Balota

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.

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.

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. 💙

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.

Balota is a cinematic triumph, anchored by Marian Rivera's most compelling performance to date, cementing her status as the Philippines' premiere actress. Her nuanced portrayal resonates deeply, drawing raw emotion from the audience. The film's social commentary is sharp yet gracefully delivered, never veering into preachiness. Will Ashley and Royce Cabrera deliver standout performances, adding depth to the ensemble's already formidable presence. This is a profoundly moving and essential work for 2024, offering a story so vital and beautifully executed that it left me ugly crying at countless moments. Every bit of it demands to be seen, felt, and remembered.