Tomas del Rosario College

Capitol Drive, Balanga City, Bataan

Instructions: Analytically and comprehensively answer each of the following questions.

To make your stand, conclusions, and insights valid and sensical support them
with details or evidences.

Format : Use one whole short coupon bond without borders. Use the Format: Times
New Roman, 12, single space. Indent the first sentence of each paragraph. The
major titles are centered and are in bold form while the subtitles are aligned left.
Keep in mind that the body must be justified.

Arrangement: This would be a group output. Thus, form a group of not more than ten members.
Note: This could also be an individual output as you may desire. Brainstorm on
each question and indicate the name of your group mate at the end of the part he
answered. A student who didn’t answer even a question alone for the group will
not be given any grade.

Example: The film in general, is an offshoot of the government thrusts and

political agenda of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Administration that
centers on increasing employment rate by sending OCW’s and OFW’s
abroad. (Joshua)

Deadline of Submission :May 20, 2011 through e-mail (50% of your score in this output will be
a part of your final-examination score; the other 50% will be taken from the skit you’ll
be presenting on Wednesday, May 18, 2011)

FILM REVIEW OF EMIR

I. Basic Information about the Production of Emir

A. The Working Group
1. Direction :
2. Production Design :
3. Editing :
4. Sound Design :
5. Songs :
6. Orchestration and :
Score
7. Choreography :
8. Libretto :
9. Screenplay :
10. Cast and the
Roles they played :
 B. When was the film made? How relevant is the making of the film to the time it was made?

C. What is the genre of the film? (comedy, drama, slap-stick, sci-fi, melodrama)

D. What are the functions or purposes of the film? How do you say so?

a. To serve as eye-opener and mirror of our society. It shows the real situation of Filipinos that
forces them to leave the country and find their luck abroad. It also imparts a message for the
government to make a move and do something about it. (Marjorie Tinao)

b. To teach many values. After watching the film, Amelia is an icon of strength and loyalty.
Every scene in the film gives life’s values such as love, loyalty, patience, perseverance,
responsibility, courageousness and sense of camaraderie. (Marjorie Tinao)

c. To show difference of culture. The film presents two different countries with two different
cultures that inform the viewers that in every undertaking they may have, difference in culture
may affect them. Like Amelia, her struggles made her stronger in spite of being not used to the
culture in the country where she works. (Marjorie Tinao)

II. Analysis of the Elements of the Story and Film, Emir

• Script/Story Line
1. Characters
1.1 What types or classes of OFWs/OCWs are portrayed in the film based on the
characters’ actions, speech, and beliefs?

Types or classes portrayed in the film based on the characters’ actions, speech and
beliefs.

• Domestic Helpers
• Nurses
• Construction Workers
• Entertainers
(Angelica Decepida)

1.2 Why must the main character and the backgrounders in the exposition be
Ilocanos? Why not Tagalogs or Visayas?

The main character and the backgrounders in the exposition are Ilocanos, not Tagalogs or
Visayas, because Ilocanos are characterized as being hardworking and frugal, and they
engage primarily in farming and fishing. They are kinda shy and are happy when they are
together with their family. And these traits portrayed what a real Filipino is. (Angelica
Decepida)
 1.3 What do the two groups of people stand for in the “dance number” in the
beginning of the film? (1st: the quartet led by the hostess/ beauty queen and 2nd:
the older women in Amelia’s barrio led by fat woman eating grilled corn)

The first dance number led by a beauty queen states that Filipinos are really world class. They
have extraordinary dedication to their work that makes them stand out among other nationalities.
While the older women in Amelia’s barrio led by fat woman eating grilled corn symbolizes
that even if your position is inferior, you just have to accept it. (Angelica Decepida)

1.3 Who are the flat characters? the round characters?

Flat Characters
• Frencheska Farr as AMELIA
• Sid Lucero as VICTOR
• Jhong Hilario as BOYONG
• Melanie Dujungco as TRINING

Round Characters
• Mayordoma
• Julia Clarete as ANGIE
• Kalila Aguilos
• Liesl Batucan
• Beverly Salviejo
(Angelica Decepida)

