Review of On the Job (2013) by Nicole D — 27 Feb 2014
(Quick Summary).
On the Job is a Filipino thriller inspired by a real-life scandal in which prison inmates are temporarily released from prison to work as contract killers on behalf of politicians and high ranking military officials. Tatang and Daniel are only two of a very vast network of assassins, who are not only protected by their government, but how high the conspiracy goes is the stuff of legends. For thirteen years, Tatang has done horrible things, bribed the guards, escorted to their target by the middleman kills them, then gets escorted back to prison, tipping the guards with alcohol and chocolates. Thelma who hires the contract killers prefers prisoners, because they do what they are told and free men create problems. Daniel on the other hand has a few more years left, and is eager to step up. With no real options Tatang begins Daniel's apprenticeship. His first real assignment was very sloppy, but effective. His second wasnt good. The hit was a top government official and he didn't finish it off. Later we meet Lt. Francis Coronel, Jr. who is a very ambitious and a very well-connected investigator who takes this lucrative investigation. But the deeper he digs the dirtier he looks. Soon enough everyone is in a single web, and everyone loses!. The film is a very compelling look at the Filipino underworld, with some great character development. The principles explain why they do what they do it is not just a plain shoot em up. The dialogue was a confusing mix of Filipino with English mixed in at times, but the visuals eventually compensated for the language confusion. Story wise you needed to pay attention, hang on, and figure out what was going to happen next. That is not saying that the film did not have it's fair share of senseless violence. Most of the hits were spectacularly gory, some of the kills put me in a state of awe. This film had a good mix of a solid story, great characterizations, and uber violence makes is a must see for anybody who enjoys gangster flicks.
This review of On the Job (2013) was written by Nicole D on 27 Feb 2014.
On the Job has generally received positive reviews.
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