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* Dave Brodett as Capt. Artemio Águila
* Dave Brodett as Capt. Artemio Águila
* Ruben Rustia as Gen. Caram
* Ruben Rustia as Gen. Caram
* [[Lito Anzures]] as [[Datu]] Khalid
* Lito Anzures as [[Datu]] Khalid
* Ricky Sandico as Raúl Águila
* Ricky Sandico as Raúl Águila
* [[Joonee Gamboa]] as Arcadio "Cadio" Cuevas
* [[Joonee Gamboa]] as Arcadio "Cadio" Cuevas
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* Odette Khan as Binay
* Odette Khan as Binay
* [[Aga Muhlach|Ariel Muhlach]] as Danielito Águila
* [[Aga Muhlach|Ariel Muhlach]] as Danielito Águila
⚫
* [[Grace Poe]]
* [[Rolando Tinio]]
* [[Rolando Tinio]]
* R. V. Romero
* R. V. Romero
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* Serafin Payawal
* Serafin Payawal
* Archie Lacson
* Archie Lacson
⚫
* [[Grace Poe]]
* [[Malou de Guzman]]
* [[Malou de Guzman]]
* The Penthouse 7 Dancers
* The Penthouse 7 Dancers
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==Production==
==Production==


The film had a budget of {{Philippine Peso|5,000,000.00}} and boasted 12 stars, 60 production staff and crewmen and 7,000 extras.<ref name=production>{{cite magazine |last=Banal |first=Chelo R. |date=3 February 1980 |title=AT A COST OF P5M AND A CAST OF THOUSANDS, TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING AND THREE HOURS AND A HALF LONG, "AGUILA" SOARS THROUGH THE PRIVATE LIFE OF A FILIPINO AND THE HISTORY OF HIS COUNTRY |url= https://pelikulaatbp.blogspot.com/2017/08/at-cost-of-p5m-and-cast-of-thousands.html?m=1 |magazine=Philippine Panorama |location=[[Intramuros]] |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |accessdate=26 October 2019}}</ref>
The film had a budget of {{Philippine Peso|5,000,000.00}} and boasted 12 stars, 60 production staff and crewmen and 7,000 extras.<ref name=production>{{cite magazine |last=Banal |first=Chelo R. |date=February 3, 1980 |title=AT A COST OF P5M AND A CAST OF THOUSANDS, TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING AND THREE HOURS AND A HALF LONG, "AGUILA" SOARS THROUGH THE PRIVATE LIFE OF A FILIPINO AND THE HISTORY OF HIS COUNTRY |url= https://pelikulaatbp.blogspot.com/2017/08/at-cost-of-p5m-and-cast-of-thousands.html?m=1 |magazine=Philippine Panorama |location=[[Intramuros]] |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |accessdate=October 26, 2019}}</ref>


The film was shot in 120 different locations.<ref name=production/> The film's Art Director, [[Mel Chionglo]], built a [[Magdiwang (Katipunan faction)|Magdiwang]] camp and an [[Ilongot|Ilongot village]] in the hills of [[Tanay, Rizal|Tanay]] and an [[Aeta|Aeta village]] in [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]]. Chionglo had three assistants, two set men and ten carpenters to help in this work. Chionglo also designed sets for an 1897 evening in [[Binondo]], a Muslim waterfront in 1918 [[Nasugbu, Batangas]], a courthouse in 1924 [[Magdalena, Laguna]], a [[Roaring Twenties]] cabaret in [[Makati]], a Japanese garrison in [[Lumban, Laguna]], and other settings.<ref name=production/>
The film was shot in 120 different locations.<ref name=production/> The film's art director, [[Mel Chionglo]], built a [[Magdiwang (Katipunan faction)|Magdiwang]] camp and an [[Ilongot people|Ilongot village]] on the hills of [[Tanay, Rizal|Tanay]] and an [[Aeta|Aeta village]] in [[Los Baños, Laguna|Los Baños]]. Chionglo had three assistants, two set men and ten carpenters to help in this work. Chionglo also designed sets for an 1897 evening in [[Binondo]], a Muslim waterfront in 1918 [[Nasugbu, Batangas]], a courthouse in 1924 [[Magdalena, Laguna]], a [[Roaring Twenties]] cabaret in [[Makati]], a Japanese garrison in [[Lumban, Laguna]], and other settings.<ref name=production/>


The film took 100 days to shoot the 204 pages of script written for it, the latter having been written over a two-year period.<ref name=production/>
The film took 100 days to shoot the 204 pages of script written for it, the latter having been written over a two-year period.<ref name=production/>


Actress [[Rio Locsin]] was originally cast to play [[Hukbalahap|Huk commander]] Diwata but was replaced by [[Chanda Romero]], director [[Eddie Romero]]'s niece,<ref name="Romero Family">{{cite news | url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/96571/chanda-remembers-tito-eddie-a-beloved-mentor | title=Chanda remembers Tito Eddie, a beloved mentor | newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer]] | date=1 June 2013 | accessdate=26 October 2019 | first=Bayani Jr. |last=San Diego}}</ref> when she failed to show up on her first shooting day.<ref name=production/>
Actress [[Rio Locsin]] was originally cast to play [[Hukbalahap|Huk commander]] Diwata but was replaced by [[Chanda Romero]], director [[Eddie Romero]]'s niece,<ref name="Romero Family">{{cite news | url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/96571/chanda-remembers-tito-eddie-a-beloved-mentor | title=Chanda remembers Tito Eddie, a beloved mentor | newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer]] | date=June 1, 2013 | accessdate=October 26, 2019 | first=Bayani Jr. |last=San Diego}}</ref> when she failed to show up on her first shooting day.<ref name=production/>