1.4 What made Amelia stand-out among the servants in the palace?

The scene when their Madam asks the Filipino servants on what they can say on
Ahmed, they lied to their Madam. One said that her son is so handsome, he will be
a singer because his voice is so powerful, that her son has a fair skin etc. While
Amelia said the truth, the truth that she doesn’t even snip the face of his son, all she
can see is the cloth. But Amelia said that her son will be as beautiful as his mom, as
noble as his father etc. Amelia’s honesty made her stand out among the other
servants in the palace. (Angelica Decepida)

2. Setting

2.1 Where does the whole story take place?

• The whole story takes place at Middle East (United Arab Emirates).
(Kristine Marie Basalo)

Where does it start and end?

• It start on a farm somewhere in Ilocos region, Philippines and end at the
Paoay Church and Amelia’s House in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. (Kristine
Marie Basalo)
 What idea is alluded or suggested by the relationship of the setting in the
beginning and ending part of the film?

• The idea eluded by the relationship of the setting in the beginning and
ending part of the film is we will always comeback again in the place where
we came from. The beginning of the setting is in the Philippines also in the
ending. It state that Amelia came from Philippines but need to go to other
country for her family; However, after long years of working there, she
comeback again in the Philippines. This signifies that you can never erase
the fact about your origin. The blood that circulates in your body is a blood
of Filipinos. At the end of the day, you are a Filipino. Time comes and you
will come back again in the place that you are born and where you belong.
(Kristine Marie Basalo)

2.2 Why should some scenes be taken in Banaue Rice Terraces and in the Paoay
Church?

• Some scenes are taken in Banaue Rice Terraces because it portray the sacred
culture of the Philippines and it symbolizes the hard work of are fellow
Filipinos. The Banaue rice terraces was made and carved by our fellow
Ifugaos. They made this through their hand because they need a place to
plant rice for their food. They would make impossible possible! This proves
that we Filipinos are hard working and do everything or make things
possible for the sake of our family.
• Some scenes are also taken in the Paoay Church because it depicts the
characteristic of the Ilocanos.In the film, you can see in the side of the
church is its buttresses. I think this buttresses and the church itself
symbolizes the strength and industriousness of the Ilocano. You can observe
that the church is old. I think the traits of the church of being old are vital
because it be reminiscent of pleasant memories and a pride of the Ilocanos.
Paoay Church stands there for so many years furthermore filled with many
memories and significant event happen on it and have been treasured until
now. (Kristine Marie L. Basalo)

3. Plot

3.1 Why does the film start in the way that it does?

- The film started by showing how people live in their place. It started that way so that
they can show the difficulty in life of the people in their area and the reason why Amelia need
to work abroad.(Shiela Kay dela Cruz)

3.2 What are the conflicts that loom in the film?

 - The poverty of the people, confusion of Amelia if she will work abroad or stay with her
family, discrimination, competition among the maids or nannies, being abused by other people
and the war between the two tribes. (Shiela Kay dela Cruz)

3.3 Among those conflicts, which one is the root of all conflicts?

- The poverty of the people is the root of all the conflicts because if the people are not
poor they will not go abroad to work there and leave their family here in the Philippines and
they will not experience the difficulties that they experience Abroad. (Shiela Kay dela Cruz)

3.4 What part is the climax of the story?

- The Climax of the story is the beginning of the war when they need to go leave the
house because their enemy will attack them and Amed’s mother and their other servants
died up to when Amelia and Amed were being chased by their enemy. (Shiela Kay dela
Cruz)

3.5 What part highlighted the character of Amelia, which the film is trying to reveal to
the audience?

Every time Amelia sings Bakit Ako Naririto, she could not accept her situation and her
feelings and emotions reveal that she wanted to be someone better and to get richer.
(Shiela Kay dela Cruz)

3.6 How is that part emphasized? (connect to the effects, artistry and drama in the film)

One scene was showing her at the top of a desert cliff while singing the said song which
was implying that she wanted her dreams to come true although she was poor. The wind
was also blowing against her that expresses her perseverance and courage to face her
future.

3.7 If you were the writer of the script of EMIR, how would you end it?
What parts of the film would you like to modify? Why?

