Films with values for Cebuanos

Moralists and evangelicals dismiss movies on the grounds of pornography, violence and political issues. What they don't realize is that there are films that carry special messages and lessons that remind people why change is essential for civilization's progress. I found two films that easily fit our provincial culture.

• Fight for Us (directed by Lino Brocka) - This is a film that reveals the shocking truth about the continued violations on human rights caused by an abusive chain of authorities that include vigilantes, the military, the church and the national government. Even though the Marcos dictatorship was over, many people in far away provinces were murdered, tortured and never seen again.

The government and its law enforcers insist that those who were found dead were "rebels" even though they had no proof. True enough, the conflict between Left and Right affected the innocent people in the middle of the spectrum. This 20-year-old movie is still relevant because such abuses continue to happen until now. This banned film should be seen by all Cebuanos because everyone has rights and everyone must stand up to protect themselves and their freedom.

• On Deadly Ground (Steven Seagal) - From the outside, people easily get tempted to dismiss this movie because it's viewed as an action ride featuring Steven Seagal. It's more than that, actually. The conflict between big business, the environment and wilderness tribes lasts from start until the end.What Cebuanos should realize is that global warming is a man-made erosion and that greedy businessmen will do anything to pollute in order to make money. There is, after all, an oil rig right here in Cebu and something must be done.

These two films, one Filipino and one American, must be seen by all Cebuanos.

Jake Moralde

Labangon, Cebu City