AllMovie

The documentary Spirits Rising pays tribute to Phillippine women while also chronicling the events the led the people to oust Ferdinand Marcos from their country. To the first end, the filmmakers look back at Phillipine history, before the Spanish conquerors arrived. Originally the societies were matriarchal with women playing larger roles in worship and politics. The Spaniards found this, coupled with the women's free-wheeling atitudes about sex disturbing and quickly set about repressing women's roles. When the US took over, many Fillipinas gave their lives in the struggle for freedom. The ascension of Marcos did nothing to help women find their previous freedom. The story of his downfall is intertwined amidst the historical segments. Interviews with Corazon Aquino and Imelda Marcos are included.