Pulang araw

One of the greatest Filipino series in our generation showcasing the battle for life and freedom of our ancestors during colonization of Imperial Japan. This show open our younger minds of how critical history is in our daily lives. It shaped who we are today. Our culture, our tradition and our character. Hands up to the creators, producers, all staff and actors who make this series move our hearts and feel from deep within how to be a Filipino which is very relevant to these days. Mabuhay Pilipinas kahit ang hirap mong mahalin. This kind of series sometimes reminds me of why I am a Filipino and why we should love the Philippines.

Pulang Araw had potential, but one actor's (you know which one, I'm not gonna name him) ridiculously awful fake Japanese accent destroyed the whole thing for me. It's so bad, I half-expected him to apologize mid-scene for butchering the language. Every time he speaks, I'm pulled out of the drama and into a bad comedy sketch. I don't know if the character is supposed to be menacing or if he's just really confused about where he's from. The plot could be gripping, the cinematography stunning, but nothing can overcome the trainwreck of an accent that steals the spotlight-in the worst way possible.

Only those who have low-standard toward films will rate this war-drama series good or great. It was only entertaining when the story was about the childhood experiences of the lead characters, but when they became adults, everything fell apart. The dialogues are not impressive, and the director does not have the skills to direct action sequences. The whole series was only interesting at first, and only because there are not a lot of war-drama shows that had been produced in the Philippine film industry. The overacting, Japs speaking Tagalog, Pinoy looking Japs, foolish sequences, lazy cam angles (from the Jap invasion down to the end) rubbished or undeveloped characters, crying for 10 to 20 seconds too long, location felt like as just a small district or a barangay, anti-climatic with a horrendous ending, not in 4K, et cetera!!!

This series exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Cinematography, set designs, story, direction, actors' performances are all superb. The best Filipino series in ages.

Well-researched story. Doctolero has mastered the art of historical stories. Slow-paced yet no scene is a waste. Background music adds tension to the already heart pounding scenes.

Performances from all the lead and supporting actors are praiseworthy especially those of Richards and Lopez. Trillo never disappoints. Pangilinan has always been and will always be great, giving a supporting role justice and importance. De Leon is the contravida you'd love to hate.

David Licauco (Hiroshi) is a revelation here! I would be expecting for him to win acting awards for this portrayal.

Barbie Forteza (Adelina) has always been superb! Sanya Lopez (Teresita) portrayal of a comfort woman is flawless. No other artist could perform this.

Alden Richards (Eduardo) is amazingly good as well. Dennis Trillo (Yuta) is the villain you will hate forever. The supporting actors, Rochelle Panginiban, and the others are also really great.

Hands down because cinematography is great! Chemistry among actors is also evident. Although I am always on a crying stint every episode, it has always been purposeful. Watch it now!