Brillante Mendoza’s second neo-realist film in the festival this year, SLINGSHOT is a frenetic, impressionistic and cynical plunge into the hustle of a Tondo barangay. In contrast to the solemn intimacy of FOSTER CHILD, here we scramble along, via handheld shots, after an ensemble cast struggling to get through lives gripped by poverty and corruption. This movie deftly avoids the broad portrayals that would easily polarize an audience toward characters facing such heavy moral dilemmas; though the movie advances so persistently, it’s not hard to miss that there are dilemmas. Even when they behave inexcusably, the specificity of their problems has a humanizing authenticity that’s natural and relatable. The drama seems effortless and without the manipulation and self-indulgence that’s ravaged Hollywood proper.

I’m looking forward to more from this director.

Last Modified : June 29th, 2008 Filed under : LAAPFF 2008, Movies Navigate : Previous post / Next post