The film about the life of a young woman from rural area of the Philippines. She lives with her father who wants to prepare her for adulthood and teach her to be self sufficient. The world turns out to be far more complicated and dangerous than she can imagine at her age. Her actions will eventually draw the attention of local authorities. She and her father appear as victims of a police force whose priorities are at odds with the interests of the community.
Rather than spelling out every detail, a subtle symbolism carried the events along as we are allowed, for the most part, to draw our own conclusions.
15 Reviews
Another Difficult Film
onlythusfar5 January 2019
This film, was difficult to watch after recently seeing "Despair". Both portrayed the insane brutality, of which we humans are capable. While "Despair" was obviously a contrived work of fiction, "Birdshot" showed a very real situation in the world, where groups feel threatened enough by those in power above them, to abandon their ethical or "moral" principles to survive. It makes me ask,"Who started this chain of submission and why did no one try to stop it, before it got out of control ?". I think of Soviet Russia and how "Party" members murdered so many of their own citizens under Stalin's orders. How far down the hierarchy did this have to go , until it was too late to reverse it ? Are we so needy for social standing and recognition, that we will go along with hideous acts to satisfy this ? Do we value our brief and inconsequential lives so much, that we will not risk them to save so many others, from "immorality" ?. This film, within a very small milieu brings up these difficult questions very powerfully.
A Deadbird's Prey
samxxxul12 April 2020
Birdshot, a coming of age story centered on a young farm girl named Maya (Mary Joy Apostol) who inadvertently shoots an endangered Eagle (Haribon) setting off a police investigation. On one hand, it's a coming of age tale and on the other hand, there's a good detective drama on offer here with Domingo (Arnold Reyes), a earnest rookie cop investigating missing farmers. While the two may be different genders and ages, they mirror each other in many ways. The story that has depth and beauty, juxtaposed by self effacing, unapologetic, honesty. A reflection, in many ways, of the stark Filipina outback, in which it is set.
Birdshot has a a slow yet steady heartbeat throughout that builds tension over each carefully, well-shot scene. It is a wonderfully slow paced movie that gives you time to chew on the underlying fat of what is so screwed up with the police force and the political scene in the region.
The plus side was the technical aspect, with the cinematography being the added bonus, perfectly capturing the mood in the isolated remote locations and the editing handled by the director himself.
If you're a sucker for fast paced mystery thrillers keep away from this movie. But if you desire thought provoking scenes loaded with powerful imagery without having topics shoved down your throat, seek this film out, and enjoy what it has to offer.
Birdshot has a a slow yet steady heartbeat throughout that builds tension over each carefully, well-shot scene. It is a wonderfully slow paced movie that gives you time to chew on the underlying fat of what is so screwed up with the police force and the political scene in the region.
The plus side was the technical aspect, with the cinematography being the added bonus, perfectly capturing the mood in the isolated remote locations and the editing handled by the director himself.
If you're a sucker for fast paced mystery thrillers keep away from this movie. But if you desire thought provoking scenes loaded with powerful imagery without having topics shoved down your throat, seek this film out, and enjoy what it has to offer.
Not that bad.
deloudelouvain6 March 2019
I don't think I watched alot of movies from the Philippines, it's not a country I would immediately associate with good movies but actually this one wasn't bad. Okay the plot has some flaws and issues but overal the story is entertaining. Maybe a bit slow and not fully developed but there is a level of suspense on what actually happened. The acting was better than I thought it would be, not that I understand Filipino (even though there are alot of Spanish and English words in that language), but they looked genuine and believable. Nice cinematography, okay actors, and an entertaining story that could have had a better development.
Brutal
Hongwaree_Raitao15 April 2020
Good plot, violent movie, political message
manugw17 August 2020
The corruption and arbitrarieness besides the lack of care for ethic and moral values shown in this film about the procedures carried out by the Filipino police must be a wake up call for the Government of this country to make amendments because of the image this movie projects to the World. The script is good, original, well structured and with a nice imagery as well as its unexpected ending to close paralell stories
Thought provoking
roywynes16 May 2018
watches like a mexican soap
oldupai13 May 2018
The movies starts well. but the dialogs are terrible and so is the acting. The suspension of disbelief is shot after the first 15 minutes.
I don't know how this film got an award.
I strongly recommend you don't waste your time on this
Symbolism
damnshitthis18 July 2019
Not bad, good try.
generalkiller-4461921 May 2019
With all the obvious flaws in this film, it is not really bad, it's watchable and it's way better than mainstream Filipino films. Filipino films are rotten but Birdshot can't be considered rotten, I give it 5/10.
The actor who portrays Maya needs more acting workshop. She is pretty but her acting skills is not really good.
The Philippine police is portrayed here in a mild way, the Philippine police in reality is worse than how it is portrayed in the film. The Philippine police now is very rotten, corrupt, and could not be trusted. Killers, police are.
The actor who portrays Maya needs more acting workshop. She is pretty but her acting skills is not really good.
