Random Review: 'Silent Night' screams human emotions with its quiet storytelling [In PH cinemas Nov 29]

There is power in silence. Highly acclaimed director John Woo’s film Silent Night is proof to this as he maximized all sorts of film elements to present a narrative that did not solely rely on dialogue. So powerful is its storytelling that the use of lighting and written text was creatively utilized. As a viewer, I was called to pay attention to details and make use of all my senses.

Award-winning actress Sylvia Sanchez did not disappoint when she warned us before the screening to brace ourselves for what we were about to see. “Mapapagod kayo!,” she said in jest and gave reassurance that we were about to watch a good movie. Now realizing that the joke was half-meant, I must say that the movie is successful in getting me hooked until the end. Its strategic use of timing, pacing, and sounds contributed to its effectiveness in evoking different emotions. Sylvia was right when she said, “Gusto naming iparating na kapag Nathan [distributed], kakaiba. Parang ito, silent talaga!” Nathan Studios also recently brought to local cinemas the critically acclaimed Japanese film Monster.

Together with her daughter Ria Atayde and friend and fellow multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino, Sylvia is having fun dabbling in film distribution and production. Since the family-owned Nathan Studios was launched, the Ataydes are on a roll in bringing foreign titles to Philippine cinemas and producing world-class local titles to be showcased worldwide in return. Silent Night is just one of the other foreign films in Nathan Studios’ lineup. The rising film company gains access to acquisition through their contacts and exposure to other outfits in international film festivals.

Silent Night did not waste time and immediately opened its narrative with heavy action scenes (A sure treat for action fans!). Gun shots were fired and cars were blown up. First five minutes into watching and I felt like I was very much involved in a fast-paced and action-packed altercation. Visually, the shots were meticulously taken, giving off voyeuristic feels and an adrenaline rush.

Actress-producer Sylvia Sanchez

To be very honest, I have to be honest that action movies and scenes that include bloody scenarios are things I have aversion to. But Silent Night and its heartwarming story gave me a newfound appreciation for the action genre. Getting shocked by the film’s twists and turns have the capacity to literally leave a person…silent. It’s a unique experience!

Aside from the powerful use of cinematography and musical scoring that heightened emotions in every scene, there is strength in Silent Night’s casting of actors who can best breathe life into the characters without speaking lines.

With very minimal, almost unheard words, the actors’ facial expressions, nuances, and precise movements captured the emotions needed to take the viewers on a journey of finding justice and getting vengeance.

Here’s a quick synopsis of Silent Night. On Christmas Eve, a man witnesses the death of his young son when the boy gets caught in a crossfire between warring gangs. Recovering from a neck wound that cost him his voice, he soon embarks on a bloody and grueling quest to punish those responsible.

Silent Night is more than just an action movie. It is a love story — one that showcases the extent of a father’s love. This is the kind of love that breaks barriers, transcends proximity, and knows no end. This is also the type of love that is very much like the film. Amid the deafening silence, you can see and feel things.