A timely ‘big one’ from direk Carlo

No, it’s wrong to say that Komiks King Carlo J. Caparas is staging a “comeback” (take note: in quotation marks) with Angela Markado, the Lino Brocka classic that won an award at a prestigious grand prix in France in the ‘80s.

“Carlo was never gone,” clarified his wife Donna Villa with whom Carlo produced the so-called “massacre films” which were all blockbusters, under their Gold Lion Productions. “We just lay low and waited for the right time to resume production.”

Angela Markado became so associated with Brocka that people overlooked the fact that it was based on a Caparas komiks serial. If memory serves, I think it’s the only Caparas obra that Brocka directed. He could have done more.

The Brocka version starred Hilda Koronel as a gang-rape victim who systematically killed her rapists one by one.

The Caparas version, very timely because these days rape is being committed with impunity, has Andi Eigenmann as Angela, “a sensible, sane and bright student who is about to graduate from school until her mother, a single parent, suffers a stroke.” Forced to work as a GRO, Angela crosses paths with the bar’s regular clients who take turns raping her, played by Epi Quizon, Paolo Contis, Felix Roco, Polo Ravales and C.J. Caparas (Carlo and Donna’s son).

Carlo described Angela Markado, produced by the “golden” couple’s new company Oro de Siete Productions, Inc. and Viva Films, showing nationwide starting on Dec. 2, as “the big one for Andi,” calculated to elevate the controversial actress to superstardom.

“Andi can deliver the kind of Angela Markado in the imagination,” said Caparas.

“The gist of the story will be retained,” said Donna, “but Carlo will present a new treatment in a style that has made him a master of the genre.”

Andi agreed.

“I believe in the project,” declared Andi (who is one of today’s few daring young actresses).

“And to be directed by a multi-awarded director like Carlo J. Caparas is really a ‘big one’ for me.”

In the gang-rape scenes, Andi didn’t mind sustaining scratches and bruises for the sake of realism.

“Mahusay na bata,” said Caparas.

Angela Markado will surely make moviegoers recall the case of Maggie dela Riva whose story was made into a movie by Caparas, with Dawn Zulueta in the titular role. You guessed it: it was a blockbuster.

The movie raises the intriguing question: did Angela Markado become a criminal when she exacted vengeance against her five tormentors?

In a “special participation” role, lawyer Persida Rueda-Acosta, head of PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) plays herself and helps clarify the matter.

Will Angela Markado be marked a criminal or a victim who may be justified for taking the law in her own hands?

The older cast also includes Ana Roces, Marita Zobel, Bembol Roco; and the younger, Mike dela Cruz, Ysabelle Peach, Bugoy Cariño and Buboy Villar, with 2013 Miss World Philippines Second Princess Zahra Bianca Saldua being introduced., Bret Jackson plays Angela Markado’s boyfriend.

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