by Heinrich Domingo

Here is a film that does not abide to the saleable formula created by mainstream cinema. Imbedded in the concepts of addiction, teenage angst, maturity, friendship, filial relationship, and many others, 10,000 Saints challenges the viewers to value complexity, question the popular, and appreciate reality.

Debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, this film neither intends nor pretends to please everyone. It is content in presenting life’s form without romance. In so doing, the viewers are shown with a narrative of eccentric stories paired with realistic sequence of events.

The film’s honesty was made beautiful by astounding portrayal of the casts. Actors and actresses presented their characters with such confidence. From age transition to parenthood, casts were able to encapsulate what the scenes needed.

10,000 Saints tells the story of three adolescents struggling to fit in a world of hardcore metal, drugs, and family breakup. It follows how they look for their place in a world made chaotic by adults. The film revolves around the transition phase of teens from being children of their parents to being parents on their own. It rightfully captures how a person’s life changes as a child is born. This is a piece helpful for teen parents who have a difficulty in comprehending what lies ahead of them.

Despite being a film intended for teens, this movie might intimidate the young mainstream audience. As the filmmakers lay bare the ugliness of life, they did not intend to include the element of romance in which this generation has grown accustomed to. Scenes are created to express messages as the film does not plan to change its form of story-telling. This might mean a waste of potential for an exquisite movie like this.

The inclusion of webbing sequences can be seen by many as the film’s major disappointment. The plot of this film can be difficult to swallow for a crowd who has been for so long desensitized by film intricacy in the mainstream arena. 10,000 Saints wishes to show how piles of related sub-plots can be made beautiful through a well-thought arrangement.

This film is hopeful that after suggesting an alternative form of story-telling, audiences will not settle for mediocre cinematic creations. Consequently, filmmakers must begin to treat their audience with utmost respect through offering them intellectual concepts.

10,000 Saints suggests a new form of production. It is one with all films today in looking for a definition of effective modern cinema – one that does not only please the audience but also makes them think.

 

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