Of the Flesh

The film follows Narcing, who returns to his rural hometown Mulawin with his wife Puring. Their arrival triggers a chain of tragic events involving infidelity, family betrayal, and violence. The narrative delves into the complexities of guilt and redemption within a deeply troubled family.

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, a prominent Filipino filmmaker known for tackling social issues, the film stands out for its unflinching portrayal of taboo subjects like incest and infanticide. The cast includes celebrated actors such as Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, and Vic Silayan, whose performances contribute to the film’s haunting atmosphere.

Of the Flesh combines elements of gothic horror with a rural Philippine setting, creating a unique genre blend that was relatively uncommon in Filipino cinema of the early 1980s. Its exploration of family conflict against a backdrop of cultural and historical context adds layers of meaning for collectors interested in regional horror and drama.

Collectors can find this title on both VHS and Blu-ray formats. The availability on Blu-ray allows for preservation of the film in a more modern physical format, appealing to those who value collecting significant works of Philippine cinema and women directors’ contributions to genre filmmaking.

The production by Cine Suerte reflects the filmmaking landscape of the Philippines during the period, where independent and socially conscious films often faced challenges in distribution. Of the Flesh remains a noteworthy example of genre filmmaking intersecting with national cinema history.