A taught, compact film that tackles one of the few taboo subjects in Filipino society and not often successfully translated to local cinema. But director Mike De Leon was able to wrap this sensitive subject around a crime-thriller plot, and the film drives you along with its the skillful actors and suspenseful narrative, before bringing you head-on to its gruesome ending. Charo Santos plays the naive, daughter trapped in the manipulative control of his father and a mother who turned to religion to deny the situation happening before her eyes. Santos' marriage to Jay Ilagan somehow tripped the father into dark obsession and through contrived manipulation, sought to trap the couple back into his control--and eventually, the tragic end. Vic Silayan as the evil patriarch is casting made perfect. Eerie and subtly textured in its pacing and cinematography, the film indeed earned its place in a glorious era than spanned from mid 70's to early 80's .

More than three decades later, Kisapmata is still a thrill to watch. The story of a patriarch (Vic Silayan) who lords over his family. When her daughter Mila (Charo Santos) got pregnant and marries Noel (Jay Ilagan), he makes sure that he remains in control.

Watching this movie, it is difficult to comprehend how we can create a superior movie like this, and also come up with trash like Praybeyt Benjamin. The mood, the music, the script are all superior. Vic Silayan is so scary here; in one scene, Noel was shouting on top of his voice, angry at what is happening to them, but when faced by Vic Silayan, fell silent. Even when the dialogue turns Ilocano, you don't need an interpretation to understand that he is evil personified. Towards the end, Mila seemed to have predicted their fate when Noel is asking to read her diary.

When I first saw this, I was surprised at the ending, something not often seen in Philippine cinema. If you haven't seen this, look for this great classic.

Such an amazing Filipino movie. I need to explore more from this region. This film is shocking, especially the climax gave me a chilling experience. Great acting, and skillful Direction. Anything more will be a spoiler. Try to watch without any spoilers.