The production was infamously marred by tensions between the crew. Among the reported incidents of tensions flaring up involved Eddie Romero's frequent butting of heads with Mel Chionglo.<ref name=production2>{{cite news | url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/11/12/19/the-drama-behind-aguila-walkouts-diva-turns-and-confrontation-on-the-set-of-fpjs-best-film | title=The drama behind Aguila: Walkouts, diva turns and confrontation on the set of FPJ’s best film | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANCX]] | date=12 November 2019 | accessdate=20 November 2019 | first=Bam V. | last=Abellon}}</ref> Romero likewise clashed with set decorator, and now screenwriter, Racquel Villavicencio over unreasonable production demands.<ref name=production2/> Eventually, the differences among the crew members got so unbearable for the film's cinematographer, [[Mike de Leon]], that he walked out on the project altogether.<ref name=production/> However, while tensions were building between members of the crew, no such tensions were reported among the actors and Romero himself. Romero was described as being a "cool director", not having been angered by the actors on the set.<ref name=production2/> The lone exception of Romero being angered by an actor on the set is when he threatened to renounce his niece, Chanda, if she could not do her kissing scene with [[Christopher de Leon]] right.<ref name="Romero Family"/>
The production was infamously marred by tensions between the crew. Among the reported incidents of tensions flaring up involved Eddie Romero's frequent butting of heads with Mel Chionglo.<ref name=production2>{{cite news | url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/11/12/19/the-drama-behind-aguila-walkouts-diva-turns-and-confrontation-on-the-set-of-fpjs-best-film | title=The drama behind Aguila: Walkouts, diva turns and confrontation on the set of FPJ's best film | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANCX]] | date=November 12, 2019 | accessdate=November 20, 2019 | first=Bam V. | last=Abellon}}</ref> Romero likewise clashed with set decorator, and now screenwriter, Racquel Villavicencio over unreasonable production demands.<ref name=production2/> Eventually, the differences among the crew members got so unbearable for the film's cinematographer, [[Mike de Leon]], that he walked out on the project altogether.<ref name=production/> However, while tensions were building between members of the crew, no such tensions were reported among the actors and Romero himself. Romero was described as being a "cool director", not having been angered by the actors on the set.<ref name=production2/> The lone exception of Romero being angered by an actor on the set is when he threatened to renounce his niece, Chanda, if she could not do her kissing scene with [[Christopher de Leon]] right.<ref name="Romero Family"/>


Romero was notoriously late on the set, but the actors would arrive even later than Romero himself.<ref name=production/> Despite this however, Romero tolerated the different personalities between the actors and allowed them to bond, usually over meals in between shoots.<ref name=production2/>
Romero was notoriously late on the set, but the actors would arrive even later than Romero himself.<ref name=production/> Despite this however, Romero tolerated the different personalities between the actors and allowed them to bond, usually over meals in between shoots.<ref name=production2/>


Upon the release of the film, a minor criticism launched at it was that the actors who are supposed to age do not look like they aged a day.<ref name=production/> Most notably, [[Amalia Fuentes]] refused to show age in the film despite portraying the mother of [[Fernando Poe Jr.|FPJ]]'s character, Daniel.<ref name=production2/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/10/06/19/amalia-fuentes-a-life-bookended-by-tragedy-but-lived-fearlessly | title=Amalia Fuentes: The heartbreaks and triumphs of a movie queen | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANCX]] | date=6 October 2019 | accessdate=13 December 2019 | first=Isidra | last=Reyes}}</ref>
Upon the release of the film, a minor criticism launched at it was that the actors who are supposed to age do not look like they aged a day.<ref name=production/> Most notably, [[Amalia Fuentes]] refused to show age in the film despite portraying the mother of [[Fernando Poe Jr.|FPJ]]'s character, Daniel.<ref name=production2/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/10/06/19/amalia-fuentes-a-life-bookended-by-tragedy-but-lived-fearlessly | title=Amalia Fuentes: The heartbreaks and triumphs of a movie queen | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News Channel|ANCX]] | date=October 6, 2019 | accessdate=December 13, 2019 | first=Isidra | last=Reyes}}</ref>


FPJ choreographed the fight and war scenes.<ref name=production/>
FPJ choreographed the fight and war scenes.<ref name=production/>


FPJ's daughter, future [[Senator of the Philippines|Senator]], [[Grace Poe]] [[cameo appearance|cameoed]] in the film as [[Daria Ramirez]]'s sister.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/53519/profiling-grace-poe-10-things-that-make-her-who-she-is | title=Profiling Grace Poe: 10 Things That Make Her Who She Is | date=29 May 2013 | publisher=[[Summit Media|Spot.ph]] | accessdate=13 December 2019}}</ref>
FPJ's daughter, future [[Senator of the Philippines|Senator]], [[Grace Poe]] [[cameo appearance|cameoed]] in the film as Daria Ramirez's sister.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/53519/profiling-grace-poe-10-things-that-make-her-who-she-is | title=Profiling Grace Poe: 10 Things That Make Her Who She Is | date=May 29, 2013 | publisher=[[Summit Media|Spot.ph]] | accessdate=December 13, 2019}}</ref>


