Dukot

A corrupt government official's son is kidnapped. He struggles escape while his parents and sister try to ransom him.

This is the first movie from the Philippines I have ever seen, so all the usual national cinema markers which I might use to judge it are mysteries to me. What I am left with are a well-told story with competent and undistinguished actors. All aspects of film-making are well tended to, with competent but unspectacular camera work -- if anything it reminds me of Sidney Lumet's on-the-street guerilla works like DOG DAY AFTERNOON.

One thing I did notice about the production was the shortage of bright colors and the over lit images. Combined with a slightly under saturated print, this yielded a dreamlike, mildly nightmarish quality to the movie.

If you wish to make an acquaintance with Phillipines movies, this would make a good entry point to their cinema. I found it a worthwhile film.