Karma

Karma is a gripping and emotional Filipino drama that thoroughly explores the complexity of human emotions, relationships, and our notions of fate and destiny. It is a cinematic masterpiece directed by legendary filmmaker Danny Zialcita that stars iconic actors – Vilma Santos, Ronaldo Valdez, and Tommy Abuel.

The movie starts by laying out the scene of Manila, the city teeming with life and varied emotions. The city's energy flawlessly merges with the narrative introduced by the movie. Karma observes how the lives of the three main characters intersect and change irrevocably. It weaves a tale that circles around the themes of love, infidelity, revenge, and retribution, capturing the audience with its vivid representation of these concepts against a backdrop of Manila’s society.

Vilma Santos, one of the Philippines' most eminent actresses, delivers a compelling performance as the sophisticated and accomplished Sarah. Santos was known for portraying strong, independent women, breaking the stereotypes of damsel-in-distress roles common during the era. In Karma, she displays her acting prowess as she convincingly portrays Sarah who finds herself in an incredibly complicated romantic situation. Santos' portrayal of Sarah's evolution from a complaisant woman to someone who stands up for herself is particularly captivating.

Ronaldo Valdez portrays the character of Rene, an elusive and charismatic man who becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with Sarah. Known for his charismatic performances, Valdez embodies Rene’s complexities remarkably well, provoking strong emotions from viewers. The chemistry between Santos and Valdez is palpable, creating a believable and enthralling love story.

Tommy Abuel puts forth an equally commendable performance as Eric, the other man in Sarah’s life. His conflicted character brings a lot of intrigue to the story. Abuel's performance adds depth to the narrative making the story even more captivating.

From a narrative perspective, Karma is not just another ordinary drama movie. It explores complex themes, drawing the audience into its depths with engaging dialogues and sequences. The director, Zialcita, pushes beyond conventional storytelling, incorporating elements of suspense and mystery to traditional romance and drama. The deft fusion of these elements enhances the tension and maintains the audience’s interest.

One of the movie's most striking features is its beautiful cinematography that captures the vibrancy and chaos of Manila, reflecting the turmoil within the characters' lives. Whether it's the bustling city or the tranquil sea, the backgrounds and sets are used effectively to bolster the story-telling.

Another compelling aspect of Karma is its exploration of fate and destiny – from which it gets its title. While the movie entertains with its love triangle plot, it also makes you ponder deeper questions about destiny and choices. It raises questions about karmic retribution – hence, the title. The depiction of 'Karma' in the film gives it an edge of philosophy that keeps you thinking long after the film has ended.

The movie’s charm lies in its ability to keep the audience glued to the screen. This is achieved through the potent combination of a well-crafted story, tight screenplay, outstanding performances, and poetic dialogues. The movie tugs at heartstrings with its portrayal of emotional turmoil and brings the viewers to the edge of their seats with its suspenseful twists.

Karma has an overall feel of being a complex yet intimate movie. It has elements of suspense, drama, and romance, making it a complete entertainment package. Not to mention, the movie's incredible cast and technical crew take every opportunity to enhance these elements, making Karma a must-see for all Filipino cinema enthusiasts.

With its powerful performances, engaging narrative, and the intriguing themes at play, Karma is a testament to the richness of Filipino cinema in the 1980s. It gives movie enthusiasts a taste of the depth and diversity of the narratives told in the Philippines during this time. No doubt, Karma is a classic movie that continues to resonate and inspire.