‘Lockdown’ controversial and timely movie earns praises and raves
“LOCKDOWN,” written by Troy Espiritu and directed by film master Joel Lamangan earns praises and raves from cinema aficionados and critics after it was shown in a special screening held at Sine Pop (Cubao) recently.
“It tells the sad but true plight of our poor kababayans who are the hardest hit in this lockdown and have no choice but to make ‘kapit sa patalim’”, says seasoned film critic Mario Bautista.
Another respected film critic, Pablo Tariman opines: “The latest Lamangan film is by turns poignantly moving and shocking. It is a standout film in this time of pandemic. It is by turns depressing and shocking, but it is the truth. Whether we like it or not, the film is about lowlifes during the era of COVID-19.”
“The theme of the film is about a person’s choice in times of desperation, which was heightened because of the pandemic situation,” declares Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Liza Diño-Seguerra.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte remarks: “It is a brave, daring, courageous movie… It’s a movie that talks reality, and for me, tama lang. Panahon na para magbigay naman ng ganitong pelikula sa ating mamamayang Pilipino para umunlad din ang kanilang pag-iisip… Film is one way in which we can enrich ourselves and our personas. Enrich our brains, enrich our hearts.”
In “Lockdown,” we meet Paolo Gumabao giving life to his character, Danny Asuncion.
He is an overseas Filipino worker who went back home during the height of the worldwide pandemic. Faced with domestic problems and the survival of his most loved family, Danny reluctantly entered the world of cybersex performing.
For acclaimed director Joel Lamangan, on what he hopes the audiences decipher in his latest film: “What the movie is saying is that in the troubled times that we are all in, it is always safe to follow strict protocols to avoid unnecessary transmission of the virus.
“Ang taong gipit na gipit sa buhay, kahit na anong uri ng pagkakakitaan ay gagawin, makatulong lang sa mga mahal na magulang, kahit ang kabayaran ay ang kanyang dignidad bilang tao o kanyang buhay man.”
Also included in the film are Alan Paule, Max Eigenmann, Ruby Ruiz, Jess Evardone, Paul Jake Paule, Angellie Sanoy, and Jim Pebanco. Executive producer is Jojo Barron.
Rounding up the cast are Jeff Carpio, Neil Suarez, Kristian Allene, Dincent Lujero, Mauro Salas, Alexis Yasuda, and Sean de Guzman.
Produced by the For the Love of Art Film, the uncut version of “Lockdown” is streaming worldwide on July 23, 2021 through KTX.ph, Upstream.ph, RAD (iamrad.app), and WeTV.
