On the Job (2013) User Reviews

Eloquence in Violence

[3xHCCH · 8/10 · 29 August 2013]

Mario (Joel Torre)and Daniel (Gerald Anderson) are convicts who are being sneaked out of prison and hired as hit men by a powerfully-connected syndicate. Mario is set for retiring since he is to be released from prison already, while Daniel is his apprentice and heir-apparent.

After they bungle a job to execute a policeman, the secure web of protection around them begin to unravel as an idealistic NBI lawyer Francis Coronel Jr. (Piolo Pascual) and a maverick but honest policeman PO1 Joaquin Acosta (Joey Marquez) threaten to throw this assassination ring wide open to its highest levels.

"On the Job" is a gritty, honest, no-holds-barred Filipino film. The script by Michiko Yamamoto and Erik Matti fearlessly trace the operations of this gun-for-hire business from the lowly trainees to the gunmen to the middlemen (Vivian Velez) to the connections inside the prison (William Martinez) to the police protectors (Lito Pimentel) to the higher echelons of the military.

We also get to peek into the family lives of these men. Mario has a wife (Angel Aquino) who is cuckolding him and a daughter (Empress Schuck) in law school. Francis is married to the daughter (Shaina Magdayao) of a lawmaker (Michael de Mesa) who is the pawn of a corrupt general (Leo Martinez). Joaquin has been at odds with his boss, stuck at being PO1 even after 30 years of service, with a harried wife (Rosanna Roces) and a drug pusher as a son (JM de Guzman).

The theme and the style is indie but the stars are big names. It may be considered distracting for indie purists, but this stunt casting of actors against type was actually part of the charm of this film.

I have to admit though that the most difficult casting decision to accept was Gerald Anderson, not only because of his attractive mestizo looks (hitmen should not be too conspicuous, should they?), but because he had to act side by side with the flawless Joel Torre. Torre was a man possessed in this role, he was never out of character up to the very end, always very believable and realistic.

Piolo Pascual postured a lot in the start, which made his characterization unconvincing at first. However when he got into the groove of his character, especially in the second half, he will get us over on his side.

Joey Marquez was a puzzling choice of an actor for a character in this film. At first, during the teasers, I thought he was badly miscast in this role as a cop. But as I was watching the film, I realized the wisdom of his casting. He was key in providing the moments which served to lighten the intense mood this film creates.

The technical aspects of the film are very good, particularly the cinematography and the film editing. The atmosphere created was very tense and exciting. The suspense was unbearable as the pacing is frenetic and you would not know what will happen with succeeding scenes. This film is NOT predictable.

Despite being an excellent film, there are some cons, but relatively minor issues only. I have already mentioned how the casting of Anderson stretched believability. Also, the addition of what seemed to be unnecessary sex scenes for both Anderson and Pascual sort of derailed from the story a bit.

Thugs catcher

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 21 June 2015]

I actually wanted to watch "Foxcatcher", but the screening was sold out, so I decided I'd go and watch this instead. And why not? Had no idea what to expect and was mostly entertained by it. The story this is based on, something that seems to have happened is completely crazy. As they say: You could not make this stuff up (well maybe some of it, but the core is true).

The acting might not be always up to the challenge, but the violence and the "reality" of it, will hold your attention to it and will grip you from start to finish (if you don't mind reading subtitles that is like I don't). While it's straightforward, there are a few surprise twists here and there awaiting you. More than a decent thriller then

Trying to bring down corruption has all sorts of personal consequences.

[suite92 · 8/10 · 3 May 2014]

Set in the modern day Philippines. The film describes interactions among prisoners, crime families, police, police leaders, and politicians.

Tatang and Daniel get releases (under the radar) recurrently from prison in order to carry out assassinations. Tatang's parole has been approved, and he hopes to pass the torch to Daniel after Tatang leaves prison. Daniel clearly is not ready, but it is hoped he will learn quickly on the job.

