Ferdinand Magellan played a role in Filipino history, which is perhaps why epic Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz decided to make his latest film on the man.
As the film begins, the first thing you will notice is that it’s shot in 1.33:1 ratio instead of widescreen. That format may seem odd for an epic movie. Full screen in mind, the genre itself has a lack of close-ups, but it works. Diaz is also well known for slow moving scenes as well, such as floating down the river on a boat, so the smaller ratio really helps build the intensity for some scenes. The movie stays far away from showing violence, even though violence happens off screen, which is refreshing. It’s Gael García Bernal’s portrayal of the man though that really stands out.
Bernal plays Magellan as a stoic man, who doesn’t say a lot. It’s the looks he gives the crew, and the people he meets that really tells the story. It’s hard to play a role that way, but Bernal is very successful at it. The story itself only follows Magellan’s life from 1511 to his death in 1521. It’s also fascinating to see how Magellan tries to convert the natives of the Philippines to Christianity. In most cases, against their will.
Magellan is a bit of a slog to get through, but it’s worth it in the end. Like most historical films though, make sure to read up on the history afterwards, as it changes some events for the big screen.
- Rated: 19
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Historical
- Directed by: Lav Diaz
- Starring: Amado Arjay Babon, Ângela Azevedo, Dario Yazbek Bernal, Gael García Bernal
- Produced by: Albert Serra, Joaquim Sapinho, Mark Victor, Marta Vieira Alves, Montse Triola
- Written by: Lav Diaz
- Studio: Andergraun Films, Black Cap Pictures, Epicmedia, Rosa Filmes
