Balota

Like Love Child, Balota yearns to be comprehensible-perhaps a little too much. It grapples with old political themes in the country and proclaims them boldly-and rightly so. But from a creative lens, it suffers in its obviousness.

It also bleeds from an inconsistent script-at times a satire, then a noir piece, and finally, a callback to trite confrontational endings.

The creative intent is clearly there, but it always feels half-baked. There's too much telling and not enough showing, leaving no room for subtlety. Forgive my frustration.

I can sympathize with the cause the film wholeheartedly craves. I also thought Marian Rivera carried much of the weight-her superb performance became the film's strongest redeeming light, guiding it through to the end.

The movie is electrifying to the bones and my soul oh oh oh my soul. I love the message, I hope the government too. I like the everything but the government. I don't hope anymore for the betterment of the system politically. Even so with these intricate and meticulous details, nothing and no one will change. It's just a dream yeah sana all. That's why I will vote no one in the upcoming election char. I hope all of us do...not vote hhahahah. Yeah because politics and governance nowadays is business for crocodiles. Yeah so I will change my rate if there's an impeachment to happen and a change in the system. Yeah that's all. Happy vashing qqqqqq.

Yeah #boycott the government. No more hypnosis but paralysis char.

Like Sound of Freedom, it is known why a man wants to fight against human traffickers in the world and even the Philippines, by rescuing their children back to their parents. It is what you get here about Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) and that is why the movie is non-political and considering Jim Caviezel's portrayal about Ballard is an example of separating the art from the artist.

While the 2024 presidential season is approaching in the United States, and the Philippine Midterms is coming in 2025, the movie "BALOTA" shows, why this Cinemalaya film considered as the election movie of the year.

"BALOTA" shows Emmy (Marian Rivera) holding the last ballot box to protect it from stealers and it is what she needs it to protect the election integrity by keeping the ballot box.

"BALOTA", is considered as the "SOUND of FREEDOM" of elections. This is what it should be a "wake-up call" for Filipinos and even Americans, who will vote for in the 2024 US presidential elections, and the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, respectively.

Balota stays focused on its central theme, offering an informed look at election scheming from the past-one that, I believe, remains rampant today. Its depiction of corruption is both unsettling and necessary, and once the story zeroes in on Teacher Emmy, it never lets go. The tension is gripping.

However, the film holds back from fully embracing a grittier tone, despite the opportunity. The ending also feels too intent on driving its message home, when a more subtle approach would have been more powerful.

Overall, it's an effective and thought-provoking election drama. Marian shines as Teacher Emmy, supported by a strong cast. I just wish the film had leaned into a darker tone-if it had, it would have been even more impactful.

Feeling lucky to have seen both the Cinemalaya and mainstream edits of Balota. While the mainstream version seems slightly tailored for the masses, the differences aren't major-just a deleted scene and some changes in the musical scoring.

Now, I'm not saying this just because I'm a Marian Rivera fan, but this is truly her best performance ever. She had so many powerful moments in the film, and I got goosebumps, especially during the heartbreaking scene where she thought her son is killed. I even shed a few tears. Her Cinemalaya Best Actress award is so well-deserved, and I hope more accolades come her way. So proud of my idol!

The movie brilliantly blends comedy and thriller, delivering a political satire that feels timely and relatable. While some might interpret it as mocking politicians (with plenty of real-life parallels, lol), it actually reflects the harsh realities of every election-vote-buying, violence, and Filipinos constantly voting for the unqualified. Paulit-ulit na lang, when will we learn?

While Balota may not surpass the box-office success of Rewind, its true purpose is to send a strong message. This film's purpose is not just to entertain, but to inspire change, raise awareness, and remind us that our collective voice, our vote, is the greatest tool for shaping the future of our nation. The hope our country needs doesn't lie in politicians but in us, the Filipino people. The power to change is in our hands. If we vote wisely, we can contribute to the greater good, making the true victory far more meaningful than any box-office hit.

Please watch Balota. 💙