At the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), Francis takes on new responsibilities. He is both blessed and cursed by the shadow of his father's accomplishments, such as they were. One of his main jobs is to keep secret the traces of the assassinations. Francis is mob-connected, as it turns out, since his significant other is the daughter of a crime boss.

As one might expect, this network of relationships, held together by blackmail and corruption, is doomed to break. One of Francis' potential witnesses in his corruption investigation gets targeted for assassination.

Looks like the house of cards could all fall down. Which group gets the most damage?

Tatang, Daniel, and Francis all have personal lives that they conduct through all of this. Will they keep their relationships together?

-----Scores-----

Cinematography: 9/10 Well shot; looks good consistently.

Sound: 10/10 The actors are adequately miked, and the music was wonderful.

Acting: 8/10 Joel Torre was wonderful as Tatang. Joey Marquez, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, and Vivian Velez were all good in their roles.

Screenplay: 7/10 The film did good story telling here, with a lot of texture, and just enough threads to follow. Almost two hours was not too long at all.

Fast paced thriller with satisfying ending

[Sirfaro11 · 9/10 · 8 September 2013]

On The Job is exciting not only because of its story that tackled the gun-for-hire business, something that maybe unique in the Philippines, because of its rampant killings; it is also exciting because the birth of new Philippine cinema is now palpable.

The past years have seen new writers and directors handle different urban poor stories, this one not only gives us a glimpse on the machinery of the killing business and how it affects the lives of the poor, but also let us see the powerful rich (the military) that runs the country.

Every actor did a good job, although I feel Angel Aquino looks a little too glamorous for her role. The script was believable, the pacing was fast, the characters were given enough time to develop (except maybe Marquez's son's story that did not develop further) and most of all, I love the realistic ending. I also like that the movie left a glimmer of hope when the police partner recovered the phone. With all the horrors happening in the society, there is still hope.

I think this is one of the year's best, I am happy that people went to see this movie and I hope other worthy films will get wider audience next time.

ON THE JOB... a job well done!

[rustyrick-782-421274 · 9/10 · 4 September 2013]

The story and pacing smoothly complimented each other. I like how the intensity just builds up right from the get go during the first scene up until the last one. Wonderfully moody cinematography combines with an excellent soundtrack and some breathlessly tight editing to create a surprisingly dark and nihilistic film.

It's also great to see characters that were fleshed out especially that of the three main characters. We get to know them more instead of simply just following what they do. This is one of the things I like about the film in terms of characterization, we get a glimpse of their individual lives as opposed to just going right at the center of the conflict.

This film pretty much shows what an ensemble really is. There are really no small roles here, as everyone's given something to do and they all did their parts well. From the opening assassination to the hospital shootout to the sequence that closes the film, the action beats in "On the Job" are technically polished while simultaneously visceral—even intimate—in their brutality. Matti and his cohorts have scored a home-run here.

Promising thriller let down by pedestrian writing

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 27 October 2015]

ON THE JOB is a dark, dingy, and rather sweaty Filipino thriller that has some stylistic similarities to the far superior METRO MANILA. Unfortunately this is ultimately a much lesser work in which promise at the outset soon devolves thank to some rather pedestrian writing. ON THE JOB is too long, too slow, and marred by unsympathetic characters who you don't give two hoots about despite their various problems.

The story involves a real-life scandal around career criminals being given day release from prison to go around working as political assassins. It sounds great, but after the umpteenth long-winded scene of characters arguing and discussing their plight, it becomes merely average rather than profound. It doesn't help that the only truly likable character is the young crusading cop whose character is let down by possibly the most unsatisfying climax in a film ever.

Director Erik Matti performs an able job behind the camera, creating a gritty and realistic look that brings out the poverty and grime of the surroundings. Individual scenes are powerful, and there are one or two good action moments, but the choreography is sometimes sloppy and the tedium occasionally overwhelming. These factors conspire to make ON THE JOB a distinctly average movie when it should by all rights be a good one.