In addition, Bancom Audiovision also spent {{Philippine Peso|100,000.00}} for an hour-long [[Documentary television#documentary television film|made for television documentary film]] on the making of ''Águila'' and hired producer Jesse M. Ejército as advertising and marketing consultant.<ref name=production/>
In addition, Bancom Audiovision also spent {{Philippine Peso|100,000.00}} for an hour-long [[Documentary television#documentary television film|made for television documentary film]] on the making of ''Águila'' and hired producer Jesse M. Ejército as advertising and marketing consultant.<ref name=production/>


This is the second of Eddie Romero's epic historical film trilogy, wedged in between "''[[Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?]]''" and "''[[Kamakalawa]]''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317062/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv|title=Aguila (1980): Trivia|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=20 November 2019}}</ref>
This is the second of Eddie Romero's epic historical film trilogy, wedged in between "''[[Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?]]''" and "''[[Kamakalawa]]''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317062/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv|title=Aguila (1980): Trivia|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>


==Music==
==Music==
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==Themes==
==Themes==
There are three themes prevalent althroughout the film - ''[[Family]]'', ''[[History]]'' and ''[[Society]]'' and ''[[Filipino nationalism|Nationalism]]''<ref name="themes">{{cite book | last=Deocampo | first=Nick | date=2008 | title=Sine Gabay: A Film Study Guide | url=https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=lTSWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT32&lpg=PT32&dq=FPJ+Aguila&source=bl&ots=OFBzOykCbv&sig=ACfU3U0U2XP0lghE12RaXS9-WaGlkMR3Sg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjo2du3ssznAhUwGKYKHc2hA_E4HhDoATACegQIBRAB#v=onepage&q=FPJ%20Aguila&f=false | location=[[Mandaluyong]] | publisher=[[Anvil Publishing|Anvil Publishing, Inc.]] | pages=4–5 | isbn=9786214201792}}</ref>{{rp|4–5}}
There are three themes prevalent throughout the film - ''[[Family]]'', ''[[History]]'' and ''[[Society]]'' and ''[[Filipino nationalism|Nationalism]]''<ref name="themes">{{cite book | last=Deocampo | first=Nick | date=2008 | title=Sine Gabay: A Film Study Guide | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTSWDwAAQBAJ&q=FPJ+Aguila&pg=PT32 | location=[[Mandaluyong]] | publisher=[[Anvil Publishing|Anvil Publishing, Inc.]] | pages=4–5 | isbn=9786214201792}}</ref>{{rp|4–5}}


===Family===
===Family===
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In the film, family life in the Philippines is examined through historical lenses as it depicts the evolution of the Filipino family throughout history and how its values are formed and/or changed.<ref name="themes"/>
In the film, family life in the Philippines is examined through historical lenses as it depicts the evolution of the Filipino family throughout history and how its values are formed and/or changed.<ref name="themes"/>


The family is likewise peered into through the eyes of Daniel Águila as he has lived through an ever evolving and ever growing family, first having grown fatherless and then having a difficult relationship with his mother, Isabel, because of her decision to remarry a man Daniel detests, a choice which was itself imposed upon Isabel by her own parents; then as a family man himself, how Daniel copes with his own children who has views opposite to his and whose views shape the paths they choose to take in life.
The family is likewise peered into through the eyes of Daniel Águila as he has lived through an ever evolving and ever growing family - first having grown fatherless and then having a difficult relationship with his mother, Isabel, because of her decision to remarry a man Daniel detests, a choice which was itself imposed upon Isabel by her own parents; then as a family man himself, how Daniel copes with his own children who has views opposite to his and whose views shape the paths they chose to take in life.


The film likewise explores alienation within one's own family, as seen in the experiences of Daniel, Osman and Mari and Lilian who all feel like they are outsiders within their own family at certain points in the film.
The film likewise explores alienation within one's own family, as seen in the experiences of Daniel, Osman, Mari and Lilian who all feel like they are outsiders within their own family at certain points in the film.


Another point the film touches upon is how the family shapes its members, specifically how familial experience Daniel Águila as a person. This film has been cited as an unconventional FPJ-movie as it shows FPJ as Daniel Águila being vulnerable, a departure from the [[typecasting|typical roles]] that show Poe as an infallible and incorruptible conquering hero.<ref name=production/> In the film, Daniel's failings as a man and as head of the family is shown and it examines how these shape Daniel as a person and how it shapes the Águila family.<ref name="themes"/>
Another point the film touches upon is how the family shapes its members, specifically how familial experience molded Daniel Águila as a person. This film has been cited as an unconventional FPJ-movie as it shows FPJ as Daniel Águila being vulnerable, a departure from the [[typecasting|typical roles]] that show Poe as an infallible and incorruptible conquering hero.<ref name=production/> In the film, Daniel's failings as a man and as head of the family is shown and it examines how these define Daniel as a person and how it influenced the Águila family.<ref name="themes"/>


