Watch Norte, the End of History
- TV-MA
- 2014
- 4 hr 10 min
-
7.5 (2,310)
Norte, the End of History is a Filipino drama film that was released in 2013. The film was directed by Lav Diaz, and it stars Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani, and Archie Alemania in the lead roles. The film is an epic saga that tells the story of two men from different social backgrounds who find themselves intertwined in a web of violence and tragedy. The first character is Fabian (Sid Lucero), an intelligent and ambitious law student from a wealthy family. The second character is Joaquin (Archie Alemania), a poor and uneducated man who is struggling to make ends meet for his family.
The film is divided into two parts, the first of which follows Fabian as he navigates the complications of his privileged life. Despite his advantages, Fabian is deeply dissatisfied with the world around him, and he finds himself drawn to radical political ideologies that promise to bring about change through violent means. Meanwhile, Joaquin is struggling to provide for his family, and his life is further complicated by his involvement in a tragic accident that sends him down a path of self-destruction.
The second half of the film sees Fabian and Joaquin's paths cross in a violent and unexpected way. Fabian's radicalization leads him to commit a brutal crime, and Joaquin is wrongly accused of the act. The film explores the consequences of this violent act, as both men are forced to confront the reality of their choices and the ways in which their lives have been shaped by forces beyond their control.
Norte, the End of History is a sprawling and ambitious film that tackles a wide range of social and political issues. The film is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Philippines, and it addresses themes of class struggle, political corruption, and the legacy of colonialism. The film is also notable for its epic scope and its extensive use of long takes and languorous pacing.
The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, with Sid Lucero delivering a standout turn as the troubled law student Fabian. Lucero imbues the character with a sense of simmering anger and frustration, and his transformation over the course of the film is both nuanced and compelling. Angeli Bayani is also excellent as Eliza, a woman caught between the two men, and Archie Alemania delivers a powerful performance as the hapless Joaquin.
Norte, the End of History is not a film for everyone. Its slow pacing and lengthy runtime may test the patience of some viewers, and its complex themes require a certain level of engagement from the audience. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, the film offers a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking experience.
Overall, Norte, the End of History is a masterful piece of filmmaking that explores the depths of human despair and the complexity of the modern world. Its themes are universal, but its setting and cultural context give it a unique perspective that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. This is a film that demands to be seen and appreciated, and it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to confront the most pressing issues of our time.
Norte, the End of History is a 2014 crime movie with a runtime of 4 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 81.