It's a great movie

[barrymiller12 · 10/10 · 26 October 2013]

I am surprised to see this movie is just 6+ here on IMDb as it's definitely an 8+ movie. It's full of action. They movie has good acting, good story and good speed. It's never boring and is made well. There is lots of action and it's done very well. The actors are well cast and their acting is good too. There is a story and we get to see the life in Manila. The shooting is realistic and so are the action scenes.

See the trailer before you decide to skip this movie as that will change your mind. Don't go by the rating here as this is definitely skewed (I am not sure why?)This movie is way better than that and lot's of Hollywood action movies. If you like action movies this is for you and it will keep you on edge right through.

Wtf!

[bren-t-mgr · 1/10 · 23 December 2019]

It's a bad movie from the start to the end, believe me! Wanna see a good south east asian movie, see A Prayer Before Dawn, believe me!

Impacting Masterstroke

[billygoat1071 · 10/10 · 29 August 2013]

On The Job has some intriguing stuff, it's a story about four lives connected in one conspiracy behind the law. What's going on is as many as its moral ambiguities. It is a heavy story, but it consistently delivers thanks to the people who are involved. The craft is excellent for giving an absorbing quality with pure tension. The stellar cast brings plenty of life within the characters. Beyond the surfaces, the film is already fascinating itself, but it's a very ambitious picture. OTJ is a rare modern Filipino film that has an actual engaging story to tell in a brilliantly slick and exhilarating way.

The subjects of the film are the realities of crime and moral ambiguity. Even though the lead character's motivation is good, it won't make his job look any less terrible. It never glosses anything about what they do and that's the interesting part. There are no actual heroes and a dirty work will always be a dirty work, which provides absolute danger within the surface. The film is best at tension, every set piece is like a ticking bomb, it gets louder and louder until it fires to an unpredictable shock, then more action. It's amazing stuff. When there's no blood and gunshots, the film explores the characters. They are in fact not bad people after all. They have their own problems and only do those things to provide for their loved ones, though there's a fear that they might bring their work into their personal lives, but that just makes it human.

Tatang is mostly ruthless, but Joel Torre gives all the humanity which balances the character's depth and criminal side. Gerald Anderson shines remarkably. His greatest feat is the arrogance he brings, makes his character feel more threatening. Piolo Pascual surprisingly has something beyond his typical charms. My favorite among is Joey Marquez, who gives the cop a natural rage and fear that can be relatable and somehow enjoyable to watch.

The film never depicts Metro Manila as pleasant, it's like hell on earth where violence may happen anytime in the city. Well it is in fact one of the rotten places of the country. Other than that, the film has most the best things in a classic crime thriller: noir feel, anxiety filled action, twisted dark humor, and a cinematography that glamors around the filth. Director Erik Matti keeps everything interesting and magnetic.

OTJ is a great surprise among the local blockbusters today. We don't usually get a well made Filipino movie like this nowadays unless it's an independent film. Otherwise, it's a compellingly grim crime drama that may possibly stuck in your mind in a while. Personally, I think this is the best film I've seen this year so far. Since it's not really the greatest ever, I think this is what we need. It has a lot of what's missing in most modern blockbusters. It also has the craftsmanship and down-to-earth performances that would impact more to the audience. With all the merits, OTJ is easily recommendable.

one of the best local films I've seen and definitely a favorite.

[jukangliwayway · 10/10 · 12 January 2014]

This movie is beautiful despite the fact that it depicts the dirtier aspects of our country - geographically, politically, socially speaking. Seriously, this movie is a must-see for everybody. I wish I see more of this in mainstream Pinoy cinemas. Everything is well put together, the music is exciting, the editing and cinematography is professionally done, the story is tight, the camera-work is engaging (a work of art, a labor of love. It's that good), the opening scene captures your attention, and the ending leaves you satisfied (or wanting more). It's perfect.

