MURO-AMI (Reaction)

The story of Muro Ami will make a great impact on the viewers, it has not only touched the heart of the people but I believe it will lead to strengthening of laws about illegal fishing and will consider child labor for revision. The real situation of our country that depicted in the film is the fact that we cannot deny that poverty drives the people go beyond the boundaries. Its like “kapit sa patalim” whether the parents of the children are aware or not, about the child labor law, I guess for them muro ami (reef hunting) is a way of life, a tradition, a culture, a way of survival. 

This movie has many attribute that make the movie itself a good one and can be proud of, especially its story which is based on the reality in the country and of course the creation of movie itself. The awareness that brought to our countrymen and perhaps to the world may open the eyes of the people that though, we have child labor law, the government should think again and revise the same law for lack of alternative and benefits for the children that they forbid to work since they offer nothing for their living. Say for instance, scholarship or providing jobs for their parents. This movie is a quality film that elevated the Philippine movie industry into Hollywood level that can compete into world class film festival. This creates an opportunity for our country to be known internationally.

Another awareness that was stirred up here and got the attention of the nature’s lovers, is that our country is rich in marine natural resources that are being spoiled by a lot of illegal fishing particularly the muro-ami system that directly damaging the corals and even the dynamite that kills thousand of young fishes in a single blast. In this way, the people become aware of the conduct of this some fisherman because of this film hopefully, it may help the immediate apprehension of the law breakers.

My overall impression about the movie was even though the movie has been exaggerated in some part, but generally it is one the best movie in the Philippines, it has a wonderful cinematography specially the underwater scene, all characters were fit for their role and have done a good job for the success of the film. The place is perfectly suited for story as well as the ship. The movie portrays a realistic scenario of the people that make a living entirely out of the sea. The supporting actors just like Pen Medina, Jhon Hilario and Rebecca Lusterio have played their part well that made the director justified for his award.