This eleven-hour magnum opus is the film that earned Diaz international acclaim as an original—an independent filmmaker making extremely ambitious and demanding films without any institutional or industrial support. Evolution also marks the debut of the template for the Diaz films to come: exteriors in the Philippine countryside, shot in lustrous black and white. The film outlines the fortunes and misfortunes of the Gallardo clan, a family of poor farmers, from 1971 to 1986, years that stretch from the imposition of martial law to the end of the Marcos dictatorship. During this time, the family struggles with to make ends meet and to stick together as some leave for Manila. Diaz includes archival footage of the historical events that buffet the family, as well as including a wry tribute to Filipino radio soap operas and an interview with Lino Brocka.