• read my full review on Blogger: http://strangereview.blogspot.com/2014/01/on-job- 2013.html#sthash.GKoXwyiy.dpuf

More movies like this in the Philippines!

[grool_jul · 9/10 · 1 August 2015]

This is the type of movie I will not be ashamed to recommend to some of my foreigner friends. The story was well-written, and the casting was just superb, not because the actors were mainstream, but because they kept me captivated in an agonizing kind of way.

It's high time for us to support this kind of film. Filipinos should not only support the mainstream films but should really start realizing that this is the type of movie our country needs to produce so our people will have their eyes widely open with the rampant corruption in this country and be responsible enough in casting their votes during election.

Fulfilling Movie from Philippines

[alvinpoliran · 10/10 · 12 January 2014]

On the job is one of those unique movie I've seen from Philippines, I consider this a masterpiece. It's imaging the true scene happening right now in the country.

After watching this, I already know how cruel is the underground activities in the country, on the job really did a great job in revealing the true nature of underground crime in the country.

It is very fulfilling because of the fact that you can learn from this movie, whether to help or not to help is the main reason I find this movie on the job fulfilling.

I also like the mixed drama, romance of course and the twist at the end, sometimes the same scene happened in real life and also the action is not quite substandard, they did a good job in making it to the higher level, at first I did not expect that this movie is from Philippines. Later on, I manage to give a WOW on this one, great job on the job.

A Filipino dazzling and utter masterpiece

[karmaswimswami · 9/10 · 7 May 2014]

"On The Job" is jarringly excellent, with a brilliant ensemble cast playing interwoven and well-developed characters in a brilliantly lensed and thoroughgoingly scripted gritty underworld drama. Although this film is about nihilistic ways that are dark, one thrills to watch the creative accomplishments of artists so powerful and so effortlessly in mastery of their prowess as are on display here. "On The Job" is the strongest film of its kind since Hector Babenco's brilliant "Pixote." The bleakness has the redemptive and cathartic power of "Breaking Bad" and if this isn't the best film ever from the Philippines, the Filipino film that trumps it must be unimaginably good. I was spellbound, rapt, entranced, and find myself driven to re-watch "On The Job."

On The Job is the movie that rockets the formulaic Filipino film industry light years forward to at least very respectable standards

[cate_stuff · 9/10 · 23 January 2014]

Erik Matti's On The Job---WOW. In my opinion, our country's finest film in recent history. There's no kidnapping (and eventually rescuing)the leading lady, no song and dance numbers or field trips to the beach, no fake punch audio--well just the unnecessary sex scenes and the subtle product placements--I'm looking at you Nescafe, Marlboro and Tanduay!--But this movie is the space shuttle that rockets our formulaic film industry light years forward to at least catch up to respectable standards. It doesn't do justice to say that On The Job may very well be the Filipino version of Breaking Bad but there are undeniable similarities.

Joel Torre is your Heisenberg. Unlike Heisenberg, Tatang doesn't start out as your naive chemistry teacher desperate to earn money for his cancer treatments and support his family. Joel Torre's Tatang Maghari (name roughly translates to Old King or Old Ruler) portrays your very cerebral and methodical veteran hit-man but he does have a soft spot for his family and his rookie...(In fact, since a US remake is in the talks, may I please suggest that they use Bryan Cranston to play Joel Torre's role?) Gerald Anderson is cast as your local Jesse Pinkman. Foul mouthed, messes up the job a lot. Very rough around the edges but what he lacks for in finesse and discretion, he makes up for in his loyalty to Tatang and willingness to learn. He is kind of a douche bag but still somehow endearing. This guy has great potential as an actor. I hope he gets more challenging roles in the future.

