Search for gold, human nature

Oro

Directed by Alvin Yapan

“DUGO ang kulay ng ginto (Blood is the color of gold).”

Oro, directed by Alvin Yapan, is based on real events in 2014. It tells of four gold miners in a small Bicol community who were massacred by an armed group masquerading as “environmentalists.”

Pagkakabud ( gold mining) is the main livelihood in the village, which is led by Kapitana (played by veteran actress Irma Adlawan) who is supported by her right-hand man Elmer (Joem Bascon). They suddenly find themselves pressured to come up with government-issued permits by an armed group claiming to be environmentalists who then take over their mining operations.

Ms. Adlawan is a good contender for MMFF’s best actress. Her strong, emotional portrayal has the audience tearing up, especially during her monologue in the end when she says, “Kumakain lang sila, binaril niyo na parang hayop. ’Yan ang kalikasan niyo!” (They were just having their dinner when you shot them like animals! That is your nature!) Nature, both human nature and as the environment.

The perfect cast consists of indie regulars like Mercedes Cabral and theater actor Sandino Martin.

Perhaps its time to focus on social issues such as injustice, oppression, and poverty in the mainstream media. Oro is the perfect medium to send the message across. Heavy as it may seem for Christmas entertainment, but it leaves a mark to the audience, not just as a moviegoer, but also as a member of a society.