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Adam (Ian Gamazon) a lapsed
Muslim, Fil-American, is a security guard working on the graveyard shift of the rich Americans' Yatch Club in San Diego, CA. He has to go to the Philippines to attend his
father's funeral. En route, Dana (Dominique Gonzalez), his American girlfriend, informs him that she'll have his baby aborted and soon after leave him because she wouldn't
want to give birth to a Muslim baby.
That's just the beginning of Adam's woes; for, upon reaching Ninoy Aquino International Airport, he finds out that his mother and his sister failed to fetch him as they've been abducted by the ABU SAYYAFS, militant Muslim terrorists. A caller from the cell phone implanted in his backpack orders him to obey immediately all instructions or else his family will be killed. As proof, his sister's severed finger is sent him. Against the backdrop of Cavite's dire poverty and squalor, a series of escalating horrendous exposures and brain-washings are made to deaden the conscience and prepare Adam for one final terrible act which would lead to a massacre. Adam is inexorably drawn to an act 'JIHAD' or revenge.
Cavite is a low-budget indigenous full-feature film which cashes in on today's top drawer news---terrorism---and employs highly creative techniques for effects that can hold the audience's attention for its entire length. In some ways, it succeeds; such as the use of an unseen voice over the cellular phone ordering Adam about and the use of a hand-held camera to simulate a late breaking news documentary. The local scenery showing Cavite's marginalized/ squatters' area effectively provides atmosphere to the film. But in other aspects, there are some glaring lapses in the story, plot and character development and acting that fail to engage the audience. Just the same, however, this is a small film that's able to make a big relevant and timely statement.
Cavite is a simple film which has levels of meaning. Terrorism, the main issue, paints a bleak picture and darkens its surroundings with death, destruction and despair. It also touches other issues such as religion, politics, economics and morals. The main protagonist Adam represents the third world, a Filipino, a Muslim, a confused, frustrated and bitter man. He is more a victim than a terrorist. For instance, America wages war against terrorism and defines the terrorist as the one who kills or harms innocent civilians or non-combatants, but Adam is also a victim when his American girlfriend had his baby aborted against his expressed opposition. Discernment is a requirement in viewing this film because the issues raised are deep and sensitive. Parents and teachers are requested to intelligently guide young people in appreciating the full value of this film.
(Date Reviewed: 04 August 2006)
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