Norte, the End of History is a 2013 Filipino drama film directed by Lav Diaz. The movie is divided into two parts, with a total runtime of 250 minutes. The story follows two characters – Fabian and Joaquin.
Fabian is a disillusioned intellectual who has grown tired of his country's corruption and apathy. He decides to take matters into his own hands and kill a loan shark who has been exploiting his family. However, the police arrest Joaquin, a simple man who has no connection to the crime.
While Joaquin languishes in prison for a crime he did not commit, strange things begin to happen to him. He starts experiencing visions and dreams that seem to be connected to the real killer. Meanwhile, Fabian continues to spiral out of control, consumed by guilt and paranoia.
The movie is a slow burn, with long takes and meditative scenes that allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' lives. The themes of justice, redemption, and the cyclical nature of history are explored in depth and with great nuance.
Norte, the End of History received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its cinematography and its powerful and complex characters. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest Filipino films ever made and a masterpiece of contemporary cinema.