The Philippine police is portrayed here in a mild way, the Philippine police in reality is worse than how it is portrayed in the film. The Philippine police now is very rotten, corrupt, and could not be trusted. Killers, police are.
Flew high, but not too high.
dokvader11 April 2020
Birdshot is a story of small-town politics, policing and a girl coming of age.
Most people wouldn't know that the film was set around late 80s to early 90s because of the evident lack of technology. However, one can also not notice it because of the countryside (provincial) setting. The film undecidedly wants to identify as a pseudo political and social commentary flick to a youth's struggle. Despite that every scene fills a part of a whole and eventually ends predictably.
It was long ago that I started watching this and got halfway through. Now viewing it again from the start, I do see it merits and how I should watch more Filipino films. It could have ended with a more subtle and stronger final scene but predictably found itself just uncovering most who have guessed early in the film.
Most people wouldn't know that the film was set around late 80s to early 90s because of the evident lack of technology. However, one can also not notice it because of the countryside (provincial) setting. The film undecidedly wants to identify as a pseudo political and social commentary flick to a youth's struggle. Despite that every scene fills a part of a whole and eventually ends predictably.
It was long ago that I started watching this and got halfway through. Now viewing it again from the start, I do see it merits and how I should watch more Filipino films. It could have ended with a more subtle and stronger final scene but predictably found itself just uncovering most who have guessed early in the film.
Birdshot (2016)
nebohr16 March 2023
Boring, utter nonsense.
The great William Shakespeare once wrote a play titled: "Much Ado About Nothing". Now, if one were to change that to read: "Little Ado About Nothing" then that would pretty much summarize this production.
A riveting story? No. Any explanation given for any of the characters to do any of the things that they do? No.
Were we able to identify with or have empathy for any of the characters? Again, no.
Why is the electricity shut off to the police station, alone?
Apparently, in the Republic of the Philippines, police stations have no telephones.
A single bird is more important than a bus load of missing human beings.
The guy's name is right there on his uniform.
National animal? Or national bird. It's too much for the poor police chief to remember!
SUBMITTED WEDNESDAY 03.15.2023 22:27.
The great William Shakespeare once wrote a play titled: "Much Ado About Nothing". Now, if one were to change that to read: "Little Ado About Nothing" then that would pretty much summarize this production.
A riveting story? No. Any explanation given for any of the characters to do any of the things that they do? No.
Were we able to identify with or have empathy for any of the characters? Again, no.
Why is the electricity shut off to the police station, alone?
Apparently, in the Republic of the Philippines, police stations have no telephones.
A single bird is more important than a bus load of missing human beings.
The guy's name is right there on his uniform.
National animal? Or national bird. It's too much for the poor police chief to remember!
SUBMITTED WEDNESDAY 03.15.2023 22:27.
Mikhail Red's Masterful Dose of Filipino Storytelling
jaysanchu072 June 2023
Third time seeing Birdshot and I find deeper appreciation for this stellar piece of cinema after each viewing. Written & directed by up and coming (& seriously well versed) Mikhail Red, Birdshot boasts of filmmaking craft that exemplifies Philippine cinema & storytelling.
The main draw of this 2016 sleeper are the intertwined storylines of Maya, whose coming of age comes abrupt after shooting down an endangered Haribon; and Domingo, a bright-eyed policeman, hell bent on uncovering a missing persons case against his superiors' wishes. With this premise, Red takes a no holds barred approach, showcasing relevant social commentaries, corrupted justice procedures, and morality's place within these. The result is then nothing short of gripping, as real world controversies are tackled, & its impact on Red's survivalist characters, comes grounded & bleak.
Amazingly, Birdshot's engrossing plot is further elevated by the film's look and feel. For instance, Teresa Borroza's soundscapes account's for the film's eerie atmosphere & intensifies its quiet yet tension filled moments. On the other hand, with Red at the helm & the cinematography of Mycko David, the crisp & superb visual quality of Birdshot rivals that of Western films. There is as well focus on nature's beauty that offers respite from the dreariness of it all. Also, Red's screenplay is on point, with its slow & brooding tone that captures the rural setting & the film's looming themes, to perfection.
As for the acting piece, the usual inconvenience in Filipino movies, where supporting characters are far too cinematic, are once more apparent. Happily, the revelations that were Mary Joy Apostol & Arnold Reyes more than picks up the slack, conveying the drastic regression of their characters to a state of desperation. John Arcilla also puts forth another notable performance, as the seasoned vet who takes Domingo under his wing.
Overall, Birdshot marks a prominent entry among the greats of 21st century Philippine cinema. From the opening sequence to that jaw dropping ending, the thrills and suspense rarely ceases, testament to Mikhail Red's masterful direction & writing. I for one am intrigued, to see what else he has up his sleeve.
The main draw of this 2016 sleeper are the intertwined storylines of Maya, whose coming of age comes abrupt after shooting down an endangered Haribon; and Domingo, a bright-eyed policeman, hell bent on uncovering a missing persons case against his superiors' wishes. With this premise, Red takes a no holds barred approach, showcasing relevant social commentaries, corrupted justice procedures, and morality's place within these. The result is then nothing short of gripping, as real world controversies are tackled, & its impact on Red's survivalist characters, comes grounded & bleak.
