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.

Without knowing what I was getting into, I sat down to watch the 2024 Filipino drama "Balota" (aka "Ballot"), as I was given the chance to do so here in 2025. And I figured with a rating of 6.3 here on IMDb, at the time of me watching the movie, I figured that there must be something worthwhile to the movie.

Writer and director Kip Oebanda put together a script and storyline that certainly had a lot to tell, and also showcased the corruption that is deeply embedded into the politics game of the Philippines. But at the same time, it was also a storyline that struggled to stay afloat, given its problematic pacing. And I have to say that a lot of the things that went on in the movie just felt like filler.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, except for Felix Petate, but the actors and actresses definitely put on good performances.

"Balota" is a movie that doesn't cater openly to the wider audience at large, as it is somewhat of a niche movie. You need to have a hefty interest in politics and the corruptions that stem from having the wrong men and women in seats of influence and power.

Watchable, for sure, but it wasn't a particularly entertaining movie. And it definitely is not a movie that I will ever return to watch a second time.

Now, the movie is also listed as a comedy here on IMDb, a genre that it most certainly doesn't fall into. So that was very misleading.

My rating of writer and director Kip Oebanda's 2024 movie "Balota" lands on a five out of ten stars.

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.

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.

In every frame, Marian Reverá's BALLOT proves that a vote is far more than a simple checkbox-it's the very pulse of democracy. With masterful direction and a narrative rich in raw emotion, Reverá draws us into an intimate exploration of individual power and collective change. This film artfully captures the struggles and victories of everyday citizens, illustrating how a single vote can spark a transformation that reverberates throughout communities. BALLOT is not only a cinematic masterpiece but also a stirring call to action. It challenges us to embrace our civic duty, to see each decision as a step toward a more inclusive, empowered future, and to realize that every act of participation writes a new chapter in our shared democratic story. This movie redefines what it means to be engaged in today's world, urging us to listen to the heartbeat of our society and respond with informed, passionate action.