NYAFF 2022 Review: Jun Robles Lana’s BIG NIGHT, A Timely, Upbeat Satire Told Through A Grim, Gutpunch Lens
If there was ever a point of inspiration in world history for Filipino cinema, it’s definitely the era of former President Rodrigo Duterte whose tenure saw one of the most controversial and deadly anti-drug policies take effect. Such is the setting we are immersed in with award-winning filmmaker Jun Robles Lana’s newest release out of last year, Big Night, with a story that’s as equally delightful as it is terrifying given the backdrop. Our story is set in the district of Barangay where a new anti-drug campaign is in effect using a “watch list” program targeting suspected junkies. We meet Dharna (Christian Bables), a barber and stylist whose common everyday life sits as far away from illegal drugs in any context as other people just living day-to-day and struggling to get by. It also happens to be All Souls’ Day, which is a day of memberance for the dead – […]