Metro Manila (2013)

Metro Manila is a 2013 British-Filipino crime drama film directed by Sean Ellis. The film tells the story of a poor rice farmer named Oscar Ramirez who moves his family to the city of Manila in the hopes of finding better work and a better life. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a world of crime and corruption as Oscar takes a job as an armored car driver and becomes involved with his co-workers and their criminal activities.

Review:

Metro Manila is a gripping and intense film that explores the harsh realities of poverty and crime in the Philippines. The film's direction is superb, with Sean Ellis creating a sense of urgency and tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances are excellent, with Jake Macapagal delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Oscar, and Althea Vega giving a moving performance as Oscar's wife. The film is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the struggles of survival in a world of inequality and injustice.

Awards:

Metro Manila has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including:

Best British Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards

Best Director and Best Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival

Best Film and Best Director at the BIFA Awards

Best Actress for Althea Vega at the Asian Film Awards

Best Foreign Language Film at the Independent Spirit Awards

The film's success is a testament to its ability to engage and challenge audiences, and its message of hope and resilience has resonated with viewers around the world.

Overall, Metro Manila is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a raw and unflinching look at the realities of poverty and crime in the Philippines. It is a testament to the power of cinema to tell important stories and shed light on important social issues.