Barber’s Tales

A skilled barber who inherits Jose’s chair after his death, Marilou uses her craft to sustain her family and support rebels. Calm, pragmatic, and compassionate, she evolves into a quiet leader who risks her safety for others. Her journey—from a local tradesperson to a symbol of courage—drives the film’s moral core. She ultimately joins the New People’s Army under the name Luz.

A powerful, cruel mayor who uses his position to control the town and keep the regime in line. His accusations fuel fear and his abuse drives Cecilia’s desperation. He becomes a central figure of oppression, whose downfall marks a turning point in the community.

The mayor’s wife who endures abuse while harboring her own quiet frustrations. Her confession and eventual death reveal the personal cost of living under a repressive regime. Her complex relationship with Marilou adds emotional depth to the story’s political stakes.

A parish priest who urges Marilou to persevere and who becomes a casualty of regime violence. His death underscores the dangers faced by civilians who resist or aid the rebels. He embodies faith, community, and moral courage in troubled times.

A wounded rebel who seeks Marilou’s help and reveals the rebels’ presence in the village. His fate—surviving a botched ambush soon after—drives home the costs of resistance and the dangers the civilians face.

A rebel who seeks shelter at Marilou’s home and becomes a casualty of the regime’s violence. His presence sharpens the line between ordinary life and political conflict, and his death intensifies Marilou’s resolve.

A prostitute who uses her connections to help the rebels and to draw clients to Marilou’s shop. Her resourcefulness and courage illustrate how the marginalized contribute to resistance in unexpected ways.