'OTJ': Worth it

I do not watch mainstream, Filipino films in big screen. 

The last time I did was back in college when my best friend and I saw Chito Roño's Sukob starring Kris Aquino. I remember I did so, ONLY because it was my best friend's treat. Take note also that I hate horror movies and do not like Kris' acting, but that's a whole different story--lest I digress. 

My point here is, I do not spend a peso from my own pocket to watch crappy local films MOST especially those romantic comedies (I cringe at the thought) and Metro Manila Film Festival entries. 

The only Filipino films I truly appreciate are independent ones which I annually follow via the Cinemalaya film festival. However, I am sorrowful and guilty for missing this year's edition. And that's also another story so let me go back to why I am writing this in the first place:

I watched 'On the Job' by Erik Matti on Sunday at the Glorietta 3 Cinema! 

Let me begin by sharing that my curiosity was aroused when I first read a The Manila Times article (by our Entertainment editor) in which I found out that the film got standing ovation after it's world premiere/screening AT the 2013 Cannes! 

My interest further shot up after our film columnist wrote a positive review, and as prominent people continue to post good things about it on social networking sites. Giving in, I took Mama to the mall to see it. And as I was buying the tickets, I thought to myself: "This better not disappoint." 

Lucky me for my good instinct, it did not! Phew!

And it was one hell of a film actually--in a very good way. Let me share some random thoughts--hopefully without spoiling--on why you should NOT miss On the Job. 

• The story is gripping. I had watched various indie films tackle the different "cancers" of our society, but OTJ's is far more intricate. Beginning with the note: "This film is based on true events"; the film presented the corruption of those in power, specifically the police, who hire inmates to carry out a "job". Released for a day, the prisoners actually become hitmen and kill various targets. I'm more than sure so much research had gotten into this film. So for translating this "terrible" of a story into the big screen, bravo!  
• The cinematography is beautifully ugly. Throughout the entire film, everything was a clear picture, from the slums, to San Juan's Basaan Festival, to the government offices. For me, the most unforgettable was how OTJ vividly painted the bilibid! I have been hearing for so long how deprived the situation of the inmates in this country's prisons are. But I didn't realize it was like THAT! OMG, ang layo sa itsura ng Prison Break.
• The script is convincing. There were few long conversations and plenty of bad words (the t*ng-inas and p*tas!). But it was fine. There were few quotable quotes to remember either after. I tried to think of one now. Nothing came to thought. But, nevertheless, straightforward and believable dialogues from every character did justice. These were real people who talked of reality. Kudos to scritwriter Michiko Yamamoto (Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, 2005).
• The actors are superb. Yes, all of them even Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson. Let me note, however, that even though OTJ was headlined by the two younger actors of this generation (probably for marketing purposes so I wouldn't complain if it will actually make MORE Filipinos watch it); I still believe that Joel Torre was the main actor of the film. The story really revolved and evolved around his character, Mario Maghari . Known to many as "Tatang", Maghari was the veteran, hired hitman who was currently training his back-up Daniel (Gerald). All I can say is Torre's performance is deserving of major acting awards. Another notable performance was that of Joey Marquez who played the incorruptible police, who thankfully, added humor to the dark thriller; and Leo Martinez, the hateful, powerful, former police general. Of course, much credit of this also goes to Matti's skill. 

All this said, I can truthfully say that my P180 spent for On the Job is totally worth every penny. But more importantly, I feel that my belief for the commercial films is partially renewed, thanks to Direk Erik Matti's creation. This film will be remembered. 

Finally, I hope more of this kind of films will hit the local scene, and along with it, more Filipinos (the common masa) appreciating it. So that I can wholeheartedly declare: Mabuhay and pelikulang Filipino!