- If I were the script writer of Emir I will end it showing her going home in the
Philippines and stayed here happily with her family when Amed and Boyong came
and propose to her. I will modify the part where Amed lost the ivory tusk, because
here they don’t show what happen to the ivory I want it to be showed because it an
important thing to them. (Shiela Kay dela Cruz)

4. Theme
4.1 What is the central idea conveyed by EMIR?
• The central idea conveyed by the EMIR is the journey of the OFW’s in other
country. OFW’s leaved this country and leave their beloved family to take risk
in foreign country to acquire fortune. They serve unfamiliar person to gain
 money and wealth. They risk their life because they badly need to work to
support the needs of their family. Sometimes this innocent OFW’s encounter
war, earthquake and numerous disasters however they persist on going to
foreign country to take chances. Chance that they can uplift their life from being
poor.(Kristine Marie Basalo)

4.2 What lines of the songs or scenes stress or underscore this central idea?
• Amelia’s mother and father: “May hangganan din ang aking pagtitiis sapagkat
kahit anong gawin ay may kulang kapag hindi pa rin sapat ang ating kinikita
kailangan isa sa atin ang maglakabay”.
• Amelia: “Alang-alang sa mga mahal sa buhay magtitiis na lumyo at mahiwalay
nang makaranas nang kahit konting ginhawa kahit kapalit minsan aya
pagdurusa”.( Kristine marie basalo)

4.3 Is this central idea logical and good for the Filipino people? Why?
• No, because this people should not be separated to their family and not be expose in
war and in danger in foreign country.This thing will never happen if all Filipino
have discipline and respect in our couverntry,if all the people have cooperation and
dedication,and the governnment have a honest and excellent deed in their job their
would be no one who will need to fly to other country and be separated to their
loved ones because Philippines assured everyone a simple but satisfying life and
success. (Kristine marie basalo)

4.4 What ideas suggested in the film are said to be distorted? biased? antagonistic
or character-building to the Filipinos?

Idea that said to be distorted in the film is when Ahmed fell the ivory in the
dessert that is given by the Sheik to him and I concluded that the Jamal troop
will get that ivory however, the Sheik troop get it. This ivory also have been
useless because the fill didn’t show that the Sheik’s troop get it.
Idea that said to be biased in the film is when the fat woman eating grilled corn
said that people their have unequal treatment. They treat them low-class
people.
Idea that said to be antagonistic or character-building to the Filipinos is when
the other fellow Filipino maid and the head maid didn’t accept truly Amelia.
Since I think they should help each other since they are same Filipino in blood,
races and nature. They should treat each other as family since they are all both
far from their family.(Kristine marie basalo)

5. Mood
5.1. What dominant emotions are evoked by EMIR?

Happiness, Worry, Sadness and Anger (Juana Mary Sacdalan)

5.2. How are these emotions moods developed or strengthened?

 Happiness is always in the past where there are celebrations and when there are
beautiful moments on the character.

Worry is shown or developed when the sky is dark or when it is night time. It is when
there are conflicts in the place (i.e. war, field destructed by rats)

Sadness is developed when a character has been hurt by somebody or when a character
is abused.
(Juana Mary Sacdalan)

5.3. What scenes greatly affected you?

The scene where the Filipino maids where killed and also the shaik’s wife.
The scene where Amelia and Ahmed was in the desert and the opponents was searching
for them.
The scene where Ahmed was captured by the knights, unknowingly that behind it was
his father.
The scene where Amelia was left alone in the Philippines because her family was gone.
The scene where Amelia and Ahmed had finally seen each other after a long time.
(Juana Mary Sacdalan)

• Artistic Elements of the Film

1. Musicality
1.1 Enumerate the songs sung in the film (state the lines to present the songs sung)

Bakit ako narrito

O, Maliwanag na buwan
Hindi ko pinangarap
Buti na lang
Di uubra dito- Bawal ang tamad
Gusto mo bang mangibang bayan
Pesteng salot
Sandosenang taon,sandosenang pasko
Alilang jetsetter
Di masabi
(Pamela Mariano)

