Have you ever felt trapped by your own father’s power, as if your life was never truly yours? This horrifying reality unfolds in Kisapmata, the 1981 film directed by Mike de Leon and written by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. Based on Nick Joaquin’s true crime story The House on Zapote Street, the film tells the story of Mila (Charo Santos), a young woman struggling to escape the control of her father, Sgt. Dadong (Vic Silayan). Despite getting married, Mila remains trapped in her father’s home, where he dictates her every move. The film reveals the dangers of extreme control within families, where a father’s authority becomes abusive. Through its chilling story, Kisapmata shows how some families are ruled by fear rather than love. A patriarchal system within the household reinforces the father’s full control over everything, including decision-making, gender biases, and domestic abuse. The film serves as a warning about the consequences of letting one person dominate a family."
Watching Kisapmata made me realize how terrifying it is when a father treats his family like his property. Mila, even as an adult, is forced to obey her father’s every command. One of the most disturbing scenes is when Dadong refuses to let Mila leave, showing that he believes she belongs to him. The mother, although aware of the abuse, remains silent something that also happens in real life. Many victims of domestic violence feel helpless because the people around them choose to ignore the problem. The movie also highlights how society fails to protect victims. The police, instead of helping, allow Dadong’s abusive behavior to continue. This film is a powerful reminder that abuse thrives when people refuse to speak up.
Even today, some families still follow a system where the father has complete control over his wife and children. Although times have changed, many women still experience restrictions on their freedom because of traditional beliefs. Domestic abuse and gender inequality remain serious issues in society. Kisapmata challenges us to question these outdated ideas and stand against abusive power in families. It reminds us that staying silent only allows oppression to continue. If we want a society built on respect and equality, we must break free from traditions that harm rather than protect.
References:
David, Joel. "A Second Golden Age." Ámauteurish!, 2014.
https://amauteurish.com/2014/04/24/a-second-golden-age/
Joaquin, Nick. "The House on Zapote Street." Philippine Graphic Weekly, 1961.
https://archive.org/details/TheHouseOnZapoteStreet
Film Review: Kisapmata (1981) by Mike De Leon
https://asianmoviepulse.com/2023/04/film-review-kisapmata-1981-by-mike-de-leon/
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