While Piolo Pascual top bills this movie, he really has more of a supporting role alongside Joey Marquez. But they do some mighty fine acting. (Definitely Joey Marquez's best performance ever). Piolo plays the conflicted NBI detective who wants to do the right thing but is burdened by his ties to the evil forces. I do feel that they could have cast someone better than Joey Marquez as the cop. Maybe it's just his voice and his history of comedic roles that make us unable to take his portrayal seriously.

Michael De Mesa and Leo Martinez are noteworthy villains too. They're both very calm and collected even when their vehicle is being shot or when Piolo was going to draw his gun right in front of the small man that is Leo. They're just oozing with confidence that they've got all the power and money in the country to get away with just about anything. Reminds me of Gus Fring. Quiet but formidable.

Erik Matti does an excellent job with the writing and directing. The plot uncovers without having to spell everything out for the audience and there are a few surprises thrown in at the end which leaves us wanting more. And that's always a good thing when you leave your audience wanting more.

Writeups say that Matti is planning a sequel but will Rayver Cruz prove to be a worthy adversary to Joel Torre or will there be different characters to continue the plot? I give it a 9.5 out of 10....but only for some unnecessary sex scenes, conveniences in the plot and weak acting from Shaina Magdayao and Angel Aquino. Heck, even Rosanna Roces' acting was more memorable than theirs...and they had more screen time!

Classic Hit-man Flick Part 2

[sydneyswesternsuburbs · 10/10 · 21 July 2017]

Director and writer Erik Matti has created a gem in On the Job.

Starring Piolo Pascual.

Also starring Gerald Anderson.

Also starring Joel Torre.

I enjoyed the violence and realistic settings.

If you enjoyed this ass much as I did then check out other classic hit-man flicks, John Wick: Chapter 2 2017, Collateral 2004, The November Man 2014, 24 Hours to Live 2017, The Silencer 1999, The Bourne Identity 2002, The Bourne Supremacy 2004, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum 2019, Possessor 2020 and No Country for Old Men 2007.

If you also enjoyed seeing a classic flick from the Philippines then check out Metro Manila 2013.

On The Job: A Disturbing Philippine Power-Cycle

[guerrierpoeticus · 8/10 · 22 January 2014]

On The Job begins with clips of recent news going on in the Philippines. As the movie gets timely, it holds an aura of not being sensational. With the issues confronting the country the film's significance is impossible to notice. It illustrates how the politicians and criminals work hand in hand to achieve power, position and money.

Director Erik Matti gave in to a political underground story this time dealing with authority, politicians and position but his signature with how the Filipino family bond has never changed. Thanks to our corrupt penal system they're regularly let out of prison to act as contract killers with the perfect alibis.

Though the film was slow at first, it maneuvers to cover each and every aspect of the story. Tatang (Joel Torre), a prisoner-hit-man who eventually turned insecure when his boss Thelma informed that he can't work full time due to his age portrays more than the murder. The darkness in his eyes conveyed more about his character than the conversations did. His assistant Daniel (Gerald Anderson) played a very talkative rookie following Tatang's footsteps. His character was more of a naive prisoner who has a bit of an attitude. These two characters played major role as prisoners who gets out from jail time to time killing. As inmates, they share the father and son relationship.

The film was widely arranged where jail wardens also act as accomplices.

The cast of SPO1 Acosta (Joey Marquez) was played brilliantly. An SPO1 with 35 years of service stayed as SPO1 since he turned out to have the cleanest conscience. Integrity was challenged when he became the aid of Francis Colonel Jr. (Piolo Pascual) who takes part by being an NBI agent who's entrapped by being an excellent cop, compromised by being a son- in-law of a politician (Michael Demesa) indirectly involved with the killings masterminded by Gen. Pacheco (Leo Martinez).

The love scenes portrayed were also timely and sensible still; the story remains intact despite the diversions. Angel Aquino, Rayver Cruz and Lito Pimentel also delivered well.

"On the Job" is a cynical, realistic portrait of PHL politics and crime.

Be warned: the film does not end on a hopeful note. It may even make you rather sad and ashamed at how real the film feels, especially in light of the country's current events.

