Mike de Leon’s Citizen Jake is one of the most controversial and thought-provoking films in recent times.
While not exactly a big blockbuster hit, it’s the kind of local movie worth watching as it tackles the Philippines’ martial law years, so film fans would be thrilled to know that they could finally watch it online via video on demand.
Starting today, cineastes can rent it for one month and watch it again and again for only PHP160 (almost US$3) on Vimeo. The movie is available on this link.
Clocking in at more than 2 hours, the film is about a young journalist named Jake Herrera (Atom Araullo in his first movie) who is investigating the death of a student. His search for the truth brings him face-to-face with his demons and the dramas brought by his dysfunctional political family.
Aside from its plot, the movie generated much buzz when a feud broke out between de Leon and Araullo after shooting had wrapped.
In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, de Leon said he hired Araullo because he wanted a real journalist to play the lead role but found Araullo to not be “gritty” enough.
“Atom’s journalism was not exactly the kind of journalism I had in mind. It’s not the gritty kind but more of the celebrity-centered schlock that sometimes verges on entertainment, even showbiz,” de Leon said.
In another post, he also said that Araullo “disrespected” him.
For his part, Araullo called de Leon “a deeply troubled person” in a Facebook post.
Aside from being available online, the movie continues to make the rounds in the international film festival circuit. Earlier this month, it was screened at the 23rd Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
