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Metro Manila (2013)
The Pitfalls of Urban Migration : The Great City Dream
METRO MANILA
FILM REVIEW
by James R. Tekiko
The Pitfalls of Urban Migration : The Great City Dream
As the lone Filipino film ,Metro Manila stands tall among those moving pictures that were exhibited in this year's Big Picture Film Festival held in Sydney. Already a runaway winner in British Independent Film Award 2013 for Best Film, Best Director (Sean Ellis) and Best Production Achievement, my expectation was definitely high. And it delivered.
Filmed entirely in the Philippines, mainly in Metro Manila by Sean Ellis, a British film director who doesn't speak a single word of Filipino, the mind boggles how he managed to create a film like this whose screenplay is entirely in our native language.
The theme of poverty and urban migration reminds viewers of previous opus of the great National Artist for Film,Lino Brocka in films like Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975),Jaguar (1979) and Kapit sa Patalim,Bayan Ko (1985).
SUMMARY
Struggling to make both ends meet as farmers in Banaue, couple Oscar Ramirez(Jake Macapagal) and Mai (Althea Vega) decided to migrate in Metro Manila to search for a better future for their family. With only P1200 on hand and a few personal effects they boarded a jeepney to their dream paradise in the city.
Upon arrival in Manila, they were caught in the midst of the procession of the Black Nazarene reminiscent of the similar opening scene in Brocka's Bona (1980). The erring devotion of the people in the Black Nazarene mirrors the family's strong faith in God, their only source of hope. While in Metro Manila the Black Nazarene scene is a symbol of hope and fervent devotion to God , in Bona it is a metaphor to Nora Aunor 's (Bona) "blind faith" or wild adulation to Philip Salvador (Gardo), a film extra.
From day one, the Ramirez' struggled to cope in the big city. They were duped into giving the only money they have for a small room in the slums only to be thrown back to the streets the next day by the police. Oscar fondly called as Oca, tried to find all sorts of job in the city but to no avail. So in the end, Mai has no recourse but to be a bar girl in one of the joints of the metropolis, carrying her two young daughters ages 8 and 6 months old with her in the club.
Eventually,Oca managed to find a job as a driver/assistant in an armoured car company for a meagre P500 a day salary so Mai still has to carry on with her job. Oca's innocence and simple ways endeared him to his driving partner Ong (John Arcilla). As Oca's training continued, he got embroiled in the company's secrets. The tragedy that struck Ong when his previous assistant got killed in a robbery incident in the bank left him with a safety box with tons of money. The major problem is that the box can't be forcibly open as ink will damage all the money. The only way to do it is to be able to get the elusive key that they don't have any access.
Following this premise, my heart was pounding as the film carried on. Near the end when Ong got killed I thought the plan to recover the money fizzled but there was a twist in the story. The last scene in the bus wherein Mai was carrying a bag bursting to the seams with money tells us that Oca was successful in managing to get the key that opened the box of abundance for the Ramirez family.
It was later revealed in the last 5 minutes of the film how Oca managed to pull a fast one on the company. Although Oca died in the process of getting the key, his death was not in vain. In their hearts they will carry with them his memory. He paid the ultimate sacrifice - his own life for the betterment of his family. And what could be more noble than that?
ANALYSIS
Metro Manila is an eye opener to the perils of urban migration. In the dog eat world of the metropolis the weak ones always get used and abused and the strong ones succeeds. It is not an easy film to watch because it presents the grim reality of urban living without the blinders on. This is the current state of Metro Manila in the eyes of the new urban settler, thinking that the city is paved with golden opportunities only to realise the opposite.
This film clearly shows that desperate men take desperate measures to survive. Poverty, uncertainty and hopelessness can ignite a sense of desperation in each one of us. The twist in the end was remarkable because it was unexpected. All throughout the film Oca was depicted as innocent nearly a simpleton doing everything that society dictates him, particularly his mentor, Ong. And yet in the last 5 minutes of the film he was able to hatch a plan that the company never expected. It was 180 degree turn of Oca's character. He was not simple after all. His mind was working all along.
The screenplay was well written. The narrative was linear with few flashbacks thrown in the middle with good effect. The dialogue was apt and real. In fact it was quiet for most of the time. There is no uber melodramatic dialogues, no cheesy lines, no "kilig" scenes and yet you can feel the love emanating from the couple. You can also feel the desperation of the characters without resorting to histrionics. Mostly it is bottled up and just felt in the heart. Most emotions are unspoken.
Editing was fast paced. There was no boring moment. It was quick that you might miss a shot that is quite important.An example would be the scene immediately after the family arrives in the city, the camera pans on the words "In God we trust" on the wall of a massive building . It was just a 1 second shot but it reinforces the faith that the family has.
