"Manila's Finest" [2025]

"Tayong mga pulis, araw-araw nating nakikita ang kalat, gulo, kasalanan ng mundo. Kung gusto natin magbago ang Maynila, kailangan manggaling sa atin ang pagbabago." - Epifanio Javier

Film

Piolo Pascual, Enrique Gil, Ashtine Olviga,

Rica Peralejo, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, Cedrick Juan, Romnick Sarmenta, 

Rico Blanco

Written by: Moira Lang, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Michiko Yamamoto

Directed by: Raymond Red

MQuest Ventures, Cignal, Spring Films

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RATING: ⭐⭐⭐ .5 / 5

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NON-SPOILER REVIEW

SYNOPSIS:

The narrative follows Captain Homer Magtibay, portrayed by Piolo Pascual, and his partner Lieutenant Billy Ojeda, played by Enrique Gil. Assigned to maintain order in a city affected by gang conflicts and corruption, the two officers navigate cases that expose the challenges faced by law enforcement during that era. Their partnership serves as the central framework of the story as they confront both external threats and internal pressures within the system. [Source: CinemaBravo]

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STORY:

After reflecting on how I felt about this film, I realized that I was somewhat conflicted about its main objective. On one hand, Manila’s Finest presents a clear premise: a group of policemen investigating a series of murders involving teenage gangs during the late 1960s to early 1970s. However, based on my viewing experience, the film also introduces multiple narrative threads that occasionally cause this central plot to lose focus.

The film has strong potential to be truly great, but there were moments where I found myself asking, “What is the main objective again?” That said, I wouldn’t say it is a bad movie. Whether the story was inspired by real individuals or purely drawn from the director’s imagination, it remains a bit ambitious in scope.

Fortunately, what undeniably worked in its favor were the characters, the commendable production design, and the well-executed visual effects, all of which elevated the overall viewing experience.

CHARACTERS:

Piolo Pascual delivers another compelling performance as Homer Magtibay. I was immediately drawn to his emotional depth, and it reaffirmed how well this type of role suits his strengths as an actor. One particular emotional moment highlighted his brilliance and years of experience. Story-wise, I appreciated that the film didn’t portray him as a flawless hero, his imperfections made his character more relatable and grounded.

Enrique Gil (as Billy Ojeda), was given one of his strongest roles. While I felt that his facial expressions were somewhat limited for most of the film, he managed to redeem himself toward the latter part. The character itself was well-written, though the execution could have been stronger.

Ashtine Olviga (Agnes Magtibay) started off fine, but her performance felt lacking as the story progressed.

Joey Marquez (Rogelio Liwanag) was largely forgettable, while Romnick Sarmenta (Severino Meneses) felt underutilized, given his capabilities.

Ariel Rivera (Conrad Belarmino) and Dylan Menor (Efren Taguyunon) were effective in their roles, with Dylan in particular showing strong potential for future projects.

Rica Peralejo, portraying Yolly Magtibay, was also effective and convincing, especially considering this marks her return to film after many years away from the limelight.

Cedrick Juan (Danilo Abad) and Paulo Angeles (Remen) stood out among the supporting cast. Cedrick Juan’s menacing presence, especially through his eyes and line delivery felt authentic and intimidating. Paulo Angeles impressed with his raw emotional performance, easily placing him among the strongest supporting actors in the film.

Rico Blanco’s portrayal of Epifanio Javier was another highlight. His unpredictable performance was unexpected yet effective, proving that he could convincingly take on such a character despite being more widely known as a musician.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

The camera work was solid, particularly the wide shots that showcased the environments where the characters moved and interacted. These shots helped establish the film’s setting and atmosphere effectively.

TECHNICAL:

The special effects were well done, even if some moments made it clear they were not entirely realistic. The color grading stood out, with its yellowish hues effectively evoking the late 1960s to early 1970s, making the audience feel transported to that era.

The props and costumes were thoughtfully curated, and nothing felt out of place or distracting from the period setting. The music selection was well-chosen, and its placement throughout the film enhanced its artistic presentation. Sound design was also solid and supported the narrative effectively.

In terms of production design, the film succeeded in capturing the era convincingly from signages to lighting which adds authenticity to the overall visual experience.

LESSON:

In a time when public distrust toward law enforcement is prevalent, the film highlights that there are still individuals within the force who remain faithful to their oath. While it may be easier for some to adapt to a corrupt system for convenience, others choose to go the extra mile in pursuit of justice. These individuals often become victims of a deeply flawed system that undermines their honor and integrity.

CONCLUSION:

If I were to compare this film to a dish, it would be one made with many excellent ingredients. Unfortunately, when combined, not all of them blend as seamlessly as one would hope. Still, Manila’s Finest shows immense potential and room for growth. With a clearer narrative focus, it could have easily reached greater heights.

Manila's Finest is an official entry for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival that runs from December 25, 2025 to early January 2026.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oidarffXdl4