Cavite (2005)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Directors:

Neill Dela Llana
Ian Gamazon

Writers:

Neill Dela Llana (writer)
Ian Gamazon (writer)

Genre:

Thriller

Tagline:

Deliver unspeakable terror or lose everyone you love...

Plot:

Flying back to his home country, an American man is informed that his mother and sister have been kidnapped and will be killed if he doesn't comply with certain demands.

Plot Keywords:

Bank | Jihad | Security Guard | Philippines | Bus

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Ian Gamazon	...	Adam
Edwin Lagda	...	Running Man - Adam's Dad / Alleyway Victim
Edgar Tancangco	...	Adam's Father
Norma Tancangco	...	Adam's Mother
Quynn Ton	...	Little Sister
Mariza Levario	...	Arguing Voice (voice)
Neill Dela Llana	...	Arguing Voice / Alleyway Assassin
Dominique Gonzalez	...	Dana
Ryan Lagda	...	Little Boy Thief / Kidnapped Kid
Nestor B. Casilis	...	Terrorist with Gun
Rico V. Lagda	...	Kidnapped Kid
Robert Sanque	...	Thug in Bathroom
Joven F. Abrenica	...	Thug in Bathroom
Solita R. Nadal	...	Woman on Cell Phone

Directed by
Neill Dela Llana
Ian Gamazon

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Neill Dela Llana		writer
Ian Gamazon		writer

Produced by
Neill Dela Llana	....	producer
Ian Gamazon	....	producer
Quynn Ton	....	producer

Cinematography by
Neill Dela Llana		(shot by) (as Neill dela Llana)

Film Editing by
Neill Dela Llana		(as Neill dela Llana)
Ian Gamazon

Sound Department
Neill Dela Llana	....	sound designer (as Neill dela Llana)
Neill Dela Llana	....	sound mixer (as Neill dela Llana)

Special Effects by
Neill Dela Llana	....	special effects (as Neill dela Llana)
Ian Gamazon	....	special effects

Camera and Electrical Department
Ian Gamazon	....	additional camera operator

Music Department
Neill Dela Llana	....	music editor (as Neill dela Llana)

Other crew
Edwin Lagda	....	location manager: Philippines
Edwin Lagda	....	production assistant
Robert Sanque	....	location manager: U.S.
Quynn Ton	....	legal advisor

Thanks
Karen Bove	....	thanks
Brian Clark	....	special thanks
Derek Franzese	....	special thanks
Kristy Maurer	....	thanks
Laura Maurer	....	thanks
Debra Trevino	....	special thanks
Kent Carpenter Zambrana	....	special thanks

Production Companies

• Gorilla Films

Distributors

• Truly Indie (2006) (USA) (theatrical)
• Magnolia Home Entertainment (2006) (USA) (DVD)
• Magnolia Pictures (2006) (USA) (DVD)

Runtime:

USA:80 min

Country:

Philippines | USA

Language:

English | Filipino | Tagalog

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:Not Rated

Filming Locations:

Noveleta, Cavite, Luzon, Philippines

Company:

Gorilla Films

Movie Connections:

Features Puzzle Bobble (1994) (VG)

An ordinary guy is trapped in a web of intrigue as he tries to save his mother and sister who have been kidnapped by terrorists.

"Cavite" proves that if the story is good enough, technical excellence is unimportant. Filmed on video with a crew of two, and no budget whatsoever, Cavite is a gripping, roller coaster of a ride. Called to the Philippines, a completely Americanized, young Filipino-American discovers that his mother and sister have been kidnapped. A cellphone planted in his backpack rings and he learns they are held by terrorists and he must follow every direction he is given or they will be killed. Guided by the terrorist's voice on a cellphone, what follows is a tense voyage through the underbelly of Cavite, a city in the Philippines. Although this is at its soul a thriller, by focusing on stark images of third-world poverty, the film cleverly illustrates why terrorist acts have appeal for many. Like all classic thrillers the stakes get higher and higher and the tension grows as the story moves on to its inevitable climax. Although some critics have indicated that they thought the lead actor was lacking in ability I found exactly the opposite -- he is the perfect "everyman," trapped in a situation not of his making. This is great storytelling. I saw this movie twice and recommend it highly.