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Movie Review: A Rustling of LeavesBy VVAWInside the Philippine Revolution Rustling of Leaves is outstanding. It is about political upheaval in the Philippines today. Director Nettie Wild takes the viewer form the barrios of Manila complete with incredible smoky scenes of poverty and toil to the cool jungle holds of the New Peoples Army and along the way introduces you to the Anti-Communist Crusade, vigilantes form the notorious Alsa Masa and Tad Tad, and acquaints you with above ground left-wing politicians caught up in a desperate struggle for power. Wild clearly attacks the "dirty little war" and takes a stand against Cory Aquino, the Anti-Communist Crusade and the role of the U.S. What is novel here is Wild's ability to portray the complexity of such conflicts and show low-intensity warfare on screen! Voice of the Anti-Communist Crusade Dee-Jay, Jun Pala explains to the camera how Hitler—especially Goebel—had some pretty good ideas about propaganda, how and why he stands with the Alsa Masa. Wild interviews Alsa Masa members in their strongholds (which are considerable) and she succeeds in baring some of the hideous tactics of vigilante repression. The viewer appreciates how Alsa Masa is tolerated by the government during a visit by Acquino who lauds the birthplace of Alsa Masa and applauds their work. Wild also takes you with the left rebels into their home in the southern regions of the Philippines and it is this leg of the viewers' journey that pulls abstract impressions apart and serves up heaping reality because Wild never leaves the rebels behind. The viewer continually feels the push-pull of the guerrilla movement even when we accompany BAYAN (above ground left-wing) politicians back to Manila after their campaign where we turn and meet "sparrows"—the urban rebels. Wild probes questions within the left movement as well and some controversy has surrounded the film on the particular point of the trial and execution of a young NPA guerilla who gave information to Alsa Masa. But I, for one, appreciate Wild's dedication to presenting the world as it is, having grown tired of disinformation campaigns tolerated and promoted by the mainstream media. Highly recommended,Rustling of Leaves is premiering in many large cities this summer. Watch for it and take your friends.
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