LONDON - Controversial Filipino film “Kinatay” continues its international success with sold out screenings at the London Film Festival.

Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, it follows the uncomfortable true story of a young man’s journey into corruption, crime, and violence.

“Kinatay”, which means ‘butchered’ in Tagalog, depicts a pivotal evening in the life of a policeman (Coco Martin) as he unwittingly becomes involved in the brutal murder of a prostitute (Maria Isabel Lopez) in the hands of a local gang. It presents a decidedly realistic portrayal of a classic moral dilemma, which has sparked strong opinions from viewers and critics alike.

The ‘gruesome’ film was exhibited at selected art-house venues in the National Film Theatre and the Institute of Contemporary Arts as part of the festival’s World Cinema program.

Earlier this year, it was also included in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival in France, and the Catalonian International Film Festival in Spain. Mendoza was awarded ‘Best Director’ at both events.

Despite its success, Kinatay often causes a powerful struggle of opinions between - and within - critics. While people may agree that the film is “well-made”, many of them may also find it unnecessarily “extreme”.

A writer from The Telegraph branded the film as “tedious, harrowing or vile, and possibly all three”, but he also thought that it was “unforgettable” and “intriguing”. Another critic from The Guardian said that it may have “interesting points”, though he found watching it to be “sickeningly horrible”.

Time Out, on the other hand, found parts of the movie to be “vibrant and engaging”, but it also protested against the graphic detail of the “brutal” and “horrific” murder scene.

A review from Screen Daily could potentially summarize most people’s reaction to the film: “Showing the kidnap, beating, humiliation, rape, murder and dismemberment of a young prostitute, Kinatay is a nerve-shredding exploration of crime which is both repellent and grimly compelling. Offering audiences no relief or redemption, it is perhaps most notable for its daring attempt to capture the moment a young man crosses the line into irrevocable evil.”

Mendoza often demands patience and concentration from his film audience. Favoring slow pace with sobering realism, his movies deal with difficult subject matters that can lead to an unsettling cinematic experience.

With critically acclaimed films like Serbis, Tirador and Foster Child under his belt, the 49-year old director has now become a fixture in the festival circuit, with previous work being selected for prestigious events in Berlin, Singapore, Bangkok, Brisbane and Manila. His latest project, Lola, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September.

Mendoza currently has the backing of production companies in France and The Philippines, which helps in the funding and promotion of his projects.

The London Film Festival features British filmmakers alongside creative talents from all over the world. Organized annually by the British Film Institute, it exhibits a critical selection of films in various cinemas across the city for two weeks in October. The festival attracts thousands of movie-goers each year, and is supported by The Times and the UK Film Council.