beallen-49754 In general, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The plot was well developed and kept the watcher engaged in the film. This film was unlike traditional American films, which was very refreshing to watch. It helped to give another perspective on the world and especially third world countries. This film discussed issues such the roles of women and crime in the Philippines. In the end, Oscar has to make a difficult decision in order to save his family and he ends up giving up his life for his family to have a better life. If I were in his shoes I think it would be hard to make a decision, but knowing my sacrifice will help my family live the life they deserve I would also give up my life. Overall, This movie is a must watch due to the fact that it gives you a different perspective on the world and has and intricate and interesting plot that keeps the watcher on the edge of their seat.

sgali-51589 Metro Manila is a film about a military veteran and his family that move to Manila after failing to eke out a living farming rice in the Banaue province. The move to Manila seems like the best option as they hope to find work to support two children. Manila seems magical at first, the city lights, and so many people. The young daughter asks if one of the beautiful buildings is where people go when they die (heaven). Unfortunately the move is beset with problems, from falling for a rental scam and losing all of their savings to various other problems in finding employment. The young couple soon find themselves living in a slum and realize that the move to Manila may be a big mistake.The character I want to discuss is the Oscar the father and military vet that is eventually hired as an armored truck driver. He is portrayed as a simple and honest man. He is very hard working and dedicated to providing for his family. His veteran status is what gets him in the door for the job interview as an armored truck driver. His coworkers laugh when they find out that he was a farmer (city life vs rural life). Oscar is a desperate man, but hopeful. He is later placed into an even more desperate situation, feeling obligated to his supervisor and friend who drags him into a doomed plot. Oscar is pulled in two directions (yin yang, good/evil). Oscar is a moral man, but his ideals are tested in the desperate situation he is in. Opposite Oscar is the supervisor Ong. At first Ong seems generous and caring. He gives Oscar hints on how to get the job and also feeds and clothes Oscar (advances on his first paycheck). Ong however has ulterior motives. He is not a moral man. He keeps a mistress on the side. He seems professional, but then we find out that he is an opportunist and is grooming Oscar for a criminal plot (manipulation). This film shows the dichotomy in life in Metro Manila as well as that of the Philippines. The city is large, but the individual so small. The city can be beautiful at times and yet also ugly. The provinces can be simple and peaceful, but the family witnesses a kidnapping on the streets of Manila (violence and complications). In the city, there are large malls, filled with nice things to buy, but there are the poor people that can't afford to shop in these stores. There are nice buildings but there are also a lot of people living in nearby slums. The family is from a moral and religious background, but they are forced into immoral situations (robbery plot, sexual exploitation, hostess bar work) in order to feed their family. The examples in the film are endless. From the province to the metropolis, in this film is like going from the frying pan and into the fire. A tragic tale of love, family, and the sacrifices (and risk) people will take in order to provide for their children. These themes are well known in Philippine cinema.Charpentier, M., Ellis, S. (Producers), Ellis, S. (Director). (2013) Metro Manila Motion Picture. Philippines/United Kingdom: Chocolate Frog Films

Marc Jose Suter great mirroring of the social problems in the Philippine's,a dark ride into a heavy drama ,corruption criminality poverty all is in the cake,and i don't want spoil anything,just watch this great movie and get drowned into the mind games and suffering of the Philippine's escpialy in manila, Sean Ellis made a great job at directing,great cinematography shots and the great soundtrack....the actors been amazing, the cast is truly well chosen,Jake macapagal did play very on point,as well as althea vega,john arcilla is the type of filipino u don't want encounter, hes the perfect villain in this gem and plays it out the ryt way... give this movie a chance...and hey manila is a rough place...

marcvalenzuela This film titled 'Metro Manila' sure caught me by surprise upon hearing of how the Philippines is way different from that of the stateside. To speak briefly as a Filipino-American, I felt proud to see such a movie show the country where my family's roots originated. Not to mention how the city of Manila can be manipulative if you're not careful or not familiar at all to its foreign customs.Back to the movie, the plot of an impoverished man named Oscar Ramirez bringing his family away from their rural home and into the more modernized area of the Philippines is a big change for them. Despite being in a new surrounding, it isn't easy for Oscar to get around much since the people there can be rough and the area is not familiar much with him. It then changes when he finds a prosperous job, but is unaware that his workplace might not be all what it seems.British filmmaker Sean Ellis sure did an impressive job directing and revealing the Philippines in its imperfect, but purposeful glory. My mindset had me thinking it was a form of documentary, but that was not the case. About fifteen to twenty minutes into the movie, it slowly started to remind me of the 2008 film 'Slumdog Millionaire' in terms of an impoverished individual who tries to make something of himself and prove he's not worthless. Except in the latter, director Danny Boyle was exploring India that was based on a book about class barriers being broken by children of the slums. But in 'Metro Manila,' a married man with family is trying to build up from his derelict lifestyle, much like Slumdog's lead Jamal, but with purposes different from the latter. Overall, the movie felt moving, thrilling, and complex yet intriguing at the same time. I've visited the Philippines in my childhood more than once and one things for sure, among the many cousins and relatives I have that live there, we pretty much stick together like a big family. For Oscar willing to move ahead in life, even through the most dire of consequences, what matters to him the most above all is his family. I can relate to that and I recommend this movie not just for its culture or ethnic background, but such morals can exist anywhere in the world regardless of who you are or where you're from.