===History and Society===
===History and Society===
Being under the genre of historical drama, the film depicts how values, not only in the family but in the larger Philippine society, evolves.<ref name="themes"/> It shows how Daniel and his family and the values they hold are a product of their times, how their choices are informed by the prevailing values and trends of a given period.<ref name="themes"/> This is exemplified in the character arc of Mari, who, in entering the political arena becomes swept by its corruption and inevitably becomes part of the machinery that he once sought to change. This is likewise shown in the arc of Raul, who is driven to suicide because of the realization that his hero and mentor, Margo, was willing to give up their cause for personal reasons, much like Cadio and Basilio before her.
Being under the genre of historical drama, the film depicts how values, not only in the family but in the larger Philippine society, evolves.<ref name="themes"/> It shows how Daniel and his family and the values they hold are a product of their times, how their choices are informed by the prevailing values and trends of a given period.<ref name="themes"/> This is exemplified in the character arc of Mari, who, in entering the political arena becomes swept by its corruption and inevitably becomes part of the machinery that he once sought to change. This is likewise shown in the arc of Raul, who is driven to suicide because of the realization that his hero and mentor, Margo, was willing to give up their cause for personal reasons, much like Cadio and Basilio before her.


Alienation again takes the spotlight as Daniel is driven into abandoning his family and choosing to live in both [[Cotabato]] and [[Bohol]] to escape a society that has become more and more unfamiliar to him. In both communities, he helps its residents and teaches them self-reliance - this arc being reminiscent of [[Henry David Thoreau]]'s isolation and extolling of self-reliance in [[Walden]].
Alienation again takes the spotlight as Daniel is driven into abandoning his family and choosing to live in both [[Cotabato]] and [[Bohol]] to escape a society that has become more and more unfamiliar to him. In both communities, he helps its residents and teaches them self-reliance.


===Nationalism===
===Nationalism===
As with [[Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?]] the film examines what the social ills the pervades Philippine society and how said problems merely evolve but are never solved.<ref name="themes"/>
As with ''[[Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?]]'' the film examines what the social ills the pervades Philippine society and how said problems merely evolve but are never solved.<ref name="themes"/>


This pervasive problem is exemplified by the character of Simeon Garrido, who was willing to sell his loyalty insofar as the new colonial masters are willing serve his personal interests. Much later in the film, Mari's entry into politics leads him to ''"do as the Romans do"'' and engage in corruption to the detriment of the [[Filipinos|Filipino people]]. Similarly, the character arc of Margo shows how those claiming to fight for nationalism can be corrupted when personal interests is thrown into the picture.
This pervasive problem is exemplified by the character of Simeon Garrido, who was willing to sell his loyalty insofar as the new colonial masters are willing serve his personal interests. Much later in the film, Mari's entry into politics leads him to ''"do as the Romans do"'' and engage in corruption to the detriment of the [[Filipinos|Filipino people]]. Similarly, the character arc of Margo shows how those claiming to fight for nationalism can be corrupted when personal interests is thrown into the picture.


Throughout the film, nationalism is a cosntant frustration for Daniel<ref name="themes"/> who has seen how Filipinos are pitted by the Philippines' colonizers against each other; how those who fought for the independence of the Philippines are instead treated like criminals and how those who collaborated with the enemies are given preferred positions. Daniel, in 1945, even laments if his service in the war ultimately redounded to the benefit of but a few, instead of that of the Filipino people.
Throughout the film, nationalism is a constant frustration for Daniel<ref name="themes"/> who has seen how Filipinos are pitted by the Philippines' colonizers against each other; how those who fought for the independence of the Philippines are instead treated like criminals and how those who collaborated with the enemies are given preferred positions. Daniel, in 1945, even laments if his service in the war ultimately redounded to the benefit of but a few, instead of that of the Filipino people.


==Release==
==Release==


The film was released on February 14, 1980 and was simultaneously played at 25 theatres across [[Metro Manila]]. Prior to the film's [[Valentine's Day]] debut, it was previewed thrice and had three premieres.<ref name="production"/>
The film was released on February 14, 1980, and was simultaneously played at 25 theatres across [[Metro Manila]]. Prior to the film's [[Valentine's Day]] debut, it was previewed thrice and had three premieres.<ref name="production"/>


===Re-releases===
===Re-releases===
Line 158: Line 162:
Years after its initial theatre run, the multi-generational epic has seen newfound appreciation. It has become in recent years among film festival organizers' favorite of Eddie Romero's works and has consequently seen re-runs for the benefit and appreciation of newer and younger audience.
Years after its initial theatre run, the multi-generational epic has seen newfound appreciation. It has become in recent years among film festival organizers' favorite of Eddie Romero's works and has consequently seen re-runs for the benefit and appreciation of newer and younger audience.