The acting of the cast is impeccable. Jake Macapagal is very believable as a simple father and husband who cares for his family. His breakdown scene during the 'boys night out ' at the club was gut wrenching. There was no line spoken only body movements that evoked desperation and submission at the same time. On the other hand Althea Varga is credible as a young wife and mother trapped in the jungle of poverty. Her 'dance scene' at the bar in the middle of the film is heartbreaking. Instead of feasting your eyes on the dancers, the viewers feels her character's anguish and hopelessness.
Even the supporting cast was topnotch, John Arcilla (Ong) was charismatic and sinister at the same time. All along he planned for Oca to join the company because he has a vested interest in him. His gestures and body movements prevented his character from being one dimensional. Even Erin Panlilio who played Angel the oldest daughter was brilliant. She can cry at a drop of a hat. For a very brief role as Dora the wife of Ong, Ana Abad Santos shine in the "kartero scene", wherein Oca brought all the personal effects of the dead Ong to her.
Symbolisms and metaphors abound in the film. Coming from the slums where water is difficult to access, the 'shower scene', where the couple had the luxury to bath and romance at the same time becomes poignant because it not only evoked unwavering passion but it also symbolises their progress. The tortured cat rescued by Angel, Oca's daughter represents people being tormented by others. In the end the key that opened the money box was taken from the imprint inside the locket that contained the images of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ as if saying that God has 'blessed' the plan of Oca.
Over-all the film Metro Manila may be regarded as one of the best films of last year. It is well crafted, relevant and well acted. What's remarkable about it is that it took a British filmmaker and producer to create a realist film like this about Metro Manila that we as Filipinos haven't done in a long while and yet it echoes the sentiments and pain of the entire nation as if it was done by a Pinoy director.
Indeed, it's theme of poverty and urban migration is universal. That is why it struck a sensitive chord and pull the heartstring of it's viewers all over the world. This film is not for viewers who wants to escape the realities of life. This film is for people who wants their heart filled and their soul cleanse.
Soltera (1999)
Perils of May- December affair in the contemporary setting of the late 1990's
Soltera (1999)
Movie Review
by James R. Tekiko
SYNOPSIS
Sandra (Maricel Soriano), a middle aged spinster is a successful events coordinator while Lisa (Claudine Barretto) is her loyal and hardworking assistant. In the twist of fate, Sandra met Eric (Diether Ocampo) when the latter gatecrashes into the former's event to get free food and network at the same time.
Sandra's gay BFF, Jojo (Raymund Bagatsing), took a liking to Eric and encouraged Sandra to include Eric to her events so he will develop business skills and strengthen his client profile.
The process of mentor - mentee relationship took a romantic turn when Eric professes his love to Sandra. Initially, Sandra rejected Eric's love because of their 20 plus age difference. Eventually, Sandra succumb to Eric's charm amidst the 'obligatory rain scene'. The next half of the movie showcased the rigmarole and kerfuffle of a May - December affair.
REVIEW
Maricel Soriano gave an outstanding performance here as per usual. Her well nuanced characterization brought layers of emotions of what could have been a simple and straightforward role.This was embodied especially in the breakdown scene towards the end of the movie.
Claudine Barretto's subdued acting style complemented Maricel's fiery and feisty role. She managed to hold her own against Maricel, particularly in the 'telephone scene' that finally opened the Pandora's Box of secret affair.
Diether Ocampo, a young actor more known for his good looks than his talent, displayed very good acting skills here. Playing both a boy and a man, Diether managed to navigate his character's complexity with ease. Even during his scenes with Maricel, he was not perturbed. It was refreshing to see a handsome celebrity, deliver a noteworthy performance for a change.
The greatest revelation in the film though is Raymund Bagatsing. His one-liners, actuations and facial expressions were both witty and entertaining. He stole every scene that he is on. I wouldn't be surprise if he would slew a few Best Supporting Actor Award for this movie.
The story is linear. Well written. No major flashbacks. Backstories are uncomplicated. Lines are both witty and profound. Jojo's monologue during Sandra's 'wake up' scene truly exemplify this. Jojo blurted out this lines. " Lahat ng may buhay nasasaktan. Aso, pusa, baka, kalabaw. Kahit langgam nasasaktan. You don't have a monopoly of pain." That is one dialogue that I have not only remembered but managed to make it as one of my mantras in life.
Music enhances the performance of the actors. Jake Nicdao's song Hindi ko Kaya sung by Geneva Cruz heightens the emotions and the turmoil of the characters. While, Cecille Azarcon-Picaso's I Think I'm in Love sung by Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma was a perfect choice for the montage scenes of the blossoming affair of the two protagonist. Sound heightens the emotions of the characters. Editing is crisp. Not too fast paced. You are allowed to enjoyed the scene without being too sedated.
The last scene is not your typical 'all's well that ends well' ending. None of the lead characters ended up with each other. They all went separate ways. It is liberating to see an unconventional ending. This film defies the traditional 'rom com' template of most movies of Star Cinema, if not, Philippine cinema in general. This may not be a landmark or a very significant film of the year. But this is a kind of film that tugs in the heartstrings and gives you a warm feeling inside after viewing it.