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Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Tony Stella) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
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!
Firstborn Lorens (Phillip Salvador) toils the land by buffalo while Ellis (Christopher de Leon), the apple of his mother's eye, is given a university education in Manila. When the latter returns to the family’s hacienda with a metropolitan fiancée in tow (Carmi Martin), the domineering Señora Pina (Mona Lisa) immediately disapproves. Looking to reassert her influence, she asks her youngest to name his inheritance. Ellis claims the land – which sparks a family feud that invites tragedy and boils over into all-out filial war.
Penned by the prolific screenwriter Ricardo “Ricky” Lee and directed by Lino Brocka on the heels of masterpieces such as WEIGHED BUT FOUND WANTING (1974), MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT (1975) and INSIANG (1976) – the first Filipino film to play at the Cannes Festival – CAIN AND ABEL is a powerful examination of the landed class and its frontier justice. Part high-pitched melodrama; part allegory for the rampant bellicosity of the Philippines under Ferdinand Marcos; part timeless Biblical retelling, with nods to Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 STRAW DOGS, Brocka’s lush actioner is a powerful introduction to the pulpier side of the National Artist of the Philippines.
directed by: Lino Brocka starring: Christopher de Leon, Phillip Salvador, Carmi Martin, Cecille Castillo, Baby Deldago, Mona Lisa 1982 / 112 min / 1.85:1 / Tagalog with English subtitles
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
CAIN & ABEL: AN APPRECIATION (2022, 12MINS): NEW FEATURETTE BY JOSÉ B. CAPINO
INTERVIEW WITH CARMI MARTIN (2022, 13 MINS)
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER DE LEON (2022, 16 MINS)
BOOKLET INCLUDING “UNRIGHTEOUS KIN” NEW WRITING ON CAIN AND ABEL BY JOSÉ B. CAPINO, SELECT ARCHIVAL MATERIALS, AND NOTES & ANNOTATIONS BY RICKY LEE
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.4343433 / 5 from 99 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Customers highly appreciate the Blu-ray release of 'Cain and Abel' for its captivating drama, excellent acting, and well-paced storytelling. The film's restoration and special features, including interviews and a booklet, add significant value. The melodrama and gripping action sequences are particularly praised, making it a must-watch for fans of Asian cinema.
"An excellent and hyper violent melodrama, a great edition by Kani, with a sensational slipcover." — Fernando L.
"Great effort went into making this release look great from the packaging to the special features." — Brent B.
"This high effort family melodrama is arguably the best film to ever come out of the Philippines." — Tyler D.
Reviews
The Master Lino Brocka
"A tragic retelling of Cain and Abel set in the Phillippines."
— Christopher V. (5/5)
Filipino cinema from an iconic director
"Solid film from the infamous Lino Brocka. Story kept me engaged but I do wish the transfer was better but that good have just been the source was not the best."
— Lewis F. (4/5)
Philippines Peckinpah
"Horrorfic (complimentary) from from the Peckinpah of the Philippines - Biblical Straw Dogs"
— Ben O. (5/5)
Hello wow
"Now this is weird and I like it"
— Scott D. (5/5)
Cain and Abel
"Nice artwork in slipcover. I liked movie and was nice to get good release for this."
— Matti J. (5/5)
Like a John Huston epic
"Action drama centered around a well off family squabble that escalates into full on war. Cat of characters is great and overall entertaining. Audio and video presentation quality is very good except for a tiny bit of image wrapping early on. Loads of extras including interviews with a couple of the lead actors. Nice slip and reversible cover and an essay booklet"
— Kresh R. (4/5)
CandA
"Fun!"
— Justin M. (5/5)
Lots Of Great Action In This One!
"The slipcover artwork, as always is what drew me in to take a closer look at this one! Once I did, I discovered a movie I really enjoyed from beginning to end! As always the incredible effort VS put into this restoration was magnificent! They are peerless in this category! Thank you VS for this fine release!"
— Paul K. (5/5)
This film had it all
"Familial drama under the subtext of martial law. That reference to Straw Dogs got me. Not gonna lie."
— TJ Q. (5/5)
Captivating melodrama
"“Cain and Abel” is without a doubt one of Brocka's finest films, a captivating, grim melodrama that depicts the titular biblical conflict between two brothers as an increasingly violent tour de force. Considering the rarity of the movie, its technical presentation is solid."
— Felix L. (5/5)
Q&A
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