Among the subsequent screenings that the film has had was at the [[Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival|9th Cínemalayà Cinesthesia]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/08/07/1060481/what-we-missed-cinemalayas-synergy-senses/amp/ | title=What we missed in Cinemalaya’s synergy of the senses | newspaper=[[The Philippine Star|PhilStar Global]] | date=7 August 2013 | accessdate= 3 January 2020 | first=Bibsy M. |last=Carballo}}</ref>
Among the subsequent screenings that the film has had was at the [[Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival|9th Cínemalayà Cinesthesia]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/08/07/1060481/what-we-missed-cinemalayas-synergy-senses/amp/ | title=What we missed in Cinemalaya's synergy of the senses | newspaper=[[The Philippine Star|PhilStar Global]] | date=August 7, 2013 | accessdate= January 3, 2020 | first=Bibsy M. |last=Carballo}}</ref>


In 2019, [[ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project]] and [[FPJ Productions]] digitally restored the film.<ref name="Digitally Restored">{{cite news | url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/11/8/c1-originals-kicks-off-the-lighthouse-six-short-f?lang=en | title=C1 Originals kicks off with "The Lighthouse," features six short films in the festival line-up | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]] | date=8 November 2019 | accessdate=3 January 2020}}</ref> Subsequently, the digitally restored film has been screened at the UP Film Center as part of the UP Film Institute's commemoration of FPJ's 80th birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://facebook.com/watch/?v=873824632987719&_rdr|title=UPFI Film Institute honors the memory of National Artist Fernando Poe, Jr. on his 80th Birth Anniversary|website=[[Facebook]]|date=9 August 2019|accessdate=3 January 2020}}</ref> In the same year, the digitally restored version was screened at the [[Cinema One Originals|15th C1 Originals]].<ref name=production2/><ref name="Digitally Restored"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bworldonline.com/four-directorial-debuts-in-cinema-one-film-fests-lineup/ | title=Four directorial debuts in Cinema One film fest’s lineup | newspaper=[[BusinessWorld]] | date=29 October 2019 | accessdate=3 January 2020 | first=Zsarlene B. |last=Chua}}</ref>
In 2019, [[ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project]] and [[FPJ Productions]] digitally restored the film which required 3,000 hours of [[digital preservation]].<ref name="Digitally Restored">{{cite news | url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/11/8/c1-originals-kicks-off-the-lighthouse-six-short-f?lang=en | title=C1 Originals kicks off with "The Lighthouse," features six short films in the festival line-up | publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]] | date=November 8, 2019 | accessdate=January 3, 2020}}</ref> Subsequently, the digitally restored film has been screened at the UP Film Center as part of the UP Film Institute's commemoration of FPJ's 80th birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://facebook.com/watch/?v=873824632987719&_rdr|title=UPFI Film Institute honors the memory of National Artist Fernando Poe, Jr. on his 80th Birth Anniversary|website=[[Facebook]]|date=August 9, 2019|accessdate=January 3, 2020}}</ref> In the same year, the digitally restored version was screened at the [[Cinema One Originals|15th C1 Originals]].<ref name=production2/><ref name="Digitally Restored"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bworldonline.com/four-directorial-debuts-in-cinema-one-film-fests-lineup/ | title=Four directorial debuts in Cinema One film fest's lineup | newspaper=[[BusinessWorld]] | date=October 29, 2019 | accessdate=January 3, 2020 | first=Zsarlene B. |last=Chua}}</ref> In 2024, FDCP screened its period drama version during the PFIM on September 1 at the [[Manila Metropolitan Theater]].<ref>{{cite news |last1= Tomada |first1= Nathalie |title=How Eddie Romero's ‘Aguila’ was brought back to life|url= https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/09/04/2382626/how-eddie-romeros-aguila-was-brought-back-life|accessdate=September 5, 2024 |work= [[The Philippine Star]] |date=September 4, 2024}}</ref>


==Awards and Nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
{|| width="90%" class="wikitable sortable"
{|| width="90%" class="wikitable sortable" | style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! width="10%"| Year !! width="30%"| Award-Giving Body !! width="25%"| Category !! width="25%"| Recipient !! width="10%"| Result
! width="10%" | Year
! width="30%" | Award-Giving Body
! width="25%" | Category
! width="25%" | Recipient
! width="10%" | Result
|-
|-
| rowspan=18| 1981
| rowspan=18|1981
|-
|-
| rowspan=7| [[1981 FAMAS Awards|FAMAS Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000232/1981/1?ref_=ttawd_ev_1|title=FAMAS Awards (1981)|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=26 October 2019}}</ref>
| rowspan=7|[[29th FAMAS Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000232/1981/1?ref_=ttawd_ev_1|title=FAMAS Awards (1981)|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=October 26, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] || ''Aguila''|| {{Won}}
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]]|| ''Aguila''||{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Director|Best Director]]||rowspan="2"|''[[Eddie Romero]]''|| {{Won}}
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Director|Best Director]]||rowspan="2"|[[Eddie Romero]]||{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[1981 FAMAS Awards#Major Awards|Best Screenplay]]||{{Won}}
| [[1981 FAMAS Awards#Major Awards|Best Screenplay]]||{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[1981 FAMAS Awards#Major Awards|Best Cinematography]]||''Mike Accion''|| {{Won}}
| [[1981 FAMAS Awards#Major Awards|Best Cinematography]]||[[Mike de Leon]]||{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]||''[[Christopher de Leon]]''|| {{nom}}
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]||[[Christopher de Leon]]||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]||''[[Jay Ilagan]]''|| {{nom}}
| [[FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]||[[Jay Ilagan]]||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan=10 | [[Gawad Urian Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000270/1981/1?ref_=ttawd_ev_2|title=Gawad Urian Awards (1981)|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=26 October 2019}}</ref>
| rowspan=10|[[Gawad Urian Awards|5th Gawad Urian Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000270/1981/1?ref_=ttawd_ev_2|title=Gawad Urian Awards (1981)|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=October 26, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres)||''[[Daria Ramirez]]''||{{Won}}
| Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres)||Daria Ramirez||{{Won}}
|-
|-
| [[Gawad Urian for Best Film#Winners and nominees|Best Picture (Pinakamahusay na Pelikula)]]||''Aguila''||{{nom}}
| [[Gawad Urian for Best Film#Winners and nominees|Best Picture (Pinakamahusay na Pelikula)]]||''Aguila''||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| Best Direction (Pinakamahusay na Direksyon)||rowspan="2"|''Eddie Romero''||{{nom}}
| Best Direction (Pinakamahusay na Direksyon)||rowspan="2"|Eddie Romero||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula)||{{nom}}
| Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula)||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)||''Jay Ilagan''||{{nom}}
| rowspan="2"|Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)||Jay Ilagan||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| ''[[Joonee Gamboa]]''||{{nom}}
| [[Joonee Gamboa]]||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| Best Cinematography (Pinakamahusay na Sinematograpiya)||''[[Mike de Leon]]'' and ''Rody Lacap''||{{nom}}
| Best Cinematography (Pinakamahusay na Sinematograpiya)||Mike de Leon and Rody Lacap||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| Best Editing (Pinakamahusay na Editing)||''Ben Barcelon''||{{nom}}
| Best Editing (Pinakamahusay na Editing)||Ben Barcelon||{{nom}}
|-
|-
| Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika)||''[[Ryan Cayabyab]]''||{{nom}}
| Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika)||[[Ryan Cayabyab]]||{{nom}}
|}
|}


