Watch Adultery

Adultery is a 1984 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka and starring Vilma Santos, Phillip Salvador, and Mario Montenegro. The film tells the story of a woman named Alice (Santos) who is trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband, Ben (Salvador), and has a tumultuous affair with her ex-boyfriend, Nick (Montenegro). The film begins with Alice and Ben in a strained marriage. Ben is often absent from home due to his work as a seaman, leaving Alice lonely and unfulfilled. Alice reunites with Nick, a former flame, and the two begin an affair. Nick is a married man and is also engaged in extramarital affairs with other women.

As Alice and Nick spend more time together, their feelings for each other deepen. They start to envision a life together and plan to leave their respective partners. However, when Ben returns home unexpectedly, Alice is forced to confront the reality of her situation and make a difficult decision.

Throughout the film, Brocka examines themes of love, marriage, and infidelity. The characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact it has on their relationships with their partners and loved ones. The film's portrayal of adultery is not judgmental, but rather shines a light on the complexities of human relationships and the choices people make.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of the emotional depth of the characters. Vilma Santos delivers a nuanced and compelling performance as Alice, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and struggling with the guilt of her affair. Phillip Salvador also delivers a strong performance as Ben, a man unaware of his wife's extramarital activities. Mario Montenegro is equally impressive as Nick, a man struggling to balance his multiple relationships.

The film's cinematography is another highlight, with Brocka utilizing natural lighting and hand-held camera to create an intimate and realistic feel. The use of close-ups during the emotional scenes adds to the film's intensity and emotional impact.

Adultery is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of love, infidelity, and the consequences of our actions. It depicts the complexities of human relationships with compassion and insight, while still remaining engaging and entertaining. The film's outstanding performances, direction, and cinematography make it a standout in Philippine cinema.