1.2 How do the songs sung in the Philippine setting differ from those in the
Middle East setting?

The songs sung in the Philippine is richly pinoy, no attempt to make it sound
foreign or pop, the melody of each song is soaring with either energy or melancholia
whichever is needed in the film. In the Middle east setting the music,rhythm, instrument
 and language use are different from us filipino, the arabian music have different melodic
development and habitual patterns. (Pamela Mariano)

1.3 What song is oftentimes repeated in the film? What is its significance?

The significance of this song that is shown in the film show that when Amelia and
the girl sung the song it expresses confusion, longing and love for family. (Pamela
Mariano)

1.4 Is sound used in any vivid ways either to enhance the film? (i.e. Enhance drama,
heighten tension, disorient the viewer, etc.) Cite at least two examples

Gusto mo bang mangibang bayan

The scene before Amelia goes to abroad show the performance of “Gusto mo
bang mangibang bayan”. It enhances the film in the way that it presents why Filipinos
want to work abroad and how it helps the family of Filipino OFW’s.
Di uubra dito- Bawal ang Tamad
The scene was before the Sheik came, Amelia was outside because of her day off
but due to some circumstances she was dragged back to work again. The Mayordoma
said to her “bawal ang tamad dito” and the performance of the song started explaining the
tension of their work. It showed that they have to really work hard to earn for money to
remit to their families back to the Philippines. (Pamela Mariano)

1.5 What do the words in the song, “Pesteng Salot” represent? (e.g. daga, ani,
sunalakay, bumabalik pa rin)

The song Pesteng Salot represents the government politicians who in their
own little and big ways are milking this country to death. It also represents the war,
terrorism in every country by which many people are suffering today. (Pamela Mariano)

2. Lights, Physical Set-up, Costume and Properties (props)

2.1 What scenes are taken in full color and in bright lights? in blurred, dim or without
much light?

In Full color and in bright lights

-First scene: Amelia’s Scene
-Second scene: The scene where Amelia and her family is riding in a cart while OFWs or
Filipino workers sing showing that Filipinos are world-class.
-Third scene: The scene where Amelia and Pinay friends will become a jet-setter. (singing)
-Fourth scene: The scene where Amelia, Ahmed, and Filipino friends/workers play tumbang
preso.
-Fifth scene: The scene where Ahmed is officially declared as of right age to be the heir of the
sheik.
-Sixth scene: The scene where Amelia went to Ahmed’s house. (Saudi Arabia)
-Seventh scene: The scene where Amelia and Ahmed had seen each other in the Philippines.
-Eighth scene: The scene where Amelia had a business back home. (Entrepreneurship)
-Ninth scene: The scene where Amelia somehow lost the money.
-Tenth scene: The scene where Amelia came home but she hadn’t seen her family.
-Eleventh scene: The scene where the Mayordoma was saying goodbye to the OFWs.
Twelfth scene: The scene where Ahmed was captured by the knights.

Blurred, Dim, or Without Much Light

First scene: Amelia went to her grandmother to say goodbye.
Second scene: The rats attacked the cornfields.
Third scene: Amelia’s friend had lost her husband.
Fourth scene: Ahmed’s kingdom was attacked by the opponents.
Fifth scene: The Filipino maids and Ahmed’s family were killed.
(Juana Mary Sacdalan)
2.2 How does the film use color or light/dark to suggest tone and mood in different
scenes?

The scenes taken in full color and in bright lights are those that highlight essential
and clear events in the movie because these scenes give moral lessons to the
viewers. These are mostly celebrations, conversations, and other emphasized
events.

The scenes taken in blur, dim, or without much light are those which express the
sorrow and darkness of the events. These scenes are mostly night time since crimes
often occur during these time.

Full color gives emphasis to the emotions of the scenes. It brings life and gives
exaggeration. On the other hand, the darker the environment, the deeper the dark
emotion evoked.

2.3 What have you noticed about the costumes of the servants in the palace? What
is the reason behind it?

Costumes are often identical with each other which shows the level of their
character. Most parts of the film were given a brown or sepia tint. Conservatism is
very well emphasized by the wearing of the caps over the head, oversized-pants,
and close shoes. We all know that this aspect of culture is very much practiced in
the United Arab Emirates. Also, majority of the environment was in brown in order
to differentiate the normality of the low-class from the high-class.

