Film Review: "Respeto"

"RESPETO"

2017 Cinemalaya Film Festival Entry

Starring:  Abra, Dido de la Paz, Nor Domingo

Screenplay: Treb Monteras II, Njel de Mesa

Directed by: Treb Monteras II

Produced by : Arkeo Films

As I was scrolling online the schedule of movies showing about two weeks ago, I figured that "Respeto" was still showing in a few Metro Manila theaters so instead of doing nothing at home one lazy Sunday afternoon, I went to Market Market to catch up with the 4:50 pm scheduled screening.  Another Filipino film, Star Cinema's "Last Night" (starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga) was still showing but I opted to watch "Respeto" instead.

"Respeto" won the Best Picture award in the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival.  I actually watched 2 festival entries, these were "Nabubulok" and "Bagahe." I missed to watch "Respeto" or let's just put it this way, I actually overlooked it and one thing, I could only watch 2 films that day.

"Ano ang mas mahalaga sa iyo?  Pera o panalo? panalo o respeto? This is just one of the catchy lines from the movie. You can watch the trailer on this link

Initially, I was given the impression that "Respeto" was all about hard core fliptop battles and hip-hop culture but it's more than just that.  It also tackled real life issues that is prevalent in our present society vis-à-vis drug trafficking, poverty, police brutality, demolitions and political inclinations (depending on which side of the fence you are). 

Abra plays the role of Hendrix, an aspiring young rapper and an orphan entangled by poverty, forced by circumstances to work as drug courier.  He engaged himself on the side, participating in underworld fliptop battles but always end up heckled and loses in the process.  Frustrated to impress and gain respect, he tried to steal ideas of an old man (played by Dido de la Paz), a reclusive poet and owner of a run-down second hand book store.  At one point, the old man confronted him for stealing his ideas but one thing lead to another, he eventually became Hendrix's mentor.  The old man is suffering from mild schizophrenia and had unsettled issues with his son who is a corrupt policeman moonlighting as a drug trafficker.   Hendix's sister and her boyfriend work for the old man's son as drug pushers; the couple stays at home most the time  and uses Hendrix as their errand boy selling prohibited drugs to their customers.  As the drug business slowed down due to looming threat from the authorities, the cop found himself under pressure; he eventually killed the couple in order to silence them from exposing his involvement in drug trafficking.  His next target was Hendrix who hid in the house of the cop's father. The movie ends in a violent but well executed scene with the furious Hendrix killing the corrupt policeman as the latter tried to leave the scene after his father stopped him for attempting to kill Hendrix.  

It is interesting to note that this is Treb Montera's debut film and given the limited budget provided by Cinemalaya, he came up with a realistic and engaging film that's all worth your money and time. A high level of acting ensemble (including participation of real life rappers) contributed to the success of the film.  The role of Hendrix fits Abra perfectly and in many instances, he was just like acting himself throughout the film being a rapper who grew up in the streets.  The movie is not perfect but it certainly gave the audience a breather amidst the series of romcom movies that is dominating the local cinema scene.

Besides the special jury award for best film, "Respeto" also yielded additional awards including best supporting actor for Dido de la Paz and technical awards (best editing, Best Cinematography and best sound).