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{{Fernando Poe Jr.}}
{{Fernando Poe Jr.}}
{{Mike de Leon}}
{{Mike de Leon}}
{{FAMAS Award for Best Picture}}

[[Category:Assets owned by ABS-CBN]]
[[Category:Star Cinema films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Eddie Romero]]
[[Category:Films directed by Eddie Romero]]
[[Category:Filipino-language films]]
[[Category:Filipino-language films]]
[[Category:1980 films]]
[[Category:1980 films]]
[[Category:Philippine films]]
[[Category:Philippine historical films]]
[[Category:Period pieces]]

Latest revision as of 10:37, 5 September 2024

Aguila
Theatrical poster
Directed byEddie Romero
Screenplay byEddie Romero
Story byEddie Romero
Produced by
  • Eddie Romero
  • Rolando S. Atienza
  • Rafael M. Fabie
StarringFernando Poe Jr.
Narrated byCharo Santos
Cinematography
Edited byBen Samson
Music byRyan Cayabyab
Production
company
Bancom Audiovision
Distributed by
Release date
  • February 14, 1980 (1980-02-14)
Running time
210 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Budget₱5,000,000.00

Aguila (transl. Eagle) is a 1980 Philippine period drama film written, produced and directed by Eddie Romero, touted as "the biggest event in local movie history" and "the biggest Filipino film ever made". It features an ensemble cast topbilled by Fernando Poe Jr.[1][2]

Synopsis

[edit]

Flashbacks encompass the history of the Philippines as well as the life story of the elderly Daniel Águila. The Águila family gathers to celebrate Daniel's 88th birthday, but the old man is nowhere to be seen - he has been missing for a decade. Suspecting that his father is in Mindanao, one of his sons takes off for that region in a determined search. Along the way, his memories of the nation and his father's life tell the story of eighty tumultuous years of personal and historical development.[3]

Plot

[edit]

In 1980, the influential and affluent Águila family celebrate the 88th birthday of their missing and long-presumed dead patriarch, Daniel Águila. His son, Mari, receives news that Daniel is alive in the provinces. Mari, a business tycoon and former Senator, combs the countryside in search of his father. In the course of his search, the Águila family history is unraveled.

It all begins when Daniel's father, Artemio, an officer in the Revolutionary Army, dies by treachery. His mother, Isabel Teodoro, is raped by that same traitor, Simeon Garrido, and later marries him for convenience. As a young soldier accompanying Simeon to Mindanao, Daniel again becomes witness to injustice: Simeon and some Americans ruthlessly take away Muslim tribal lands.

Daniel's life is one of complexity - of human emotions and relationships. His affair with a Muslim woman, Farida, results in a love-child, Osman. He marries a lawyer named Sally, Mari's mother, who later falls ill and dies. He also discovers the incestuous liaison between Simeon and Lilian, who in turn unsuccessfully attempts to seduce him.

Daniel's experiences during World War II and with the American-controlled post-war government only increase his mounting disenchantment with life and society. Mari's amoral political ambitions and his grandson Raul's activist stance drives him further into disillusionment. Finally, Daniel heeds his longing for peace and leaves.

