Balota

I liked this film. A lot actually but i was wanting something more atmospheric than the action we got. Maybe some scenes where Emmy just walks and walks contemplating and scared. The opening theme really got me to laugh so that was nice. But damn man that ending spoils it for me. I know it's realistic but it's just so overdone at this point. I will be Looking forward to the directors next work hoping for improvement :)

The movie is electrifying to the bones and my soul oh oh oh my soul. I love the message, I hope the government too. I like the everything but the government. I don't hope anymore for the betterment of the system politically. Even so with these intricate and meticulous details, nothing and no one will change. It's just a dream yeah sana all. That's why I will vote no one in the upcoming election char. I hope all of us do...not vote hhahahah. Yeah because politics and governance nowadays is business for crocodiles. Yeah so I will change my rate if there's an impeachment to happen and a change in the system. Yeah that's all. Happy vashing qqqqqq.

Yeah #boycott the government. No more hypnosis but paralysis char.

Balota stays focused on its central theme, offering an informed look at election scheming from the past-one that, I believe, remains rampant today. Its depiction of corruption is both unsettling and necessary, and once the story zeroes in on Teacher Emmy, it never lets go. The tension is gripping.

However, the film holds back from fully embracing a grittier tone, despite the opportunity. The ending also feels too intent on driving its message home, when a more subtle approach would have been more powerful.

Overall, it's an effective and thought-provoking election drama. Marian shines as Teacher Emmy, supported by a strong cast. I just wish the film had leaned into a darker tone-if it had, it would have been even more impactful.

Like Love Child, Balota yearns to be comprehensible-perhaps a little too much. It grapples with old political themes in the country and proclaims them boldly-and rightly so. But from a creative lens, it suffers in its obviousness.

It also bleeds from an inconsistent script-at times a satire, then a noir piece, and finally, a callback to trite confrontational endings.

The creative intent is clearly there, but it always feels half-baked. There's too much telling and not enough showing, leaving no room for subtlety. Forgive my frustration.

I can sympathize with the cause the film wholeheartedly craves. I also thought Marian Rivera carried much of the weight-her superb performance became the film's strongest redeeming light, guiding it through to the end.

Balota is a cinematic triumph, anchored by Marian Rivera's most compelling performance to date, cementing her status as the Philippines' premiere actress. Her nuanced portrayal resonates deeply, drawing raw emotion from the audience. The film's social commentary is sharp yet gracefully delivered, never veering into preachiness. Will Ashley and Royce Cabrera deliver standout performances, adding depth to the ensemble's already formidable presence. This is a profoundly moving and essential work for 2024, offering a story so vital and beautifully executed that it left me ugly crying at countless moments. Every bit of it demands to be seen, felt, and remembered.