| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jake Macapagal | ... |
Oscar Ramirez
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| John Arcilla | ... |
Douglas Ong
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| Althea Vega | ... |
Mai Ramirez
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Erin Panlilio | ... |
Angel Ramirez
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Iasha Aceio | ... |
Baby Ramirez
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| Mailes Kanapi | ... |
Charlie
(as Angelina Kanapi)
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JM Rodriguez | ... |
Alfred Santos
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| Ana Abad Santos | ... |
Dora Ong
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Moises Magisa | ... |
Buddha
(as Moises Mag Isa)
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| Reuben Uy | ... |
JJ
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Mario Visto | ... |
Banaue Rice Traders
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Daniel Magisa | ... |
Conman #1
(as Danny Mag Isa)
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Ray Aragon | ... |
Conman #2
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Jervie Cajarop | ... |
Police Officer
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Jhay Castillo | ... |
Slum Housing Officer
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Seeking a brighter future in megacity Manila, Oscar Ramirez and his family flee their impoverished life in the rice fields of the northern Philippines. But the sweltering capital's bustling intensity quickly overwhelms them, and they fall prey to the rampant manipulations of its hardened locals. Oscar Ramirez catches a lucky break when he's offered steady work for an armored truck company and gregarious senior officer Ong takes him under his wing. Soon, though, the reality of his work's mortality rate and the murky motives of his new partner force Oscar to confront the perils he faces in his new job and life. The movie portrays how far a man can go for his family.
I headed into this film with a glowing recommendation off a mate of mine. And it really delivers as story told where the viewer feels the crushingly powerless plight of the family, specifically the Husband. It also has a wider value in the commentary of urbanization of the modern world and the subsistence farmers being forced into leaving their livelihoods and traditions behind. It could double as a documentary!
It begins with the rice farming family not being able to make ends meet with their harvest for the season. They are forced to leave their home and find a means of feeding their children due to substantially lower prices being paid for their crop.
Upon arriving in Manila, a world away from their accustomed lifestyle, they are fish out of water. The hustle and bustle of city life makes any progress hard for them. Even when it seems progress is being made, corruption and greed stifle it.
Both the husband and wife find ways of making money, although the husband is not fond of the wifes choice...he understands from the desperation that no job is too immoral.
The films takes a couple of turns until its absolutely grandiose finale. And what an extraordinary end it has. I'm a heart of steel kinda guy, but this? This had me teary eyed and fully empathizing with the characters...
Brilliantly done, and I highly recommend it. 9/10