2.4. Name at least two objects or props used in the film. Explain its significance
and meaning in the film?
 Rats: Represents the government. They ate the corn in the fields. This is same when the
government is corrupt. The rats ate the corn that is for the people. The people planted the corn for
themselves. The rats are the same with the government in the way that they are corrupting the
money. The money should have been used for the people in their everyday life.
The Money that flew away; Shows that Amelia will run for that money. Amelia will go abroad
just to earn money for her family and it shows that it is really hard to earn money.
(Juana Mary Sacdalan)

2.5. Are there any striking uses of perspective (seeing through a character's eyes, camera
angle, etc.) How does this relate to the meaning of the scene?

There is a scene where Victor was far from Amelia and then suddenly they’re getting close with
each other literally. This scene shows that Victor and Amelia are getting close to each other.
They are starting to like and love each other.

• Title and Technique

1. What does the title mean in relation to the film as a whole?

Amelia became the nanny of the Ahmed, the heir of the future king of United Arab
Emirates which may be called shortly as “Emir”. Without Amelia, the future of the heir
as well as the whole empire could have been doomed.

2. What impression does the film develop and give to the audience?

The impression that is present in the film is that many Filipino people are
suffering from poverty and that they have to work abroad just to provide for their
family needs. The film also illustrates how important loyalty, love and responsibility
are not only to your work but also to your family. (Pamela Mariano)

3. The film is about a serious and sensitive socio-eco-political story. Why does the film
Contain more comic and hilarious scenes than those which are not? As regards to this,
what is the purpose of the director?
It is an intended strategy to brighten up the mood of the film while implying the idea
about the serious socio-eco-political issue. It is also a sort of entertainment technique to
retain the child-friendly and jolly environment of the musicale. It reflects a life that in
spite of negativities remains happy and funny in a way. If every scene would be
transformed into a very serious scene, the film could have been a dead and ineffective
communicator of its moral content and less entertaining. (Justine Palaypay)

III. Film Society and Life Connection

1. Enumerate four (4) valuable lessons you have learned from the film.

a. Love for the Family and sacrificed- if you wanted to attain your goal, you have
something to sacrifice (Ruselle de Leon)
 b. Love towards work and honesty– any work that you valued, loved and cared will
never slipped or lose on your hands but will bloom into better things. (Ruselle de
Leon)
c. The destiny is not something you will be waiting, it something that you will work on
and grab on. Be patient yet you must act. You cannot attain a thing in a snap of your
finger but you must reach it with your hands and sometimes it takes time. (Ruselle de
Leon)
d. Grab all the opportunities and prove to them that you are worthy of those things- as
the song said “sa simula’y naiiba ngunit natatangi…ipakita mo na ika’y
karapatdapat.. bawat pasya ay may mundong binubuksan”. (Ruselle de Leon)

2. Amelia serves as a teacher and later on a business woman in the film. What particular
values or life-strategies of Amelia would you apply to your field of study or to your life?

a. Patience- I may not attain a thing at one time but I can work on it ‘til I reach my
goals. (Ruselle de Leon)
b. I’ll use the opportunities with practicality- We know the fact that our government
doesn’t fully concentrated on providing works to everyone. I may not be working on
my field but I can learn from it and apply it as Amelia did though she did not become
a teacher formally but transferring her experiences to the children is a job of a
teacher, teaching Amhed the values and etiquette is being a teacher. I’ll use all my
knowledge and strength to perform my duties and responsibilities at possible angles.
(Ruselle de Leon)
c. I’ll work my destiny- it is just me who could direct my life, in every decision I’ll
make there is always a consequence and duties I must carry and weigh. I will not wait
but will work on with full of responsibility. (Ruselle de Leon)
d. Honesty. (Ruselle de Leon)

3. What does this film reveal about the Philippine Society?

This film reveals that Filipinos are connected with one another, patriotic, family oriented,
and under-employed. It is also shown as Amelia was leaving, they all advised her before
they said good-bye. They were also patriotic in a way that they still celebrate Christmas
even if they are away from their motherland. Lastly, many Filipinos were still under-
employed because many Filipino professionals work abroad as domestic helpers just to
sustain their needs of their families.

