Sandakot Na Bala

Sandakot Na Bala
Directed byJose N. Carreon
Screenplay by
Story byCarlo J. Caparas
StarringRudy Fernandez
Cinematography
  • Ricardo Jacinto
  • Ver Reyes
  • Sergio Lobo
Edited byAugusto Salvador
Music byJaime Fabregas
Production
company
Distributed byRegal Films
Release date
  • October 13, 1988 (1988-10-13)
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office₱1.8 million

Sandakot Na Bala (lit. 'A Handful of Bullets') is a 1988 Philippine action drama film directed by Jose N. Carreon, who co-wrote the script with Ricky Lee, on his directorial debut.[1] The film stars Rudy Fernandez alongside Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Nadia Montenegro, Monica Herrera, RR Herrera, Billy Joe Crawford, and Melanie Marquez. Sandakot Na Bala is the first action film produced by Regal Films, and was released on October 13, 1988.

The film received a positive reception from critics such as Lav Diaz, who praised its focus on the adverse psychological effects of gun violence on individuals.

Cast

Production

Rudy Fernandez chose to star in Sandakot Na Bala before starring in Ang Bala at ang Rosaryo (lit. '"The Bullet and the Rosary"'), as he wished to prove something first.[2] Ang Bala at ang Rosaryo was supposed to be his first film for Regal Films, and Snooky Serna would have been his love interest,[2] though the project did not come to fruition.

Though Regal Films served as distributor of a few action films in the past, Sandakot Na Bala is the first action film to be produced by the studio, with the personal supervision of executive producer Lily Monteverde.[3]

Release

Sandakot Na Bala was released on October 13, 1988.[4][5]

Box office

The film grossed ₱1.8 million on its opening day.[3]

Critical response

Lav Diaz, writing for the Manila Standard, gave Sandakot Na Bala a positive review, commending the film's thematic focus on the adverse psychological effects of gun violence on an individual. He also gave praise to director Jose N. Carreon for handling action sequences well in his directorial debut.[1] Justino Dormiendo of the National Midweek also applauded Carreon's "impressive" initial directorial effort for being "an insightful look at the culture of violence and its debilitating effects on the young mind."[6]

Accolades

Group Category Name Result
FAMAS Awards Best Picture - Action Sandakot Na Bala Nominated
Best Actor Rudy Fernandez Nominated
Best Child Actor Billy Joe Crawford Nominated
Catholic Mass Media Award Best Actor Rudy Fernandez[7] Won
PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Screenplay Ricky Lee and Jose N. Carreon[7] Won

References

  1. ^ a b Diaz, Lav (October 19, 1988). "Pulitika ng bala". Manila Standard (in Filipino). Manila Standard News, Inc. p. 26. Retrieved July 20, 2020. Bilang inisyal na hain ni Jose Carreon sa pagdidirihe, masasabing tagumpay siya. Mukhang gamay niya ang aksyon.
  2. ^ a b Mendoza, Mendoza (October 25, 1988). "The other Randy". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. p. 27. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Jimenca, Devi (October 21, 1988). "Patrimonio newest Regal baby". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. p. 27. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  4. ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. October 13, 1988. p. 27. Retrieved July 20, 2020. GALAXY..............Sandakot na Bala
  5. ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. October 12, 1988. p. 27. Retrieved July 20, 2020. GALAXY...................Mac and Me
  6. ^ Dormiendo, Justino M. (1989). "Cold and Lifeless". National Midweek. Lagda Publishing, Inc. p. 29. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  7. ^ a b CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Volume VIII - Philippine Film. Cultural Center of the Philippines. 1994. pp. 247, 270. ISBN 971-8546-23-5. Retrieved July 20, 2020.