Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao Explained

Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao
Director:Pablo Santiago
Producer:Rowell Santiago
Starring:Ramon Revilla
Music:Jun Latonio
Cinematography:Alfonso Alvarez
Editing:Rene Tala
Studio:Vista Films
Country:Philippines
Language:Filipino

Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao (marketed as Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick) is a 1987 Filipino action film directed by Pablo Santiago and starring Ramon Revilla as the titular commander. It also stars Dang Cecilio, Rey Abellana, Tanya Gomez, Paquito Diaz, Raoul Aragonn, Charlie Davao, Esther Chavez, Romy Diaz, and Ruel Vernal. The film employs Revilla's usual formula of having his character own a protective amulet in battle. Produced by Vista Films as its inaugural film, it was released on July 15, 1987. Critic Mike Feria of the Manila Standard gave the film a negative review, criticizing its screenplay and Revilla's exaggerated acting.

Cast

Themes

Feliciano Luces is a continuation of Ramon Revilla's formula of portraying notorious or real-life characters who protect themselves with amulets ("anting-anting") in battle, sustaining a traditional belief of native Filipinos which has endured to contemporary times.[1] [2] Luces' death is depicted in the film as being caused by a spirit taking away his amulet.[3]

Release

The film was given a "P" rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB),[1] and was released on July 15, 1987.[4]

Critical response

Mike Feria of the Manila Standard gave Feliciano Luces a negative review, criticizing the screenplay's misguided storytelling and lack of focus as well as Revilla's acting ("here he is as ham as ever").[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: MTRCB classification guide for films reviewed 10-16 July 1987. October 30, 2020. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. July 20, 1987. 14. The gory and violent scenes and the use of a religious object as an "anting-anting" to ward off or eliminate "Toothpick's" enemies may need to be explained to minors..
  2. News: Diaz. Lav. Lav Diaz. Anting-anting. June 28, 2020. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. April 20, 1988. 10. Filipino.
  3. News: Feria. Mike. The actor as producer. October 30, 2020. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. July 22, 1987. 15.
  4. News: Opens Today. October 30, 2020. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. July 15, 1987. 14.