Balota

In every frame, Marian Reverá's BALLOT proves that a vote is far more than a simple checkbox-it's the very pulse of democracy. With masterful direction and a narrative rich in raw emotion, Reverá draws us into an intimate exploration of individual power and collective change. This film artfully captures the struggles and victories of everyday citizens, illustrating how a single vote can spark a transformation that reverberates throughout communities. BALLOT is not only a cinematic masterpiece but also a stirring call to action. It challenges us to embrace our civic duty, to see each decision as a step toward a more inclusive, empowered future, and to realize that every act of participation writes a new chapter in our shared democratic story. This movie redefines what it means to be engaged in today's world, urging us to listen to the heartbeat of our society and respond with informed, passionate action.

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.

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 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 Sound of Freedom, it is known why a man wants to fight against human traffickers in the world and even the Philippines, by rescuing their children back to their parents. It is what you get here about Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) and that is why the movie is non-political and considering Jim Caviezel's portrayal about Ballard is an example of separating the art from the artist.

While the 2024 presidential season is approaching in the United States, and the Philippine Midterms is coming in 2025, the movie "BALOTA" shows, why this Cinemalaya film considered as the election movie of the year.

"BALOTA" shows Emmy (Marian Rivera) holding the last ballot box to protect it from stealers and it is what she needs it to protect the election integrity by keeping the ballot box.

"BALOTA", is considered as the "SOUND of FREEDOM" of elections. This is what it should be a "wake-up call" for Filipinos and even Americans, who will vote for in the 2024 US presidential elections, and the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, respectively.