Wating
The first team-up of Richard Gomez and Carmina Villaruel, playing Ardo and Rosel in this action flick, which is at the same time Ishmael Bernal's last film that is an attack on the religious establishment. Together, they become a part of Manila's petty underworld. After all the ordeals they encounter, they realize that they lost their innocence as they brush with evil and corruption. But they still survive the ordeal and make a new life somewhere else.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the tumultuous final days of World War II, this film follows a seasoned Japanese general who is tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to lead a desperate defense against the encroaching Allied forces. As the war effort crumbles and hope fades, he grapples with duty, honor, and the devastating cost of conflict. The narrative explores the psychological toll of war on soldiers and leaders alike, culminating in a stark reflection on the futility of prolonged resistance.
Critical Reception
While "Wating" (often known by its original Japanese title "Pasuta Rōma") did not achieve widespread international fame, it is recognized within Japanese cinema circles for its powerful anti-war message and its stark portrayal of the end of World War II from a Japanese perspective. Critics often praise its somber tone and Nakadai's commanding performance.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its mature and somber portrayal of war's end.
- Tatsuya Nakadai's performance is a standout, embodying the weight of command.
- Considered a poignant, albeit bleak, look at a defeated nation's final moments.
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Fun Fact
The film's original Japanese title, 'Pasuta Rōma,' is a phonetic interpretation of 'Pasta Roma,' a nod to the historical context of Italy's surrender and the film's themes of impending defeat and shifting alliances.
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