‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ challenges viewers in the modern age
The late screenplay writer and comedian Sherwin Buenvenida continues to build generational-culture crossroads through his final gift of “Sampung Utos Kay Josh,” directed by Marius Talampas, a film that for some spells out blasphemous. And blasphemous it is. But more than that it is a cinematic apple crafted with humor, healing, and a heavenly depiction of hellish life.
The film follows Josh (Jerald Napoles), a religious loan executive who strives to be the number one follower of “Boss Jesus” and who believes in the mantra “basta gumawa ka ng tama at gumawa ka ng mabuti sa kapwa, ang kapalit ay gantimpala (as long as you do what is right and you do others good, you will be rewarded).” He inherited his faith from his family, particularly his widowed mother and full-time BFF, Aling Beth (Irma Adlawan).
Blessed in his work life, Josh develops a close bond with coworkers and finds favor with his boss, Mr. Montes (Edgar Mortiz). He is given a managerial promotion and even his boss’ blessing to marry his daughter Ella (Debbie Garcia).
Everything is going great until he is asked to explain why the loans he gave out caused their company great losses. In a moment of clairvoyance, he is transported into a realm where Satanas (Pepe Herrera) makes a radiant appearance … with a pineapple.
Not long after, Josh is arrested by NBI agents (Joel Saracho and Raffy Tejada) for a phony fraud case, which merits another appearance by Satanas, this time with a durian.
Josh is locked up and his girlfriend breaks up with him. He calls his mother only for her to fall unconscious due to a mysterious condition.
After this ordeal, Josh has had enough and decides to rebel against God. How does this play off? That’s for you to seek out on Netflix.
With its witty plot and sensitive themes, “Sampung Utos” can easily fit the taste of anyone who dares to watch, religious or not. It’s satire, showing a realistic life with many worries—work, family, and love life. It’s a chance for people to ponder negative social norms in Philippine culture in an entertaining manner.
Satire
In one of the film’s scenes, Josh plays a round of sakla with strangers. Later, one of the players, shirtless, stands up, dons priestly garments, and celebrates mass.
The film is powerful in how it teaches the viewers through the life and actions of Josh. Through his ordeals, we are asked the question, “How deeply do we trust God?”
Even Josh wonders about that—why honest, hardworking people like him are subjected to unfair trials when evildoers seem to have the best of it. He tells God, “‘Di ka marunong tumupad ng usapan (You didn’t follow our agreement).” The movie later answers his woe with an allegory on the biblical story of Job.
Like Dante’s “The Divine Comedy,” “Sampung Utos Kay Josh” challenges the viewers in the modern age, calling out all sorts of social wrongs—from corruption, prostitution, and injustice to selfishness, indifference, and hatred. It explores how we, as Filipinos, live and grow with our traditions and faith.
