A coffee club sparks revolution? This hidden Filipino gem brews courage one cup at a time.
100 years after the defeat of the local troops under Gen. Miguel Malvar in the Philippine-American War, the people of a Batangueño town would have lost its character typified by the Tagalog term "barako", meaning brave or courageous. Much worse, they have become subservient to their corrupt leaders who have been taking advantage of their ignorance and poverty. But they are slowly swayed to a new liberal direction by a small coffee club called "barakuhan" whose organizers see in it a reawakening of their native courage.
Writing
Dense, poetic dialogue that rewards close attention.
Acting
Leo Martinez anchors with weary, knowing gravitas.
Director
Manolito C. Sulit
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gen. Miguel Malvar was the last Filipino general to surrender to American forces; his ghost haunts every frame. The film's 2008 release deliberately marked the centennial of that defeat.
Bienvenido Lumbera, who appears in the cast, was a National Artist for Literature — his presence lends the film scholarly weight rare in independent Philippine cinema. Director Sulit never made another feature.
PH
