Watch A Plea to God

A Plea to God (Makiusap sa Diyos) is a Filipino drama film that was released in 1985. The movie is directed by Lino Brocka and stars Ruffa Gutierrez and Christopher De Leon in lead roles. The film is an intense exploration of the tumultuous relationship between a father and a daughter. The movie revolves around a woman named Chato (Ruffa Gutierrez) who grows up with an abusive father (Christopher De Leon). Despite the pain and trauma caused by her father, Chato learns to cope with her situation and eventually gets married. However, she soon realizes that her past still haunts her and her father’s constant presence in her life has a severe impact on her mental health.

On the other hand, her father, Rogelio, is a retired soldier who is mentally unstable and manipulative. He constantly attempts to interfere in Chato’s life and is controlling and possessive towards her. Rogelio is a deeply flawed human being who has never cared for his daughter's emotional well-being and is consumed by his own twisted desires.

As the story unfolds, Chato gets pregnant and hopes to have a chance at leading a normal life with her husband and child. However, her father’s behavior only gets worse, leading Chato to plead to god for help. The film highlights the struggles of women in abusive households and how it affects their future choices.

The director Lino Brocka, known for his socially relevant films, has delivered a masterpiece in terms of acting and emotions. The intense and stirring performances of Ruffa Gutierrez and Christopher De Leon leave a lasting impression. The film grapples with several serious issues such as domestic violence, mental health, and gender roles. The director succeeds in bringing to light the psychological damage caused by abuse and the resulting trauma that can scar a person for life.

The movie features beautifully crafted visuals that capture the atmospheric essence of the Philippines. The sound design adds to the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the film. The themes tackled in the movie are still relevant today, and it remains a must-watch for everyone who wants to understand the complexities of human relationships.

A Plea to God ends on a thought-provoking note, where Chato questions the fairness of life, exclaiming "Is it fair that the joys in life can be taken away by a father like him?" The film doesn’t offer a respite, and the audience is left to contemplate the harsh and bitter realism that the movie portrays.

In conclusion, A Plea to God (Makiusap sa Diyos) is a timeless masterpiece that continues to hold relevance in today's society. The performances of Gutierrez and De Leon are outstanding, and the film is a heartfelt plea for better mental health care and social support for victims of abuse. The harsh realities portrayed in the film are something that can't be ignored and leaves a significant emotional impact on the viewers. The film makes a case for a society that protects and stands up for the rights of the abused and underrepresented.