Watch Evolution of a Filipino Family

Evolution of a Filipino Family is a critically acclaimed 2004 Filipino movie directed by Lav Diaz, one of the most highly-regarded filmmakers in the Philippines. The film follows a family’s journey over several generations, from the 1970s up until the present day. The story is primarily focused on the character of Kadyo (played by Elryan de Vera), a young boy whose family is struggling to make ends meet in rural Philippines.

The film captures the minutiae of everyday life in excruciating detail, from the crowded conditions of living in impoverished Manila to the slow, rustic pace of the countryside. Diaz films the story in long, uninterrupted takes that give the viewer ample time to immerse themselves in the world of the film.

The story covers a lot of ground, with several different characters and storylines interweaving over the course of the movie. Along with Kadyo, we see his siblings growing up and dealing with the difficulties of poverty and family strife. We also witness the trials and tribulations of Kadyo’s parents and grandparents, as they deal with everything from illness to heartache to social unrest.

Despite the many challenges that the family faces, Diaz infuses the film with a sense of warmth and humanity. The relationships between the characters are genuine and heartfelt, and we feel a sense of deep connection with them even as they face unimaginable hardship.

As the family grows and changes over the course of several decades, we see how their struggles shift and evolve. We witness the ravages of martial law and the ensuing unrest and violence, as well as the hopeful promise of change that comes with democratic elections.

Throughout all of these changes, the film remains steadfastly committed to its characters, and their stories unfold in slow, deliberate fashion. The result is a richly textured portrait of a Filipino family and the country they inhabit, one that captures both the joys and the sorrows of everyday life with uncommon sensitivity and depth.

One of the strongest elements of Evolution of a Filipino Family is its sense of visual poetry. Diaz employs a range of techniques to convey mood and meaning, from the stark black-and-white cinematography to the use of natural light and shadow. The result is a film that is as visually ravishing as it is emotionally powerful.

The performances in the film are uniformly strong, with Pen Medina and Angie Ferro turning in particularly affecting turns as Kadyo’s parents. But it is Elryan de Vera who really steals the show, delivering a breakthrough performance that is both heartfelt and naturalistic.

Evolution of a Filipino Family is not for the faint of heart or short of attention span. The film clocks in at over 10 hours, and its deliberate pacing and focus on the day-to-day rhythms of life require a heightened level of engagement from the viewer. But for those willing to take the journey, the film offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the lives of everyday Filipinos, and the complex social and political forces that shape their world.

Evolution of a Filipino Family is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 10 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.