This took years to finish and now showing in theaters after so many factors that delayed the film's completion. But indeed, quality cannot be rushed. This is what Buybust aims to prove that Filipino action films are indeed works of art, sweat, blood, tears, and fractures. Leading the star-studded cast is Anne Curtis who plays Nina Manigan which already breaks the stereotype that men can only be the lead in an action movie.
Literally a buybust operation, the team of a special drug enforcement unit goes into the belly of the beast to capture a big fish drug lord named Biggie Chen. The team goes inside and found themselves in a labyrinth of shanties, poverty, drugs, and gang-infested "community". They get caught in a race to either catch the prized criminal o just get out alive.
I have to point out some characters who stood out among the sea of stars here. First was Victor Neri who played Bernie Lacson who leads the team in the operation and really showed his nature as an action star. Next is Brandon Vera, who plays Rico Yatco, he is known to be an MMA fighter but also did well on acting and even had a great chemistry with Anne (not romantic though). Arjo Atayde sheds his charming image to become Biggie Chen who is ruthless and fierce and even looks very different from the roles he played before. And of course, Anne Curtis, who has shown a lot of dedication and work for this film. She gets bloodied and bruised and experienced almost every kind of pain in this film. It was indeed proved her versatility and power to give justice to her character.
Literally a buybust operation, the team of a special drug enforcement unit goes into the belly of the beast to capture a big fish drug lord named Biggie Chen. The team goes inside and found themselves in a labyrinth of shanties, poverty, drugs, and gang-infested "community". They get caught in a race to either catch the prized criminal o just get out alive.
I have to point out some characters who stood out among the sea of stars here. First was Victor Neri who played Bernie Lacson who leads the team in the operation and really showed his nature as an action star. Next is Brandon Vera, who plays Rico Yatco, he is known to be an MMA fighter but also did well on acting and even had a great chemistry with Anne (not romantic though). Arjo Atayde sheds his charming image to become Biggie Chen who is ruthless and fierce and even looks very different from the roles he played before. And of course, Anne Curtis, who has shown a lot of dedication and work for this film. She gets bloodied and bruised and experienced almost every kind of pain in this film. It was indeed proved her versatility and power to give justice to her character.
The film debuted at the New York Asian Film Festival this year where it also got great reviews from international film critics. Though initially the movie was not able to make it to the Metro Manila Film Festival, it secured a new national release of August 1. It will also have international screenings this August and will also play at the Cinemalaya Film Festival also happening this month.
Buybust stars Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera, Victor Neri, Arjo Atayde, Levi Ignacio, Nonie Buencamino, Lao Rodriguez, Alex Calleja, and Joross Gamboa. Directed by Erik Matti, and now showing in cinemas.
Deliberation time kids!
Show summary: Kill and Pain Fiesta
Quotable quote: "Nasaan si Biggie Chen?"
Quotable quote: "Nasaan si Biggie Chen?"
Technical Effects: 5 out of 5 stars (This sets Filipino Action Films on a whole new level. Also interesting use of LED Christmas lights to set the mood and provide additional lighting)
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars (Though the story maybe compared to "The Raid" or "On The Job", yet it integrates itself well as the underbelly story to the current war on drugs campaign)
Acting and Actors: 5 out of 5 stars (Anne Curtis proves that she is not just a cute face, but she can kick your ass and might even kill you)
Pros: Violent fight scenes, gritty location, insane non-stop kill spree, subtle social commentary,
Cons: exaggerated styles for henchmen, some shaky camera moments
Cons: exaggerated styles for henchmen, some shaky camera moments
Music and Soundtracks: 5 out for 5 stars (Music by Erwin Romulo and Malek Lopez are laced with Indigenous Filipino sounds)
Overall: Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars (Intensely violent, relevant to the times, and harnessed raw action makes it an action masterpiece that we can be proud as Filipinos. Now the challenge is to make more of these in the future)
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