What do you think about when you read or hear the words “Manila’s Finest?” Do you feel a hint of pride for our cops? Do you feel safe and secure knowing that a fine crop of individuals are here to serve and protect? Raymond Red’s Manila’s Finest turns that idea on its head.
The sepia-tinged film is more about the abuse of power, set in a backdrop of the worsening conditions of 1960’s Manila. What is by all accounts a crime thriller about gang wars on the surface ends up having something more to say about power and who wields it. So if you’re expecting 2 hours of action-packed entertainment, then you’re in for a rude awakening, in more ways than one
Here is SEA Wave’s High Five review of Manila’s Finest. Spoilers ahead.
A Story Worth Telling
Still from MQuest Ventures
Set in 1969, the film follows a group of police officers in Manila’s Police District. Told from the point of view of Capt. Homer Magtibay (Piolo Pascual), the story shows how the city is slowly changing for the worse, with murder cases increasing, rival gangs solidifying their presence, and something insidious pulling the strings.
Though it may seem like our protagonist is a principled man on a mission to find out what’s causing the recent outbreaks of violence, it becomes increasingly clear that he is not afraid to abuse his power when it suits him—he fights bar patrons who don’t pay their tab, he has an affair with a prostitute, and he threatens violence against gangs he has a working relationship with. While Magtibay is good to his team and is portrayed as a family man, the irony of his actions are unmissable and tell us a lot about what this film is trying to convey.
While the rise of Martial Law is not told front and center, the film tells us a story of the people who were caught unaware while the rug was pulled out from under them. And as these low-level officials fight for scraps and attempt to retain a semblance of their power, it becomes increasingly clear that at the end of the day, no one is spared from the tides of change.
A Blast from the Past
Stills from MQuest Ventures
Undoubtedly the most remarkable feat of Manila’s Finest is how it transports viewers back to 1960s Manila. Led by Digo Ricio, the production design team took old buildings and made them feel lived in during the pre-Martial Law era. Even the use of period-accurate vehicles, furniture, appliances, and other decorations and trinkets made the setting feel more real. While the police outfits have a costume-y quality to them, the attire of passersby and other cast members tied it all together, along with the hair and makeup that enhanced immersion for the film.
Showbusiness’ Finest
Stills from MQuest Ventures
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ensemble cast, led by Piolo Pascual. His portrayal of Magtibay as an imperfect protagonist adds a layer of pathos to the character who tries his best to espouse his principles, yet ironically fails and misuses his power when its convenient.
His performance is matched at every turn by cast members Enrique Gil, Joey Marquez and Romnick Sarmenta as his colleagues in the police force; Rica Peralejo in her return to acting as Homer’s wife, Yoly; Ashtine Olviga as Homer’s activist daughter, Agnes; Jasmine Curtis-Smith as the sex worker Homer commits infidelity with, Janette; and Cedrick Juan as the leader of the Philippine Constabulary in Manila, Officer Danilo Abad.
Each actor delivers a layered performance that matches the intensity of the film and brings out the themes of the story in the best way possible.
A Screenplay to Remember
Still from MQuest Ventures
If the stacked cast of performers wasn’t enough to get you interested, then the strength of the writing might convince you otherwise. The screenplay for Manila’s Finest was written by Michiko Yamamoto (Magnifico, Zombadings) Moira Lang (Patay na si Hesus, Smaller and Smaller Circles), and Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Imburnal, Salvage). With a powerhouse trio of writers, it’s unexpected that the film’s screenplay would exhibit such restraint.
While the irony is ever-present with how the police officers casually cross the line in their daily dealings, the slow descent into Martial Law in a changing landscape is what the film is really about. It’s a thought-provoking piece that feels relevant to this day despite being about something that happened over 50 years ago.
Every Frame a Painting
Still from MQuest Ventures
Raymond Red has been a force in the film industry for over 4 decades, and his works speak for themselves. Every frame of Manila’s Finest is imbued with his undeniable energy, from the painterly blocking, to the intentional framing, and even the stylized lighting, angles, and camera movements. Each shot serves the story being told and tells a gorgeous yet tragic tale.
At the end of the day, Manila’s Finest might not be for everyone. It’s rife with tension bubbling just under the surface, with bits and pieces of action that progress the story. And while the technical aspects of the film are definitely superb, it’s in its exploration of the abuse of power, political unrest, and how suddenly the world can suddenly change and fall apart, that it truly shines.
SEA Wave gives Manila’s Finest 3.5 out of 5 waves. Catch it in cinemas during the Metro Manila Film Festival season and tell us what you think about it in the comments!