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Broken Marriage is a 1983 Filipino drama film directed by Ishmael Bernal, starring Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, and Orestes Ojeda. The film tells the story of a married couple, Alvarez and Nena, whose relationship is on the brink of collapse following years of misunderstandings and resentments. The movie begins with the couple's wedding, where their love for each other is palpable. However, as time passes, the stresses of daily life and the emergence of personal issues and conflicts begin to take a toll on their relationship. Alvarez, a lawyer, becomes increasingly busy and preoccupied with his work, leaving Nena to raise their two children on her own. Meanwhile, Nena's long-standing desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry is met with resistance from Alvarez, who fears that this will negatively impact their marriage and family life.

As their relationship deteriorates, both Alvarez and Nena seek solace in the arms of others. Alvarez embarks on an affair with his colleague, while Nena falls in love with a famous singer whose career she helps to launch. The couple's attempts to reconcile are met with challenges, particularly when Alvarez discovers Nena's infidelity. Against a backdrop of societal expectations and individual struggles, the couple must navigate their way back to one another or face the end of their marriage.

At its core, Broken Marriage explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges that arise when love is not enough to sustain a marriage. Through the film's portrayal of the couple's downward spiral, audiences are transported into the heart of a relationship that is at once painful and relatable. The dialogue is taut and emotional, with both Santos and De Leon delivering powerful performances that capture the nuances of their characters' emotions.

The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy, with Bernal employing a blend of close-ups and wide shots to create a sense of intimacy and distance between the characters. The use of color and lighting also underscores the emotional tone of each scene, with darker hues and shadows reflecting the characters' struggles.

In addition to exploring the intricacies of relationships, Broken Marriage also addresses broader social themes, such as gender norms and societal expectations. Through Nena's desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, the film highlights the difficulties faced by women who seek to pursue their dreams outside of traditional gender roles. The film also touches on the hypocrisy of traditional gender roles, with Alvarez's affair seen as less problematic than Nena's, despite both of their infidelity.

Overall, Broken Marriage is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that explores the fragility of relationships and the complexities of love. With strong performances from its lead actors and visually striking cinematography, the film remains a timeless classic, one that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Broken Marriage is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.