Runtime: 1h 43m
Released: 25 September 1996
Country of Origin: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Director: Toto Natividad
Writer (Story): Michael De Mesa (story) • Ricky Lee (script) • Humilde 'Meek' Roxas (script)
Synopsis:
Deep into this captivating story, we delve into the tragic saga that unfolds with the unfortunate incarceration of a man named Ellis. Oh, dear reader, let me paint a vivid picture for you, because this is a story that will surely tug at your heartstrings.
Ellis, a man of unwavering determination and indomitable spirit, is bound by the chains of injustice. His crime, if you can call it that, is nothing other than his courageous pursuit of revenge. But what drove this noble soul to take such desperate measures?
Ah, it was the untimely death of his beloved brother that lit the fire in Ellis. A brother, dear reader, who had a heart as pure as the morning dew and boundless courage. Together they formed a formidable force with a common goal: uncovering the nefarious actions of a high-ranking military general.
Oh, the betrayal that lurks in the corridors of power! The general, a man of influence and authority, had spun a web of deceit and corruption, trapping the innocent in his malevolent grasp. But Ellis and his brother, driven by an unwavering sense of justice, dared to challenge this dark force.
With unwavering determination, they delved deep into the general's misdeeds and uncovered a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Her tireless search for the truth brought her into the darkest corners of the military's inner workings, where power and corruption intertwine like the roots of an ancient tree.
But unfortunately, dear reader, their noble quest came at a high price. In a cruel twist of fate, Ellis' beloved brother met an untimely end, his life ended before justice could be served. The weight of that loss now rests heavily on Ellis’ shoulders like an anchor dragging him down.
That's why, after this tragedy, Ellis finds himself in prison, his mind intact but his heart heavy with grief. Although the walls of his cell confine his physical form, his indomitable spirit remains free, driven by a burning desire for revenge.
So, dear reader, let us embark on a journey of epic proportions where the battle between good and evil rages. It is a story about love, loss and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Get ready, because Ellis' story and his quest for revenge have just begun.
In the dimly lit and desolate confines of his small, cramped cell, Ellis sought comfort amid the harsh reality of his imprisonment. Surrounded by cold, unforgiving walls that seemed to close in on him with each passing day, he clung to his unwavering resolve like a lifeline, refusing to succumb to the overwhelming despair that so often tormented those behind bars.
Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone timidly through the narrow window, Ellis rose from his flimsy cot, his tired body aching from the uncomfortable sleep he had endured. With a determined spirit, he would prepare to overcome the challenges that lay before him, knowing that he must be his own source of strength within the confines of this prison.
Within these walls, where hope seemed to wither like a fragile flower without sunlight, Ellis discovered an inner strength that would transform him into an indomitable force. Instead of letting fear consume him, he channeled it and used his raw energy to strengthen his resolve. With each passing day, he improved his mental and physical abilities and became a formidable presence within the prison walls.
News of Ellis' unwavering determination and spirit spread like wildfire among the inmates, earning him a reputation as one of the most fearsome people in the dark corridors. His fellow prisoners, resigned to a life of subjugation and defeat, looked at him with a mixture of respect and admiration. They saw in him a beacon of hope, a beacon of resilience that defied the oppressive atmosphere that permeated their lives.
Ellis’ days were filled with a never-ending pursuit of personal growth. He devoured books in search of knowledge and wisdom to expand his mind beyond the confines of his cell. He underwent rigorous physical training, pushing his body to its limits and was determined to emerge stronger from this ordeal. And he never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to regain his freedom and forge a new path that would lead him out of the shadows of his past.
Within the cold, unforgiving walls of his cell, Ellis found not only comfort but also a sense of purpose. He refused to be defined by his situation and reduced to a mere statistic in the annals of the prison system. Instead, he accepted the challenges that lay before him and turned them into stepping stones on the path to his salvation. And as he stood amidst the sadness of his surroundings, Ellis became a testament to the power of the human spirit, a living embodiment of resilience and determination.
Through a twist of fate, as complex lives often do, Ellis became involved in a series of events that would change the course of his life forever. During this turbulent time, a woman named Leah, with her keen eye and keen perception, became fully aware of Ellis' extraordinary abilities and indomitable spirit. Driven by a deep belief in her untapped potential, she embarked on a courageous mission to secure her release from the clutches of her unjust imprisonment.
Leah, a woman of remarkable ingenuity and unwavering determination, spared no effort in navigating the labyrinthine corridors of bureaucracy and legal complexities to secure Ellis' release. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her unwavering belief in Ellis's inherent goodness drove her forward, undeterred by the formidable obstacles that stood in her way.
But when the chains of his imprisonment were finally lifted, Ellis found himself on the verge of a new chapter in his life, one filled with uncertainty and moral ambiguity. For Leah, in her infinite wisdom, had to present him with a proposal that would test the fabric of his being: to become an assassin, a harbinger of death.