4. How may the Philippine Culture and Arabic culture be described/contrasted?

 Philippine Culture
Filipinos are known for their
Comparison hospitality
men and women have equal rights
and opportunities
patriarchy generalized ideology is
still visible in social life
family- and kin-oriented
Children are showered with care,
affection, and physical contact.
raised to be respectful toward their
parents and elders
Filipinas also kiss the cheeks of
their friend when greeting them
Contrast Elections
republic
women's participation in the labor
force is increasing
many Filipino women are now
engaged in different works
monogamy is practiced
Filipinos can marry who they want
to
Men greeting is mostly shaking
hands
Christianity dominates almost all
aspects of life
(Angelica Decepida)
5. For whom is this film made/ intended?
Arabic Culture
Emiratis are known for their
hospitality
men and women have equal rights
and opportunities
patriarchy generalized ideology is
still visible in social life
family- and kin-oriented
Children are showered with care,
affection, and physical contact.
raised to be respectful toward their
parents and elders
Women greet each other by kissing
several times on both cheeks
Hereditary dynastic family rule
federal government
women's participation in the labor
force remains low
most women opt for marriage and
raising children
a man is allowed up to four wives
Emiratis are strongly discouraged
from marrying nonnationals
An Islamic greeting ( al-salam
alaykom )is the most appropriate,
and men follow this with a quick
nose-to-nose touch while shaking
Hands
Islam dominates all aspects of life
 a. For the Philippine government. The scene of “Pesteng salot” symbolizes corruption
that makes Filipino more subjected to poverty. The government leads the country and
should make a change to bring progress in the society. To be able to do this, they must
start changing themselves by stopping corruption and perform their responsibilities in
serving this country. (Marjorie Tinao)

b. For the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). The film expresses the appreciation of all
the hardships of a domestic helper in a foreign land just to earn money for her family.
The film served as a tribute for OFWs that work hard and the film presented that OFWs
are really considered as modern heroes of society. (Marjorie Tinao)

6. Was this a good film? What made you rate the film the way you did? The questions above
should help you describe your opinion of the film and why.

Although the film initially gave an impression of being overly musical, the
entirety was considered as competitive. This film was worth Php120.00. This rating was
based on the amount of a movie in Centre Plaza Mall, which is Php125.00. The following
was how the movie rated:

Php125 competitive

Php100 good

Php75 no comment

Php50 poor

Php25 very wrong

The film was educative. It revealed the inspiring lives of Overseas Filipino
Workers. The hardship, trials and challenges they faced made us aware that they truly
deserve to be the new heroes. The film touched our hearts. It triggered our emotions. It
made us laugh and made us cry. The film also reflects the Philippine society. It exposes how
work-dedicated Filipinos were. Not only they give their service but also their whole heart.
(Jeruz Roberts)

7. Is it right for the government to fund or subsidize this 70-Million Film? Why?

8. In general, do you love the story or the film itself? Why?

Yes. It reflects an essential aspect of the Philippine culture which is the common
scenario of OFWs and domestic helpers going abroad to earn money and fund their
families at home. It also evokes the feelings of the viewers to move against the corrupt
officials of the country which is implied in the film as a big cause of the poverty in the
Philippines. (Justine Palaypay)
9. Would you recommend this film to your family and friends?

The plot and characters were realistic so anyone could relate to the movie. The
actors and actresses also gave justice to their roles. The script and songs gave live to the
film, and some quotes also marked in our minds. So, we would recommend this film to our
family and friends not just as a pastime but as a character-building one. This movie would
let us realize that being a Filipino is such a great honor. (Jeruz Roberts)

10. Based on EMIR, how may the Philippine cinema be described?

Philippines cinema is world-class. It is full of effort because they do everything just to make
the film more realistic. They use actors that best justify their roles. They went to different
places in and out of the country just to portray the actual setting. (Francheska de Guzman)

-END-

Tomas del Rosario College

Capitol Drive, Balanga City, Bataan
Summer Class of A.Y. 2011-2012

An

Analysis of the Film, Emir

Submitted to:

Mr. Joshua Genesis D.C. Miralles

Instructor

As a partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Art Appreciation (Humanities I)
 by:

Your Names (Surname first)

May 20, 2011