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A Dichotomy of the Film “Ang Mga Halang”

by Victohr Gallahan

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     “Ang Mga Halang” is a bold foray into a blend of genres, merging action, horror, thriller, and spiritual faith-based themes. Director and writer Ferdinand Galang attempts to meld the gruesome imagery of horror with profound and almost prophetic messages. This film invites viewers to reflect deeply, suggesting that our actions can create either heaven or hell. Reality, it seems, is malleable and at our fingertips—or perhaps manipulated by AI ☺.

      At its core, the film’s theme revolves around “choice.” It aims to evoke a sense of accountability in the audience, encapsulated in the journey of Nickolas Bautista, a guilt-ridden man who masterminds a bank heist. Leading a gang of five thieves, Nickolas’ extreme actions beg the question: what drives a person to such lengths?

     In Tagalog, “Ang Mga Halang” refers to heartless, evil individuals, almost soulless in their reckless behavior. The film portrays the insatiable desire for more, driven by the human capacity to choose. Each choice creates a multitude of realities, making our experiences either heavenly or hellish. 

     Today, media plays a significant role in influencing good and evil, serving as a virtual pathway to our thoughts and actions. The men in the film, driven by economic desperation, stray into illegal activities, transgressing both their inner convictions and societal laws. The love of money, often cited as the root of all evil, is deeply explored here, revealing the layers of corruption and depravity.

“Ang Mga Halang” delves into the darkest depths of human nature, showcasing the descent into cannibalism—both literal and metaphorical. The characters turn against each other, consumed by their desires and driven to extreme actions for survival. Before their descent, who were these men? They cannibalized their own humanity, embodying the ultimate betrayal and illustrating the profound consequences of their choices.

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