But when people urge you to watch On the Job, do it. A film like this, an uncompromising commercial success, hasn't happened in a long time, though now that it has, our standards are irrevocably raised. - Adobo

All we need to do now is to wait for the film's international version.

Filipino True Crime Tale that is as moving as it is excellent

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 8/10 · 29 March 2016]

Mario is a hit-man and he is getting on in years so has a 'back up' man and that comes in the shape of the much younger Daniel. The thing is they are also both inmates in a not so high security Filipino prison. They work for a mysterious – if ruthless – Madame called Thelma and she works for whoever has the cash to pay for these exclusive services.

They get day release or rather night release to go do their thing. We also have their back stories of how they ended up where they are and what is going on outside the prison confines. No crime story would be complete without some cops – and we have them in spades; they, though, are mainly the sort that fit into the convenient pigeon hole marked 'corrupt'. Enter suave good looking cop Francis Coronel who is 'connected' and he ends up paired with an ageing Sergeant whose career has entered a cul-de sac, but they actually want results.

Now this is a full on thriller with action where needed and performances that evince the gritty realism that some crime films can only dream of. The film has an air of poverty versus wealth running throughout and the corrupt seem to be only separated from the poor by degrees of honesty and bank account balances. To say this is a brilliantly accomplished film is an understatement. In Tagalog and English this is one for those who appreciate World cinema and like their films to be as unflinching as real life can, sadly, be.

Completely engrossing Philipino crime thriller

[movies-by-db · 9/10 · 10 May 2016]

What an awesome and engaging movie experience this is. It's not only a fine piece of storytelling, it's done with such superb style and aesthetic, not many films I've seen in this genre can rival it. The visual flair of a John Woo-, or Pang brothers movie mixed with intricate "Departed" like storytelling. It just oozes absolute cool. "Bangkok Dangerous"(the original) comes to mind and also "Fulltime Killer" by Johnnie To.

But it's so much more then that. Besides a complete aesthetic pleasure it brings a "true story" based yarn that is so unbelievably cool it has to be true. Portrayed amazingly by all involved but particularly by the aging hit-man and the young tenacious detective. You really need to keep your eyes and ears open as the story constantly switches sides, sometimes at break neck speeds, sometimes at a nail bitingly suspenseful snails pace, as it unfolds to a satisfying ending. I am not going to reveal any details, the synopsis should do just fine, just step in and take the ride.

Another thing that needs to be mentioned is the soundtrack. Really cool!! Maybe not always fitting the mood, but really modern classic cool.

It's a completely different film from the other recently released great Philipinne film "Metro manila" but it's at least as engrossing. I hope these two treasures are a sign of more to come from the Philipinnes for I will most definitely be waiting and watching 9/10

Dark and Thrilling. Exactly what it has to be.

[brianllanesjr16 · 8/10 · 20 September 2014]

Dark and Thrilling. Exactly what it has to be. Though it suffers from old movie clichés of it's genre and questionable camera handling, the film is still jam-packed with thrill and action good enough to keep your eyes to the big screen, eating your popcorn, contented and intrigued.

The film is excels on it's smart writing, strong character development, realistic characters and character dialogue, and with a strong and commanding performance by Joel Torre and Gerald Anderson the movie is a masterpiece of the Philippines and a step to the right direction of the Philippine movie industry.

All-in-all, if you want to see a hands-down, a recent Philippine masterpiece, "On The Job (OTJ)" is the nail-biting movie for you.

It's mainly about the life of a gunman-for-hire/prisoner, Tang mentoring a fellow younger prisoner, Daniel.

[jeni-fajardo · 10/10 · 6 June 2014]

I have heard such positive reviews about this movie and I have been wanting to watch it but never had the time.

Anyway, when I finally did, it was way better than expected.

On The Job clearly plot was really heavy and with a hint of violence so please make sure no kids watching. The actors played out their roles perfectly. The movie was sad for me yet very much true especially in its realistic aspects.

