GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
'Shiros' Head' Is a Cleverly Crafted Story
By Lacee A.C. Martinez
October 10, 2008

The opening scene of the movie "Shiro's Head" is nail-biting to say the least: A bloodied Jacob Flores, portrayed by Julius "Caesar" Santos, lays bloodied and breathing in a bathroom corner, head slouched up against the wall and eyes fixed at something in the distance.

The scene ends quickly and I'll hold back as to not give everything away.

The wait had ended last week for hundreds, including myself, to see the Guam feature film "Shiro's Head", written and directed by Guam brothers Don and Kel Muna. And after all the anticipation built by a sharply cut teaser and trailer, I will say I was impressed with the movie that had so much room for failure, thanks to its predecessors.

"Shiro's Head" is not the train wreck that is "Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon." It is, however, a satisfying indie flick with the aspirations of a Hollywood blockbuster. The Muña brothers cleverly crafted a back story that incorporates a fabricated part of ancient Guam and a long-standing rivalry asserting family honor.

It's heavily narrated through the central character, Vincent Flores, played by Don Muna, who's reflecting on a life of regret. He's the black sheep of his family, crippled by an accident that took his father's life. The Floreses are descendants of an ancient chief and are haunted by history until it eventually repeats itself.

It's clear there was some expertise used in the making of "Shiro's Head." The brothers used their film school techniques and sharp eyes to give their film a real "movie" look.

The local cast, most who are non-actors, aren't terrible, considering there was minimal dialogue beyond the Floreses and a few others.

The Chamorro language is boldy intertwined in the film, used just as any other language would have been used in any other bilingual movie -- subtitles and all.

Using the island as its backdrop, the movie cruises from north to south, revealing both the picturesque beauty of Guam and the parts we'd rather not show our visitors. It is Guam as it is today, something the brothers said they'd keep true in previous interviews. At the same time, it's true to Guam's culture, heavily influenced by Western society.