Mari's journey ends when he finds Daniel in an Aeta village in Bohol, where Daniel has found serenity, far from the maddening machinations and injustices committed by a civilized society.[4]

Cast of Characters

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film had a budget of ₱5,000,000.00 and boasted 12 stars, 60 production staff and crewmen and 7,000 extras.[5]

The film was shot in 120 different locations.[5] The film's art director, Mel Chionglo, built a Magdiwang camp and an Ilongot village on the hills of Tanay and an Aeta village in Los Baños. Chionglo had three assistants, two set men and ten carpenters to help in this work. Chionglo also designed sets for an 1897 evening in Binondo, a Muslim waterfront in 1918 Nasugbu, Batangas, a courthouse in 1924 Magdalena, Laguna, a Roaring Twenties cabaret in Makati, a Japanese garrison in Lumban, Laguna, and other settings.[5]

The film took 100 days to shoot the 204 pages of script written for it, the latter having been written over a two-year period.[5]

Actress Rio Locsin was originally cast to play Huk commander Diwata but was replaced by Chanda Romero, director Eddie Romero's niece,[6] when she failed to show up on her first shooting day.[5]

The production was infamously marred by tensions between the crew. Among the reported incidents of tensions flaring up involved Eddie Romero's frequent butting of heads with Mel Chionglo.[7] Romero likewise clashed with set decorator, and now screenwriter, Racquel Villavicencio over unreasonable production demands.[7] Eventually, the differences among the crew members got so unbearable for the film's cinematographer, Mike de Leon, that he walked out on the project altogether.[5] However, while tensions were building between members of the crew, no such tensions were reported among the actors and Romero himself. Romero was described as being a "cool director", not having been angered by the actors on the set.[7] The lone exception of Romero being angered by an actor on the set is when he threatened to renounce his niece, Chanda, if she could not do her kissing scene with Christopher de Leon right.[6]

Romero was notoriously late on the set, but the actors would arrive even later than Romero himself.[5] Despite this however, Romero tolerated the different personalities between the actors and allowed them to bond, usually over meals in between shoots.[7]

Upon the release of the film, a minor criticism launched at it was that the actors who are supposed to age do not look like they aged a day.[5] Most notably, Amalia Fuentes refused to show age in the film despite portraying the mother of FPJ's character, Daniel.[7][8]

FPJ choreographed the fight and war scenes.[5]

FPJ's daughter, future Senator, Grace Poe cameoed in the film as Daria Ramirez's sister.[9]

In addition, Bancom Audiovision also spent ₱100,000.00 for an hour-long made for television documentary film on the making of Águila and hired producer Jesse M. Ejército as advertising and marketing consultant.[5]

This is the second of Eddie Romero's epic historical film trilogy, wedged in between "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" and "Kamakalawa".[10]

Music

[edit]

The film's entire music was written by Ryan Cayabyab. Cayabyab also sang the American singer's part during the 1924 cabaret scene.[5]

The film's theme song "Iduyan Mo" was composed by Cayabyab specifically for the film.[5] The song was interpreted by Basil Valdez.[11]

Themes

[edit]

There are three themes prevalent throughout the film - Family, History and Society and Nationalism[12]: 4–5 

Family

[edit]

Film director and scribe Nick Deocampo points out that the film may be examined to better appreciate the value of the family as a basic institution of the society.[12] The family as a basic institution of the society was enshrined in §4, Art. II of the 1973 Constitution, the law in force at the time of the film's release, which not only recognizes the family as such but also endeavors to protect and strengthen the same. The same provision was carried over to the 1987 Constitution where an entire section is devoted to the family.

In the film, family life in the Philippines is examined through historical lenses as it depicts the evolution of the Filipino family throughout history and how its values are formed and/or changed.[12]

The family is likewise peered into through the eyes of Daniel Águila as he has lived through an ever evolving and ever growing family - first having grown fatherless and then having a difficult relationship with his mother, Isabel, because of her decision to remarry a man Daniel detests, a choice which was itself imposed upon Isabel by her own parents; then as a family man himself, how Daniel copes with his own children who has views opposite to his and whose views shape the paths they chose to take in life.

The film likewise explores alienation within one's own family, as seen in the experiences of Daniel, Osman, Mari and Lilian who all feel like they are outsiders within their own family at certain points in the film.

Another point the film touches upon is how the family shapes its members, specifically how familial experience molded Daniel Águila as a person. This film has been cited as an unconventional FPJ-movie as it shows FPJ as Daniel Águila being vulnerable, a departure from the typical roles that show Poe as an infallible and incorruptible conquering hero.[5] In the film, Daniel's failings as a man and as head of the family is shown and it examines how these define Daniel as a person and how it influenced the Águila family.[12]

History and Society

[edit]

Being under the genre of historical drama, the film depicts how values, not only in the family but in the larger Philippine society, evolves.[12] It shows how Daniel and his family and the values they hold are a product of their times, how their choices are informed by the prevailing values and trends of a given period.[12] This is exemplified in the character arc of Mari, who, in entering the political arena becomes swept by its corruption and inevitably becomes part of the machinery that he once sought to change. This is likewise shown in the arc of Raul, who is driven to suicide because of the realization that his hero and mentor, Margo, was willing to give up their cause for personal reasons, much like Cadio and Basilio before her.

Alienation again takes the spotlight as Daniel is driven into abandoning his family and choosing to live in both Cotabato and Bohol to escape a society that has become more and more unfamiliar to him. In both communities, he helps its residents and teaches them self-reliance.

Nationalism

[edit]

As with Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? the film examines what the social ills the pervades Philippine society and how said problems merely evolve but are never solved.[12]

This pervasive problem is exemplified by the character of Simeon Garrido, who was willing to sell his loyalty insofar as the new colonial masters are willing serve his personal interests. Much later in the film, Mari's entry into politics leads him to "do as the Romans do" and engage in corruption to the detriment of the Filipino people. Similarly, the character arc of Margo shows how those claiming to fight for nationalism can be corrupted when personal interests is thrown into the picture.