This proposal, full of worry and intrigue, hung like a delicate thread in the air, the weight of which both Ellis and Leah felt. It was a proposal that brought with it the promise of power, the allure of a secret existence, and the potential to shape the world in unimaginable ways. But it also carried with it the burden of moral complexity, the weight of lives snuffed out, and the irreversible consequences that would forever weigh on Ellis' conscience.
As Ellis grappled with the difficult decision that awaited him, he was torn between the lure of a life without social boundaries and the haunting specter of the lives he would be responsible for extinguishing. The path before him was shrouded in shadow, its contours obscured by the moral dilemmas running through his mind.
At this crucial moment, Ellis stood at the crossroads of fate, his heart and mind locked in a bitter battle for supremacy. The world held its breath, waiting for his decision, for the decision he made would reverberate through the annals of time and forever change the course of his own existence and the lives of those affected by his actions.
Little did Ellis know that his journey was just beginning and that the decisions he made at that pivotal moment would set off a chain of events that would test his courage, challenge his beliefs and force him to change to come to terms with the essence of his being. The path before him was full of danger and uncertainty, but it was a path that Ellis ultimately had to take because it was his destiny, his destination and his burden to bear.
Taking this perilous path, Ellis embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever. His first mission was to kidnap a prominent politician and his innocent child. When he saw the youth, he had no idea that this child was nothing other than his flesh and blood, a love child conceived with his long-lost lover Beth.
That is the nature of this story, dear reader. A story of resilience, love and loss and the complex web of fate that connects us all. As you delve deeper into the intricacies of Ellis' turbulent existence, remember: Life is a tapestry woven from threads of triumph and tragedy, and we must navigate its labyrinthine paths with unwavering determination.
TOP BILLED CAST & CREW:
- Phillip Salvador as Ellis
- Anjanette Abayari as
- Jackie Lou Blanco as Beth
- Tirso Cruz III as Cong. Ramirez
- Dennis Roldan as Acosta
- Paquito Diaz as Gen. Dominguez
- Karl Angelo Legaspi as Alex
- Dindo Arroyo as Edwin
- Alan Paule (as credit Allan Paule) as Tony Boy
- Roy Alvarez as Billy Boy
- Dave Brodett (credited as Dave Brodette) as Carpio
- Manjo Del Mundo as Roque
- Rene Hawkins as Warden
- Polly Cadsawa as Polly Freddie Ondra
- Freddie Ondra as Bagyo
- Jose 'Kaka' Balagtas as Labor Leader
- Ross Rival (credited as Che Che Salvador) as Ramirez' Security
- Rey Fabian (credited as Rey Favian) as Ramirez' Security
- Rey Ebdane as Ramirez' Security
- Alex Toledo as Ramirez' Security
- Mar Sacdalan as Ramirez' Security
- Henry Criste as Ramirez' Security
- Vanni Ignacio (credited as Vannie Ignacio) as Ramirez' Security
- Ernie David as a Prisoner
- Ding Salvador as a Prisoner
- Boy Gomez as a Prisoner
- Cris Aguilar (credited as Chris Aguilar) as a Prisoner
- Rudy Vicdel as a Prisoner
- Totoy Del Mundo (credited as Totoy Guapo) as a Prisoner
- Diony Duran (credited as Jhony Duran) as a Rider
- George Calingacion as a Rider
- Boy Sta. Maria as Edwin's Men
- Eddie Mañalac as Edwin's Men
- Jun Escueta (credited as Jon Escueta) as Edwin's Men
- Ariel Himan as Edwin's Men
- Jerry Olaer as Edwin's Men
- Nilo Pahanel as Edwin's Men
- Jon Bautista as Edwin's Men
- King Dator as Edwin's Men
- Ben Dugan as Military Men
- Bert Garon as Military Men
- Efren Tecero (credited as Efren Tercero) as Military Men
- Jerome Alvaro as Military Men
- Nick Karim as Military Men
- Bong Gatus as Military Men
- Dantley Reyes as Military Men
- Rodel Lara as Military Men
- Anthony Griar as Military Men
- Rommel Rellora as Military Men
- Nestor Balla as Military Men
- Efren Mendola as Military Men
- Zaldo Cruz as Military Men
- Rhod Cuizon as Military Men
- Nato Tanchingco (credited as Renato Tanchingco) as Military Men
- Boy Midrano as Military
- Romy De Guzman as Military Men
- Paul Trinidad as a Lawyer
- Ramir Macapagal as a Lawyer
- Archie as a Lawyer
- Jerico Agustin as a Lawyer
- Peter Velasco as a Lawyer
- Clarito Linjoco as a Lawyer
