Review of Metro Manila (2013) by Stuart K — 06 Feb 2015

Written and directed by Sean Ellis, (Cashback (2004) and The Broken (2008)), this crime drama set in the Philippines was funded entirely with British money. While that might seem like a bit of a folly, it actually works, and it helps that it's actually a very compelling story to watch.

But it's a refreshing chance to see a side of the world and a country that you don't normally see on cinema screens. It tells the story of a rural farmer Oscar Ramirez (Jake Macapagal), who works in the rice fields to the north of the Philippines who takes his wife Mai (Althea Vega), and his two children Angel (Erin Panlilio) and Baby (Iasha Aceio) to a new life in the urban metropolis of Manila, in search of money and a better life.

But, they find life in the big city a hard thing, and it looks set to overwhelm them. But Oscar gets lucky, and he gets a job with a armored truck company, and senior officer Douglas Ong (John Arcilla) teaches Oscar the tricks of the trade.

But when Douglas plans something illegal, he cuts Oscar in, which will have serious consequences. While this sort of film has been done elsewhere, and in some cases, slightly better. This does show the grittiness and corruption of inner city life in Manila, and whether most of it is an accurate depiction of Manila or not remains to be seen, it does make for a good thriller, and it picks up splendidly in a gripping third act.