Watch Oro, Plata, Mata

Oro, Plata, Mata is a film from the Philippines released in 1982. It was directed by Peque Gallaga and starred Cherie Gil, Sandy Andolong, and Liza Lorena. The title of the movie translates to "Gold, Silver, Death" in English, and it is an epic war drama that follows two aristocratic families during World War II. Set in the early 1940s in the Philippines, the film takes place in Negros Occidental, a region known for its vast sugar plantations. The story revolves around two wealthy families, the Ojedas and the Lorenzos. Both families live in luxurious homes and enjoy a life of privilege and extravagance. However, their idyllic lives are soon interrupted when the Japanese invade the country and the war hits their doorstep.

The movie begins with the Ojeda household preparing for their annual New Year's Eve party. The family's matriarch, Señora Pina Ojeda, played by Sandy Andolong, is overseeing the preparations while her daughter, Trining, played by Cherie Gil, helps out. Meanwhile, the Lorenzo family is also getting ready for the festivities. The Lorenzos are led by the stern and imposing Don Claudio Lorenzo, played by Vic Silayan, and his wife, Doña Lupe, played by Liza Lorena.

As the party begins, tensions rise between the two families. Don Claudio is upset that Señora Pina didn't invite him to the party, while Señora Pina is annoyed that Don Claudio's family is making noise and ruining the mood. However, their petty arguments are soon forgotten when news arrives that the Japanese are approaching their town.

The families are forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the jungle. They are accompanied by their servants, who are loyal to them even in the face of danger. The film then follows the families as they struggle to survive in the harsh jungle environment, with little food and water.

As the war rages on, the two families face numerous challenges, including betrayal, starvation, and death. They also encounter other people who are similarly displaced by the war, and their interactions with them highlight the class divisions that exist within Filipino society.

One of the most striking aspects of Oro, Plata, Mata is its portrayal of the effects of war on civilians. The film does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of war, with scenes of violence, death, and destruction. However, it also highlights the resilience and courage of the Filipino people, who are able to maintain their humanity and dignity in the face of adversity.

The film is also notable for its stunning cinematography and production design. The lush jungle scenery, the opulent homes of the families, and the gritty war-torn landscapes are all beautifully rendered on screen. The film's use of color is particularly striking, with gold and silver motifs running throughout, symbolizing the opulence of the families and the futility of their wealth in the face of war.

Overall, Oro, Plata, Mata is a masterful piece of cinema that explores the devastating effects of war on ordinary people. Its themes of class, power, and survival are still relevant today, and its message of resilience and hope is a powerful one. It is a film that showcases the best of Filipino cinema and remains a classic of Philippine cinema to this day.

Oro, Plata, Mata is a 1983 war movie with a runtime of 3 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.