Batch '81
- Director: Mike De Leon
- Writer: Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr., Raquel Villavicencio, Mike De Leon
- Producer: Marichu Maceda, Chona Vera-Perez
CGiii Comment
Batch ’81 is a groundbreaking psychological drama directed by Mike de Leon. The film depicts the titular fraternity’s harsh initiation of new batch members, as seen through the eyes of student Sid Lucero, played by Mark Gil in his breakout role. With its depiction of vicious, sustained hazing, the film is both an unflinching study of sadomasochistic college fraternity traditions, and a camp metaphor for life in the Philippines under the Marcos regime. Hailed as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time and now restored in 4K, Batch ’81 originally premiered at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival during the Directors’ Fortnight. Gil’s unsettling performance as the student with a silent, unwavering belief in the fraternity allows the film to pose troubling questions about the profound psychological need for social belonging.
Trailer...
Cast & Characters
Mark Gil (as Sid Lucero)
Sandy Andolong (as Tina)
Ward Luarca (as Pacoy Ledesma)
Noel Trinidad (as Santi Santillan)
Ricky Sandico (as Ronnie Roxas, Jr.)
Jimmy Javier (as Vince (Introducing))
Rod Leido (as Arni Enriquez)
Bing Pimentel (as Mariel)
Dang Cecilio (as Pearl (as Criselda Cecilio))
Mike Arvisu (as Abet)
Vic Lima (as Gonzalez)
Dodo Cabasal (as Pete Magtibay)
Edwin Reyes (as Ding Quintos)
Nanette Inventor (as Miss Casuso)
Joe Jardi (as Dick)
Ed Trinidad (as King)
Joseph Olfindo (as Vergara)
Charito Solis (as Arni's Mother)
Chanda Romero (as Jenny Estrada)
Johnny Delgado (as Frat Doctor)
Armida Siguion-Reyna (as Sid's Mother)
Chito Ponce Enrile (as Ronnie's Father)
Buddy Sta. Juana (as AKO Member)
Ronnie Portugal (as AKO Member)
Gilbert Serrano (as AKO Member)