jamestekiko METRO MANILA FILM REVIEWby James R. TekikoThe Pitfalls of Urban Migration : The Great City DreamAs 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). SUMMARYStruggling 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?ANALYSISMetro 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.

e-53976 I finished this movie last today. Simple characterization, but all were played really convincingly. There are genuine moments of tension and tragedy, as well as sadness at the couple's situation. The ending has real emotion and the soundtrack is very powerful. Depicts life in the third world convincingly. One of the best films i've seen this year.

tamayo-24294 Even though Metro Manila wouldn't be my first choice for a family movie night, I did find it to be very thoughtful and emotional. Any man will go crazy for his family and will do anything to protect and help. And this was no exception, a happily married farmer in need of money and food is going to move out of his nice peaceful rural home to the capital of the whole country. Talk about night and day, and for what seems like over half of the film, the family does seem out of their element. Oscar Ramirez would soon find himself working for an armored truck company. Not everyone is Manila may not be as they seem, and Ong fit the bill perfectly. Ong did seem to be very nice and took Oscar under his wing, but underneath Ong was the most corrupt workers in the company. Not only did he blackmail Oscar into helping him try to get the key for one of two missing lock boxes, Ong also made you feel the anger and little rage throughout the movie. I thought to myself "Why, Oscar was almost home free, why did you have to do this Ong?" Overall I thought the movie was great and if you are looking for a heartfelt film and I would recommend it to anyone.

sydneyswesternsuburbs Writer, executive producer, cinematographer and director Sean Elis has created a classic in Metro Manila.Starring Jake Macapagal.Also starring John Arcilla.Also starring Althea Vega.I enjoyed the Manila scenery and the touching story of the families day to day survival.It was also good to see a rare film from the Philippines.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic family flicks, Krampus 2015, No Escape 2015, Eliminators 2016, The Mosquito Coast 1986, Killer Joe 2011, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle 1992, My Father Die 2016, What Happened to Monday 2017, Good Time 2017 and Blood Father 2016.