Warning: This is such a palpably great review of the movie. If you were not satisfied with the movie, don't scroll your screen down because you won't like what you are about to read. But if you were, feel free to read. Enjoy!
One of, if not the most brilliant movie ever made for the past fifty years, On the Job is indeed a ray beaming from the light of hope for the Philippine cinema. Star-studded cast creating a very stellar characters who sure make their mark to the viewers. I applaud Mr. Joel Torre for delivering an exquisite internalization, bringing into life the disturbing truth about life in jail excellently, seemingly telling us that the most dangerous person out there is the one who has nothing to lose. The lines are also excellent, and I am struck the most with Joey Marquez's line towards the end translating the reality of governance here in the Philippines: "Anong tingin niyo sa mga sarili niyo, 'Diyos'?" It's like a ball hit right into the ballpark.
THUMBS UP — 1. Cinematography: The production makes the effort of rolling quality picture for such an outstanding story. The film is indeed an exhibition of impeccable story-telling, using new techniques on the usual multi-camera point-and-shoot production. 2. Scenes: Am I watching a Hollywood action film? Some of the scenes show the real urban life in Manila. It's about time to take advantage of these locations for a much truthful execution of such motions in an action movie. Some of the roads and plazas are quite familiar to us urbanistas, right? And I know the technologies we have today for film making are not as high as the one used in let's say, The Fast and the Furious. On the Job's producers may have shed millions of pesos or use whatever they have to create scenes as bold and moving. Either way, I am beyond impressed. Salute to the production crew. 3. Story: Are you fed up with the typical Pinoy love story shown on silver screens? Watch On the Job. A breathe of fresh air, the film depicts a rather sensitive issues about politics, may it be in or out of the prison. The story immerses the viewers to what the realities these kinds of people are going through. The integration of manipulative minds, be it either a politician with higher education or a helpless convict with no other resort than revenge, makes the movie, just like the mainstream youth would say, 'mind-blowing'. It's a reflection of our society, with each and one of us retaliating manipulation and deception against each other to move ourselves forward, ahead, not knowing it also hurts us one way or another, little by little — like a two-edged sword. 4. Twists: The movie shows foreshadowing at first, only to break it at the end, shattering what could be in the viewers' minds the whole running time of the film. I definitely did not see the scene between Torre and Gerald Anderson towards the end coming. And the ending, brilliant! They make it open-ended, which is always fun because it leaves the audience a question as they walk out of the theatre wanting, asking, begging for more. 'What will he do with that? Is he going to finish it? Is he or is he not part of the gang?' With that alone, one can say that the movie is brilliantly crafted.
THUMBS DOWN: Most people who have seen the film would be like, "Is there any?" Well for me, the title itself maybe? Hmmm... and maybe it is its soundtrack, but who cares? It's just me. Truth is, I just couldn't find a single flaw of the movie. I am not being an expert here though. The film is so fine that nobody won't give a single darn fudge about its "flaws". The musical scoring is good by the way, adding spice to scenes, transitions, and story telling.
I believe On the Job is just the first of so many excellent movies to be produced. Proudly Filipino. It deserves the recognition it has received and been receiving as of the moment, physical awards or great reviews (just like this entry maybe). It may even be nominated for an Oscar. Who knows. But the important matter is how well it will be recognized here in the Philippines. Because if it doesn't, the lightbeam of hope for the Philippine silver screens will be gone so soon that the theaters would go back to rolling films of cheesy love stories and oh-so-rough gay-themed indies. On the Job steps it up, and it shows us how it is done. Ever dearest filmmakers, it's time to level thy game or even surpass the greatness of this movie.
Kudos to the production, cast, and its director Mr. Erik Matti. My hat's tipped, I stand on my feet and applaud you. Bravo!
Photo credit: Star Cinema and Reality Entertainment Productions