"Blow by Blow" - Screenplay Excerpt
FADE IN:
INT. The Pit – Mid Combat– NIGHT
Joseph Santos is engaged in an enthralling Arnis duel againsthis most dangerous opponent yet, the undefeated “BIG BOY.” “Jo”as his friends like to call him, is visibly distraught, and is finding itdifficult to parry BoY’s powerfulstrikes. Jo catches a hard kickto the gut that causes him to drop his guard. BOY proceeds to unleash a comboof strikes on his hapless opponent.
The pain jolts JO’s memory, with each blowtriggering swift recollection (flashbacks).
Boy’s first blow is to JO’s Deltoid muscle.
(CUT TO FLASHBACK)
JO remembers his father, who died while sowingsoil. It was a particularly hot day, and JO just saw him collapse while workingwith him.
(CUT BACK TO FIGHT)
BOY’s second blow is to JO’s forearm, which JO wasforced to use to block an attempted strike to his head.
(CUT TO FLASHBACK)
JO remembers his mother and sister, their faces inpanicked tears at the sight of JO’s limp father on his back. By the time thelocal doctor came, it was too late.
(CUT BACK TO FIGHT)
BOY’s third blow is to JO’s exposed ribcage. JOkneels down in pain, coughing out blood. BIG BOY takes a moment to savor his“victory,” the crowd chants his name. Two suspiciously observant onlookers seemto be nodding their heads in approval. The fight is all but over.
(CUT TO FLASHBACK)
JO remembers the day of his father’s funeral, hisfamily in tears, (CLOSE ON JO’s face) but JO didn’t cry that day, JO knew hehad to be strong back then and in the days to come. He has a kind, attractiveface, but his expression is strong and firm, it conveys an understanding ofwhat he must do.
(TRANSITION BACK TO FIGHT)
JO still carries the same face. And he knows whathe must do.
JO stands up, slowly. BIG BOY is still howling andchanting like the smug bastard that he is. But JO’s still got his sticks,meaning JO can still fight.
JO
Hey! We’re not done here yet.
The monstrously sized BIG BOY turns around, visiblysurprised at his opponent’s gall; but his surprise only lasts for a moment. Youdon’t get as many wins as BIG BOY without disposing of a few “tough guys.” Thetwo circle each other, looking to see who makes the first move. The crowd’scheers muffle into an eerie silence. BOY’s overconfidence gets the better ofhim, he charges rapidly at JO, looking to land the knockout blow. JO dodges thefirst blow expertly, and then parries the follow up. He then performs amaneuver that echoes years of disciplined, constant practice. First, he usesboth his sticks to break BOY’s left wrist, forcing the stick out of his hand. Second,while BOY is screaming in pain, JO shoves both his sticks into his opponent’smidsection. The powerful blow causes BOY to clutch his stomach in pain,dropping his other stick and removing his of all defenses. Third, JO twists his body 360 degrees,the momentum caused by his movement causes both sticks to land on BOY’s headwith devastating results. The BIG BOY has been knocked out. The crowd erupts incheer. “SANTOS! SANTOS! SANTOS!” JOSEPH SANTOS kneels down beside the limp bodyof BOY. The fight is over. JO has won.
