The Bourne ENMITY

Just this morning, I was awakened by my mother saying that I must accompany my grandfather. I couldn't and I shouldn't say no because of two things: First, he is my grandfather. Second, we are going to the mall. :)

The plan was just, together with my mom, we are going to meet my aunt who would like to treat my grandpa for lunch. (including me, she has no choice :p) Grandpa expressed his long time wish to go and visit the newly opened mall, so he was excited. We ate at some restaurant known for its famous chicken. We ordered and told us that we would have to wait for about 15 to 20 minutes. 20 minutes later, the "Kare-kare" arrived. And another 20 minutes later, the Fried Chicken was served. And another 20 minutes later, the pitcher of cold tea arrived. (So that's what they meant about 15 to 20 minutes. Oh.)

Anyway, the entries in the 2nd paragraph (especially the last ones) were not that important for this article's topic. I just wanted to vent out my comments and complains regarding that restaurant. (evil laugh)

Now here we go, as we nearly finished gobbling our lunch, my aunt and mom asked grandpa, "Do you like to watch a movie at the cinema?" Who would say no to that? Grandpa just smiled and said, "Why not, I already have the opportunity to do so." By the way, grandpa is around 70+ years old, just for your information. Then grandpa aired out that he would like to watch "The Bourne Legacy."

The Bourne Legacy it is. Not only grandpa was excited, even me. On our way to the cinema's entrance, something came across my mind. It was the news I saw and heard  that many Filipinos got dismayed because the movie did not feature the Philippine's beauty, instead it only featured the opposite. I was never really a fan of the "Bourne" series so I have really or no idea at all as to what the plot is. And this would be my chance to have a glimpse of it.

(I would love to post the story line but that would a spoiler to those guys who have not yet seen it. I'd just point out some of the major things in order to have my say regarding the complains of our fellow movie goers.)

Jason Bourne was a character born to be chased, if you know what I mean. I believe in all Bourne movies, scenes of him being chased and hunted would always be part. Here's the thing, the movie would be realistic and convincing because of certain factors. One, the actors. Two, the story line. Three, the set.

Wouldn't it be much convincing if the characters would cloak near areas which are crowded? I mean, the area in Manila where Bourne hid was perfect for the scene. Yes, it looked stinky, crowded, and it was a mess. But hear me out, it wouldn't be nice to see him hiding in a "beautiful" resort", eating at some "high-class" restaurant, and staying at a "top of the line" rest house, right?

Picture this:

Jason Bourne in a torn and worn-out clothes.
Policemen everywhere.
A lot of running, jumping, chasing, kicking, punching, body slamming.
Birds chirping.
Breeze blowing softly.
Waves splashing at the shore like hymns.
Beautiful sunset.
White sand.

Awkard, right?

Now picture this:

Jason Bourne in a torn and worn-out clothes.
Policemen everywhere.
A lot of running, jumping, chasing, kicking, punching, body slamming.
People of the neighborhood shouting and yelling, "They're here. Police hurry up!"
Horns blowing hard for the traffic the chase caused.
Fruits, vegetables, and goods displayed splatting, tables overturned.
Crowded market and slum area.
Pitch black street alleys and corridors.

Convincing, right?

An international interview with the movie's director/scriptwriter, Tony Gilroy, recently became viral. He was asked why he chose Manila. He simply answered, "It's stinky and ugly." Without taking into consideration the "movie" itself, I would understand why people didn't take his response positively. I mean who would not react if your place would be rated as stinky and ugly?

Tony just answered the question. He didn't throw a personal comment to step down on us. He was looking for a spot that would fit with the movie's plot, and that spot needed to be stinky and ugly. The scenes were shot to complete the movie. They were not shot to fulfill our aspirations to showcase our beautiful spots. It was all just for the movie, the movie's story. It was not the movie-maker's responsibility to mask what really is inside the Philippines, it was reality.

Open your minds. I would like to stress out the point of Mr. John Arcilla (the Filipino actor who became part of the movie) that we should do something to change it rather than trying to hide something that is so real.

P.S. The movie was great. Watch it.