Cast
View AllNora Aunor
as Yolly
Gina Alajar
as Mayette
Gloria Romero
as Connie
Rio Locsin
as Lorraine
Dan Alvaro
as Efren
Leni Santos
as Nona
Connie Angeles
as Cita
Ricky Davao
as Joey
Toby Alejar
as Dennis
Sonny Parsons
as Elmo
Mandy Bustamante
as Dennis's right hand man
Len Santos
as Roel
Ruby Ann Bonanza
as Hostess in Ship
Crew
Director
- Mario O'Hara
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Condemned examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mario O'Hara brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Condemned took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 307 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Condemned shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Thief, A Kid & A Killer, which focuses more on action than character development, Condemned subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Balikbayan Box and Moral explore similar territory, Condemned stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 19, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 36m