BALIW - written, produced, directed by Redd Ochoa

If you would like to see the finest Filipino movie that ever came out this year, catch BALIW. I saw this movie with my friend last week and I was quite impressed with its unique approach in every aspect of it. Most of us are so stuck in dealing with local cinema that gives us fantasy movies that doesn't deal with real life. Yes, it is an escape from the everyday ritual here in the PHilippines...but come on...MULAWIN the movie? SUPER NOYPI? SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL? And the effects are not even that good. If you can't do them all the way, don't do them at all. That's my philospy. Who wants to see strings while the person is suppose to be "flying". We have gotten so used to all this mumbo jumbo crap that we don't even let any room in for great indie films like Maximo, Kubrador, and most recently Redd Ochoa's BALIW. I hate it when I hear that these movies make good money overseas. Overseas? What about here? The movie is in Tagalog, why does it do well in North America or Europe? I don't get it. It's because we are all so used to the same old routine of fantasies, love stories that are the same, but different actors. We buy that. We don't like the idea of taking risks. We don't like the idea of being different. The Lino Brockas of our country should be emerging now, instead, they are halted by pure politics that also exists, if not pertinent, in the entertainment industry here in the Philippines. They are walled in and never given a chance. It gives a whole meaning to the words independent film. Yes, it is independent.... Because you are by yourself!

What I love about our indie groups though is that they still continue to topple that brass wall of red tape. They stand their ground and keep producing these indie films for the public. Might it be successful or not. They are breaking the stereotype. And I say more power to them!

BALIW has that quality. First time have I ever seen realism at its finest. It is violent, but it is nothing different from watching your 6 oclock news. The only difference is, it has a beginning, middle, and an end. Now, some of you might get confused by it because you are not use to those stages, but do yourself a favor and for the first time....take a risk and absorb. A simple,honest, strong movie.

BALIW is showing 'til the 29th of May at Robinson's Galleria. After that, who knows who will put a wall in front of it. That's life here in our country. Survival of the fittest.

Peace.