- Ron De Garriz as a Lawyer
- Boy Gutierrez as a Lawyer
- Freddie Elasigue (credited as Freddie Elazigue) as a Lawyer
- Rey Valenzuela as a Lawyer
- Charlie Dalmacio as a Lawyer
- Kathy Despa as a Lawyer
Executive Producer: Charo Santos-Concio
Producer: Malou N. Santos
Supervising Producer: Ramon Salvador
Line Producer: Elma S. Medua
Musical Director: Mon Del Rosario
Cinematographer: Rudy Diño as (credited as Rudy Dino)
Editor: Renato De Leon (credited as Mr. Ning Ning De Leon)
Art Director: Neil Benavente
MAKEUP DEPARTMENT:
Makeup Artist: Bernadette Dueñas (Phillip Salvador)
Makeup Artist: Ina Matito
Makeup Artist: Francis Perez
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT:
Production Manager: Alvin Cabalda
Production Manager: Albert Garcia
Production Manager: Allan Garcia
Assistant Production Manager: Annabelle Macauba
Assistant Director: Ferdie Salvador
ART DEPARTMENT:
Propsman: Chichoy Cusion
Propsman: Allan Gonzalgo
Propsman: B.J. Holms
SOUND DEPARTMENT:
Looper: Henry Cabrales
Looper: Robert Magbitang
Dubbing Supervisor: Lucy Quinto
Sound Effects: Ning Recio
Sound Effects: Cocoy Sanchez
Sound Effects: Danny Sanchez
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
Effectsman: Delfin Diaz
Special Effects: Pilo Loreto
STUNTS:
Fight Director: Stunts Rey Solo
CAMERA DEPARTMENT:
Camera Caretaker: Nestor Balla
Second Assistant Camera: Elmer Despa
Camera Caretaker: Luis Dizon
Gaffer: Leo Fernandez
Camera Caretaker: Rommel Ibañez
Camera Caretaker: Jerry Ponpon
Camera Caretaker: Joel Ponpon
Camera Caretaker: Rommel Rellora
COSTUME DEPARTMENT:
Costume and Wardrobe: Vilma Gonzalgo
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:
Assistant Editor: Antonio Acurin (credited as Tony Acurin)
Assistant Editor: Ed Arboleda
Post-Production Coordinator: Resty Punsalan (credited as Restie Punzalan)
Assistant Post-Production Coordinator: Mario Rapinan
SCRIPT DEPARTMENT:
Script and Continuity: Jennie Uy (credited as Jennifer Uy)
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT:
Service Driver: Danny Belmonte (credited as Danilo Belmonte)
Service Driver: Johnnie Contreras (credited as Johnny Contreras)
Service Driver: Arnel Cristobal
Service Driver: Felix Daroy
Service Driver: Emil Hombra (credited as Emil Hembra)
Service Driver: Gerry Manalo
Service Driver: Aldwin Molina
Service Driver: Ross Rival (credited as Chichi Salvador)
Service Driver: Ding Salvador
Service Driver: Totoy Trinidad
ADDITIONAL CREW:
Utility: Joel Abuda
Production Secretary: Merilyn Acierda
Production Secretary: Manette Alaan (credited as Manet Alaan)
Administrative Staff: Arman Arguelles (credited as Armand Arguelles)
Administrative Staff: Pabby Arzanan
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Jojo Bolano
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Ricky Concepcion
Executive Office Staff: Emma Coronado
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Eric Cortez
Administrative Staff: Eugene Cortez
Administrative Staff: Jose Cortez
Schedule Master: Jaime Cuales
Administrative Staff: Elia Dimayuga
Administrative Staff: Lemuel Distor
Administrative Staff: Marlene Edillo (credit as Marlina Edillo)
Finance & Administrative Staff: Roy Endriga
Administrative Staff: Jeromel Enriquez (credited as Jerome Enriquez)
Executive Office Staff: Tony Espinas
Production Secretary: Aida Espiritu
Utility: Bob Flojo
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Louie Gimpayan (credit as Louie Guimpayan)
Blank Control: Anthony Griar
Administrative Staff: Jernie Jabonillo
Booking Manager: Dory Jacila
Utility: Rodel Lara
Publicity & Promotion: Roxy Liquigan
Publicity & Promotion: Jackie Y. Liu
Publicity & Promotion: Rosendo Macol
Stand-In: Phillip Salvador: Eddie Mañalac
Administrative Staff: Catherine Morata
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Artemio Ongleo (credited as Temmy Ongleo)
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Leo Pascual
Schedule Master: Bong Pavia (credited as Bong Favia)
Executive Office Staff: Tancino Peralta (credited as Tansing Peralta)
Distribution Manager: Angie Pineda
Administrative Staff: Medrado Rodriguez (credit as Medrano Rodriguez)
Administrative Staff: Joe Rosario
Utility: Nonoy Sambuang
Administrative Staff: Joselito Santos
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Noel Talong
Executive Office Staff: Jun Tijol
Crew (All Scope Cinema): Miguel Timbal
Executive Office Staff: Joey Toledo
Trailer (Version 1):
