It is challenging to find a director in the history of cinema who has expended so much effort and talent in portraying the history of one's country, its past and present, and who has attained such a level of mastery that one can deviate from the conventions to tweak the cinematic format to suit one's taste and needs. In that regard, A Tale of Filipino Violence summarizes and defines Lav DIAZ's film world. Set in the Philippines, where Ferdinand Marcos's oppressive regime declared martial law in 1973-1974, the film unfolds a grand narrative following many stories created by prominent characters. From the story of Servando Monzón III, a feudal heir who refuses to yield to the dictator's plans, this film is a monumental work fulfilling the director's ambition to uncover the origins of violence in his country. (Sung MOON)