Dekada '70 () is a 2002 Filipino historical drama film directed by Chito S. Roño from a story and screenplay written by Lualhati Bautista, based on her 1983 novel of the same name. Set in the Philippines during the period of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, the film follows the struggles of the middle-class Bartolome family spanning several years. It stars Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon as parents raising five sons amidst the tense political background. Their sons are played by Piolo Pascual, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, and John Wayne Sace.
Produced and distributed by Star Cinema, the film was theatrically released on December 25, 2002, as one of the official entries at the 28th Metro Manila Film Festival. It was later shown overseas through film festivals and retrospectives. In 2015, the film was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Archives.
Incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. is re-elected for a second term, amidst anti-war protests during the Vietnam War. At dinner, brothers Julian "Jules" Bartolome Jr. and Isagani "Gani" Bartolome speak about the upcoming Junior-Senior Prom. Amanda, the mother of five children (including Jules & Gani) of the middle-class Bartolome family residing in Manila, finds a new advertising job, but her husband, Julián Bartolome, Sr, infuriatingly opposes her decision. As they leave for home at night after a prom, the Bartolomes get stuck in traffic due to a protest with effigy burning near the Legislative Building.
In 1971 Jules and his best friend Willy participated in the student protest at the University of the Philippines. At the same time, Emmanuel "Em" Bartolome begins writing illegal exposés and other kinds of banned literature. Julián becomes furious when he discovers Jules and Willy's involvement, angrily explaining the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the disappearance of student leader Charlie del Rosario.
Gani discloses his intention to apply for a position in the United States Navy, arguing that employment with the US government offers a substantial salary and numerous benefits. Despite Jules furiously criticizing his brother for a perceived lack of patriotism, Julián endorses the idea. Later, amidst another protest against Marcos, the youngest sibling, Benjamin "Bingo" Bartolome, retrieves a fallen kite, which Amanda discovers to be crafted from pages of the Communist newspaper Ang Bayan. Julián learns of Jules' activism when he stumbles upon their insurgent leaflets.
Marcos declares Martial law in 1972. Civilians were ordered to remove any form of political slogans opposing Marcos under the threat of imprisonment of anyone suspected to be a sympathizer of Communism. Gani accidentally impregnates his girlfriend, Evelyn, and, much to her initial distress, is forced by her father into marrying her. The family learns of the death of Jules' best friend, Willy by the hands of Metrocom for staying up past the curfew; Jules later reveals his plan to travel to Bicol and join the New People's Army (NPA) despite his mother's opposition.
In the mid-70s, Gani leaves for the United States, and Evelyn, after giving birth to a girl, also leaves the Bartolome's for her parents. Em also leaves for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to write an article about the protesters there. Jules, after leaving for a year, briefly returns home to treat his friend, René, of his injuries to avoid the police before leaving once more. During the Christmas season, Jules calls Amanda over after two months of not returning, warning that the NPA has been infiltrated, and requests that all of his anti-government pamphlets and Em's written articles be destroyed to save his family from possible persecution. As they do so, they are met by a large group of carolers. The Bartolome residence later falls into a raid by Metrocom, having been tipped off by René, but the family successfully lies to the authorities.
However, the family received a call notifying them that Jules was caught and imprisoned. Motivated by her son's experience of torture upon visiting him, Amanda sends an appeal to a non-governmental organization that reaches out families of victims of human rights abuse. After family and friends celebrate Christmas with Jules in prison, Amanda and Julián discover that their younger son, Jason, didn't return home and was only discovered by Em at the morgue that he been brutally murdered after he was initially imprisoned for a drug charge. Jules, aware of Jason's death, attends his younger brother's wake while escorted by the police, and breaks down in tears.
Frustrated by her helplessness and lack of self-worth, she threatens to separate from Julian as they blame one another for Jason's death. However, before she could do so, Bingo notifies his mother that Jules has been released from prison. The family set up an reunion dinner with Jules' new wife, Mara, Gani's wife, Evelyn, and their respective children, also in attendance. Jules announces he will be returning to the communist insurgency and Julián wishes him well. As they depart, Julián and Amanda tearfully reconcile, before they later attend a play about the revolution written by Em as they sing the national anthem with the entire family raising a clenched fist.
In 1983, opposition leader Ninoy Aquino was assassinated upon his return from exile in the United States. The Bartolome family attends his wake at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City and the film ends as Amanda delivers her monologue to the viewers, while she joins with a large group of activists at the Post Office Building.