Amazingly, Birdshot's engrossing plot is further elevated by the film's look and feel. For instance, Teresa Borroza's soundscapes account's for the film's eerie atmosphere & intensifies its quiet yet tension filled moments. On the other hand, with Red at the helm & the cinematography of Mycko David, the crisp & superb visual quality of Birdshot rivals that of Western films. There is as well focus on nature's beauty that offers respite from the dreariness of it all. Also, Red's screenplay is on point, with its slow & brooding tone that captures the rural setting & the film's looming themes, to perfection.
As for the acting piece, the usual inconvenience in Filipino movies, where supporting characters are far too cinematic, are once more apparent. Happily, the revelations that were Mary Joy Apostol & Arnold Reyes more than picks up the slack, conveying the drastic regression of their characters to a state of desperation. John Arcilla also puts forth another notable performance, as the seasoned vet who takes Domingo under his wing.
Overall, Birdshot marks a prominent entry among the greats of 21st century Philippine cinema. From the opening sequence to that jaw dropping ending, the thrills and suspense rarely ceases, testament to Mikhail Red's masterful direction & writing. I for one am intrigued, to see what else he has up his sleeve.
Need caffeine to wake me up.
gieavillafana29 July 2018
Too slow and dragging. Needs more editing. The girl has the same face/expression all throughout the movie. The younger policeman needs more workshop. Every actor did well except the two main actors Reyes and Apistol. Cinematography is good. Overall, film lacks this and that, hence fails to move the audience.
Visually beautiful and very thought-provoking
ClariSays2 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Birdshot is the award-winning sophomore feature of Filipino director Mikhail Red which he co-wrote with Rae Red. The film is supported by the Doha Film Institute where they won a production grant.
Furthermore, the coming-of-age thriller won awards such as the CJ Entertainment Award at the Asian Project Market Awards during the 20th Busan International Film Festival as well as the Best Asian Future Film Award at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival. It's also worth mentioning that Birdshot is the first Filipino film released worldwide by Netflix.
Yes, you read that last part right! Birdshot is indeed the first Filipino film ON Netflix. Well, it's no surprise because the film is not only visually beautiful but it's also very thought-provoking. Though "loss of innocence" is a common theme in a coming-of-age of film, Birdshot was able to give the audience another view - a good view of the present state of humanity and moral decay.
In the film, we see two evident characters robbed of their guilt. There is the farm girl named Maya (Mary Joy Apostol) and the newbie cop, Domingo (Arnold Reyes). The difference between these two is that Maya was too young to understand the life that is why she didn't think twice about shooting a bird. Domingo, on the other hand, is fully aware of the difference between good and evil. But with the presence of violence in his work life, he chose to forget what he was so desperately fighting for.
It's quite sad, to be honest, but it is in our nature. Our actions are easily influenced by the people around us especially if they are older or more powerful. This can be a strength but it can also be a weakness. In this case, it is the latter. Because of that, our characters made mistakes causing them to suffer.
The good thing about it though is that our characters reached a resolution. It wasn't an easy ride but it definitely wasn't late for them to decide on a different route. In reality and our current state, I think it would be a little difficult for us to resist the changes. The way I see it, Birdshot serves as a wake-up call that if we are not careful we might all end up losing the essence of morality.
Furthermore, the coming-of-age thriller won awards such as the CJ Entertainment Award at the Asian Project Market Awards during the 20th Busan International Film Festival as well as the Best Asian Future Film Award at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival. It's also worth mentioning that Birdshot is the first Filipino film released worldwide by Netflix.
Yes, you read that last part right! Birdshot is indeed the first Filipino film ON Netflix. Well, it's no surprise because the film is not only visually beautiful but it's also very thought-provoking. Though "loss of innocence" is a common theme in a coming-of-age of film, Birdshot was able to give the audience another view - a good view of the present state of humanity and moral decay.
In the film, we see two evident characters robbed of their guilt. There is the farm girl named Maya (Mary Joy Apostol) and the newbie cop, Domingo (Arnold Reyes). The difference between these two is that Maya was too young to understand the life that is why she didn't think twice about shooting a bird. Domingo, on the other hand, is fully aware of the difference between good and evil. But with the presence of violence in his work life, he chose to forget what he was so desperately fighting for.
It's quite sad, to be honest, but it is in our nature. Our actions are easily influenced by the people around us especially if they are older or more powerful. This can be a strength but it can also be a weakness. In this case, it is the latter. Because of that, our characters made mistakes causing them to suffer.
The good thing about it though is that our characters reached a resolution. It wasn't an easy ride but it definitely wasn't late for them to decide on a different route. In reality and our current state, I think it would be a little difficult for us to resist the changes. The way I see it, Birdshot serves as a wake-up call that if we are not careful we might all end up losing the essence of morality.
See also
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