I had the privilege to watch the restored version of KARMA as part of the Quezon City International Film Festival this year (2017). Ronaldo Valdez, the film's lead actor was in attendance and gave a few words before the screening.
It also stars Vilma Santos (opposite Valdez), and Tommy Abuel and Chanda Romero in the supporting roles. The story is a about a pair of illicit lovers killed by a raging jealous husband. Mysteriously, after a series of seemingly coincidental events, the lovers meet again in another life time. While they rediscover their passion, and try to change the course of their destiny, they realize that like in their past, there will come a force that will set them apart. Will their love survive and break free of what is inevitable or will they suffer ill-fate once again in this lifetime?
This film is indeed another triumph for the film restoration movement. I am pleased that a movie that looks this good made from my home land is unearthed and rescued from decay to be appreciated by the present future generations to come. This really made my movie experience worthwhile.
The achievement in restoration made it possible for viewers like me to enjoy the film in or close to its original form as it was first released (or even better) and enjoyed it, I did. This is one of those film productions that has every aspect of it work at the very high level such as direction, acting, writing, music, costumes, and set design. From this point of view, the production has reached a very high level in terms of quality that up to now has been seldom surpassed and is near flawless. A minor flaw I can denote is in a scene where it goes ahead of itself and gets over dramatic. But aside from this, it is a brilliant piece of storytelling in mood, form, and substance.
KARMA is a classic film, a sparkling contribution in Philippine cinema. Just like in the story, it came back to live its old life anew, thanks to the people that put it in the extra effort. Now the movie can only get better in age and is here to stay for a long time.
