This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Costantino Zicarelli) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
A fork in the road brings Narcing (Phillip Salvador) back to his hometown of Mulawin, rumored to be located not so far from Hell. Freshly married, he arrives from Manila in the hopes of introducing his wife Puring (Cecille Castillo) to his relatives. Gusting (Vic Silayan), the family’s domineering patriarch, does not welcome the couple kindly. Still scarred by the suicide of wife, Gusting immediately resents his son for what he perceives as a betrayal: the loss of land-owning heritage to the vulgarity of city women. Spite mingles with jealousy, turning to something altogether more sinister when Narcing’s behavior begins mirroring that of his father who, in turn, begins noticing Puring’s uncanny resemblance to his wife.
Following Brutal (1980) and Moral (1982), Marilou Diaz-Abaya closes her informal feminist trilogy with Karnal, a striking example of Filipino Gothic set in the 1930s. Inspired by a sordid true crime story, what begins as archetypal Filipino melodrama soon turns to horror: a Village of the Damned-inspired study of the places that turn people into monsters and of the cruel, feudalistic patriarchy that continues to have deadly repercussions for Philippines politics today. The latter is embodied brilliantly by Vic Silayan, on the heels of a similar, monstrous turn as a tyrannical father in Kisapmata (1981).
directed by: Marilou Diaz-Abaya
starring: Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, Vic Silayan, Cecille Castillo, Joel Torre
1983 / 112 min / 1.77:1 / Tagalog DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.87234 / 5 from 47 reviews.
Karnal, a special limited edition slipcover designed by Costantino Zicarelli, is a unique home video release focusing on Filipino Gothic horror. Customers appreciate its excellent quality and packaging, and many praise the engrossing narrative and evocative cinematography of the film.
Review topics: ["quality","looks","feel","work","packaging","film","release","story","movie","performances","restoration","artwork","drama","cinema","transfer","title","gem"].
"This title is the third chapter of the trilogy of Marilou Diaz-Abaya, being Brutal and Moral the first and second ones respectively. It is defined as a horror drama and takes place in the filipino colonial era, so, we can expect blood, violence of all kinds and It looks so real under Diaz-abaya command; don't miss Phillip Salvador and Cecille Castillo performances!"
"Counting down until we get the release of Brutal. . . it's easy to be satiated for now with this, yet another crucial release. Filipino films at large are still often neglected in the film conversation, but especially Diaz-Abaya's work. Another invaluable heart-breaker with this one. and of course, Kani never blows it on the supplements or restoration."
"This release was very intense! wow I loved all the performances. This is a southern gothic drama and a must watch for anyone intersted in those type of films and want to explore more niche movies outside united states of America."
"Solid movie, will keep it."
"Interesting story told with skill in cinematography and editing. A fine film. It is rightly lauded, it seems."
"Gorgeous transfer from Kani an amazing movie must own."
"another great film by filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Excellent release."
"Happy to have a chance to discover new cinematic gems from the Philippines! Emotionally devastating critique of patriarchy wrapped in a gothic melodrama. Look forward to exploring the filmography of Marilou Diaz-Abaya further. Great artwork and wonderful essay included."
"Riveting story and excellent filmmaking make this a must watch Filipino Film."
"Excellent release. Another knock out from Kani."
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