REEL DEAL: Neomanila REVIEW

One of the feature films of QCinema directed by Mikhail Red, the director of the Filipino Oscar Entry Birdshot, Neomanila sparks interest what does this title mean. For me, I immediately think of a sci-fi story or a possible future timeline. However it proved to mean another thing.

Neomanila is something I was not initially expecting yet this is one of the things that gives mystery to the film. Set in present time, with all the present issues of society, and the reality they represent is very close. EJK, Drugs, Crime, Sex, and Money runs around which many films have used many times, now is interpreted by Mikhail Red now rising an acclaimed director.

There are a a great pool of artists for Neomanila which includes Eula Valdez, Rocky Salumbides, and Timothy Castillo. They play Irma, Raul, and Toto respectively; specifically linked to violence and a murder network which works deep in the shadows. 

Probably the only value you can get from this is the value of family, and the others are hard hitting life lessons which had grave consequences.  The film was painfully moving, yet indeed a masterpiece for Red. They went to be as real as possible with scenes that we are familiar with; the slums, the drugs, and possibly the violence. 

And it dawned to me Neomanila stands for "New Manila" born into a new face with its sins sustaining its life. It's scary to know that these are real events, yet they still manage to keep it artistically captivating to the audience. 

Neomanila stars Angeli Bayani, Eula Valdez,Rocky Salumbides, Jess Mendoza, Shandii Bacolod,Timothy Castillo, Raul Morit, and Astrid Hernandez. Showing in cinemas  for QCinema.

Deliberation time kids! 

Show summary in 3 lines: Old New Manila 

Technical Effects: 4 out of 5 stars (I love the lighting of this film as it keeps things properly illuminated in the right scenes, and also less eye strain)

Plot: 3 out of 5 stars (Probably something can be anticipated, but it would also come as a shock)

Acting and Actors: 4 out of 5 stars (I appreciate that all actors are mature and professional here, no bad extras, just the best people in the industry)

Pros:  Cinematography, actors

Cons: Predictable plot, lack of backstories

Music and Soundtracks:  3 out for 5 stars (They integrated"the song "Spolarium" to the movie quite well) 

Overall: Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars  (The movie is heavy, yet it opens our eyes to the "New Manila" it wants to portray, Scary yet we come back for family)