Cry of Battle

The film begins on December 8, 1941, with Japanese forces launching an attack on the Philippines, marking the start of the conflict in the movie. This event sets the scene for the subsequent chaos and resistance faced by characters in the story. The attack prompts many to join the guerrilla efforts against the Japanese occupation.

While hiding from the Japanese, Dave McVey Jr., the son of a wealthy American businessman, is attacked by ruthless bandits. Fortunately, he is rescued by Careo, a Filipino patriot leading a group of guerrillas. Careo then hides Dave with an elderly Filipino and his granddaughter.

Careo takes responsibility for Dave’s safety and teaches him Tagalog to help him integrate with the local resistance. This education symbolizes Dave’s adaptation to the Filipino environment amidst the war.

Careo informs Dave that his father has left the Philippines to escape the conflict. This news affects Dave's outlook, strengthening his resolve to stay and fight alongside the guerrillas rather than escape.

Joe Trent, a rough merchant sailor whose ship was sunk by the Japanese, joins Dave's group. He believes that Dave’s father will reward him for safeguarding Dave, revealing Joe’s self-centered motives.

While intoxicated, Joe assaults the teenage granddaughter of the Filipino family hiding Dave. When she screams, Dave is forced to flee with Joe, escalating the tension and danger for the group.

Dave and Joe encounter a band of armed Filipinos led by Atong and Sisa, an English-speaking woman. Joe convinces them that Colonel Ryker, an American guerrilla leader, will reward them if they bring Dave and Joe to him.

Dave declines the idea of a comfortable retreat and chooses to fight with the guerrillas. Colonel Ryker accepts them into his unit, emphasizing their commitment to resisting Japanese occupation.

Joe is promoted to lieutenant and leads a raid on a Japanese-held sugar refinery and railway, accompanied by Dave, Atong, Sisa, and their group. The mission turns violent after the captain is killed.

After their leader’s death, Atong kills one of his men over the pistol. Joe then instructs Atong to give the pistol to Dave, signaling a shift in the group's dynamics amidst the chaos of the raid.

While seeking food, Dave and Sisa negotiate with villagers, but Joe’s band massacres the villagers to steal rice. Joe kills Atong during the raid, further demonstrating his brutality and loss of morals.

Sisa switches her loyalty to Joe after the attack, showing her complex change in allegiance and reflecting the chaos and moral ambiguity during wartime.