It has an easy-to-follow story which showcased corruption and greed thrown in the lives of prisoners, policemen, and the military.

It started with a "job" done by the older Tang and backed-up by a younger, Daniel. After accomplishing the job, they were then sent back to prison (where they were originally from) until another job comes along. Tang taught Daniel how to kill: with a gun or a knife. He reminded Daniel to blend in with the crowd; pay attention to details.

Eventually, Tang received news he was given parole hence Daniel would take his role.

Huge step-up from the usual Filipino movies.=

[razgarcia · 10/10 · 25 December 2021]

I remember watching this in college for a case study. I re-watched it again through HBO Asia's miniseries and reminded me that this movie deserves more recognition. I'm glad there is a part 2 but sad that it's not a blockbuster hit here in the Philippines. I guess it reflects the true state of the country and people in power are butthurt. Oh well, truth hurts, doesn't it?

On the Job

[Screen_O_Genic · 8/10 · 18 June 2022]

A cinematic take on the prisoner for hire contract killing industry, "On the Job" handles the sordid business in nonstop action. A tale of heroes and villains where matters turn out as they shouldn't be but eventually fall in their proper place. Amid the filthy and derelict backdrop of the city good goes toe to toe against evil augmenting the grey area that thinly divides crime and the law. The all-star cast of Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, Joel Torre and Joey Marquez do a fine job with their respective roles and the soundtrack heightens the mood and the vibe. The film is mostly a typical action flick with lots of motion but no substance until the end where an unexpected twist rounds up the film in one deeply moving climax of tragedy and redemption. One of the finest Action flicks from Philippine cinema this is one any Action or film fan wouldn't mind seeing.

A truly great film

[samandor-15781 · 10/10 · 14 September 2017]

I think with a bit of polish and some better music choices, this flick would rank up there with "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now" - everyone involved should be proud of this work. It is really that good. It's hard to discuss without diving into the plot or discussing local and global politics. Just watch it!

Best movie in the local scene so far...

[peenu · 10/10 · 28 July 2022]

It's probably because the story cuts a little too closely to what's truly happening, that's why.

Joey Marquez is amazing when he actually tries, and his rapport with Piolo Pascual gives us a tooth grinding realism on the classic "odd-couple partnership" that is usually employed in a number of crime-themed movies.

Marquez's portrayal of a banged-up, fed-up, beaten down, cynical, but still-got-my-humor grizzled veteran cop grinds and scrapes violently well with Pascual's clean-cut, straight-arrow, straight-to-the-Bureau, groomed-for bigger-things-but-he-doesn't-know-it-yet, loving-husband, and intent-on-redeeming-his-family-name, special agent persona.

You can also give praise to the other cast, but their storylines and dialogues kind of remind you of noon time tv shows can be predictable and pointlessly winding. They do their best though.

Gerald Anderson does well with his enthusiasm playing a kid having to "be that guy" and "prove himself" in the particular line of work that is the subject of the movie.

Joel Tore is Joel Torre.

Leo Martinez is kind of shaky to me though... him on the screen seems to risk sending the movie into a direction that goes the way of the formulaic "sindikato" action movies of the 80s and 90s.

Point is, much of the high-end performance was done by Marquez and Pascual... and they did so with such expertise, artistry, professionalism, and surprising chemistry.

Watch it.

Like, really, what else are you going to watch in the local scene?

What else aside from budding "starlets" and daughters of veteran actors and actresses who have now come of age and are eager to show skin for clicks, views, and tickets?

Best Filipino action film I've seen so far

[sayabracadabra · 10/10 · 24 August 2021]

It's not your ordinary type of classic Filipino movie. Best Local movie for me so far! It has a great story and has an excellent screenplay. Good cinematography and good casting too. Truly, it's a perfect way to show how our country is being ruled by huge number of greedy politicians.