Throughout the film, nationalism is a constant frustration for Daniel[12] who has seen how Filipinos are pitted by the Philippines' colonizers against each other; how those who fought for the independence of the Philippines are instead treated like criminals and how those who collaborated with the enemies are given preferred positions. Daniel, in 1945, even laments if his service in the war ultimately redounded to the benefit of but a few, instead of that of the Filipino people.

Release

[edit]

The film was released on February 14, 1980, and was simultaneously played at 25 theatres across Metro Manila. Prior to the film's Valentine's Day debut, it was previewed thrice and had three premieres.[5]

Re-releases

[edit]

Years after its initial theatre run, the multi-generational epic has seen newfound appreciation. It has become in recent years among film festival organizers' favorite of Eddie Romero's works and has consequently seen re-runs for the benefit and appreciation of newer and younger audience.

Among the subsequent screenings that the film has had was at the 9th Cínemalayà Cinesthesia in 2013.[13]

In 2019, ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project and FPJ Productions digitally restored the film which required 3,000 hours of digital preservation.[14] Subsequently, the digitally restored film has been screened at the UP Film Center as part of the UP Film Institute's commemoration of FPJ's 80th birthday.[15] In the same year, the digitally restored version was screened at the 15th C1 Originals.[7][14][16] In 2024, FDCP screened its period drama version during the PFIM on September 1 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.[17]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award-Giving Body Category Recipient Result
1981
29th FAMAS Awards[18]
Best Picture Aguila Won
Best Director Eddie Romero Won
Best Screenplay Won
Best Cinematography Mike de Leon Won
Best Actor Christopher de Leon Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Jay Ilagan Nominated
5th Gawad Urian Awards[19]
Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres) Daria Ramirez Won
Best Picture (Pinakamahusay na Pelikula) Aguila Nominated
Best Direction (Pinakamahusay na Direksyon) Eddie Romero Nominated
Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula) Nominated
Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor) Jay Ilagan Nominated
Joonee Gamboa Nominated
Best Cinematography (Pinakamahusay na Sinematograpiya) Mike de Leon and Rody Lacap Nominated
Best Editing (Pinakamahusay na Editing) Ben Barcelon Nominated
Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika) Ryan Cayabyab Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Santos, Simon (July 21, 2019). "THE EIGHTIES # 12: FERNANDO POE, JR., AMALIA FUENTES, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, EDDIE GARCIA, CHARO SANTOS, ELIZABETH OROPESA, JAY ILAGAN, CHANDA ROMERO, IN EDDIE ROMERO'S "AGUILA" (1980)". Video48 Blog. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  2. ^ Bardinas, Mary Ann (November 13, 2018). "Mga pelikula ni FPJ na yumanig sa takilya". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  3. ^ Mannikka, Eleanor. "Aguila (1980): Plot". IMDb. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  4. ^ Banal, Chelo R. (February 3, 1980). "Aguila". Philippine Panorama. Intramuros: Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Banal, Chelo R. (February 3, 1980). "AT A COST OF P5M AND A CAST OF THOUSANDS, TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING AND THREE HOURS AND A HALF LONG, "AGUILA" SOARS THROUGH THE PRIVATE LIFE OF A FILIPINO AND THE HISTORY OF HIS COUNTRY". Philippine Panorama. Intramuros: Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  6. ^ a b San Diego, Bayani Jr. (June 1, 2013). "Chanda remembers Tito Eddie, a beloved mentor". Inquirer. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Abellon, Bam V. (November 12, 2019). "The drama behind Aguila: Walkouts, diva turns and confrontation on the set of FPJ's best film". ANCX. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  8. ^ Reyes, Isidra (October 6, 2019). "Amalia Fuentes: The heartbreaks and triumphs of a movie queen". ANCX. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  9. ^ "Profiling Grace Poe: 10 Things That Make Her Who She Is". Spot.ph. May 29, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  10. ^ "Aguila (1980): Trivia". IMDb. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  11. ^ Lo, Ricky (April 24, 2017). "Basil Valdez and the soundtrack of his life". The Philippine Star. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Deocampo, Nick (2008). Sine Gabay: A Film Study Guide. Mandaluyong: Anvil Publishing, Inc. pp. 4–5. ISBN 9786214201792.
  13. ^ Carballo, Bibsy M. (August 7, 2013). "What we missed in Cinemalaya's synergy of the senses". PhilStar Global. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  14. ^ a b "C1 Originals kicks off with "The Lighthouse," features six short films in the festival line-up". ABS-CBN News. November 8, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  15. ^ "UPFI Film Institute honors the memory of National Artist Fernando Poe, Jr. on his 80th Birth Anniversary". Facebook. August 9, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  16. ^ Chua, Zsarlene B. (October 29, 2019). "Four directorial debuts in Cinema One film fest's lineup". BusinessWorld. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  17. ^ Tomada, Nathalie (September 4, 2024). "How Eddie Romero's 'Aguila' was brought back to life". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  18. ^ "FAMAS Awards (1981)". IMDb. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  19. ^ "Gawad Urian Awards (1981)". IMDb. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
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