Casting and characterization: Who are the perfect personalities to cast in a movie themed with rap and poetry but the modern rappers themselves, right? Loonie delivered in his acting, Abra is a revelation, he can actually act and with his height he really looked like high school kid haha. I think no one's miscast, they justified the character they portrayed. I like how their characters were not explicitly introduced which is a hurdle to most movies. Some movies do it so obvious that it's cringing me. Here, you'll get to know their characters based on their words and actions. The progression of their characters are actually simple but I think it is necessary in the story. 5.0/5.0 Plot and execution: Initially, I thought this is a Fliptop-themed-chase-your-dreams-good-vibes-8-mile type of movie but it's actually not. The whole movie has a well-thought out plot with webs of seemingly isolated issues but nevertheless entangled and brought them together in one big crucible. Well, if you are a Fliptop fan, this is a huge plus. I really like how rapping through Fliptop battle has shifted from the 'story' into a 'device' in the movie. The movie juxtaposed the old and modern way of wordwars and poetry without condescending either generations rather they were seamlessly related and linked to man's art to express his/her emotions. While at the same time parallels the story of two polarizing characters. The setting may initially imply as another poverty porn movie but I think it is necessary to the material. It is actually a feast of conflict - informal vs formal, the learned vs the ignorant, old vs young, irony - old meets young but the former cannot move forward while the latter wants to escape his youth, metaphors - pages, books, & stone, and play of words - narration using poetry. Also, since it's a poverty porn, drugs will always be involved, but I think it is necessary to execute an event in the story, and it was revealed eventually. I had a lot of questions and I could feel it was nearing the end, I could already sense some plotholes and what-could-have-beens but wow, all were eventually answered. Epic ending. 5.0/5.0 Script and lines: Realistic lines, witty lines, poetic lines and literary lines. The script is gem especially during the conflict scene of the two protagonists. Here, two polar worlds are also illustrated through Fliptop battle and Balagtasan. Quite a good tap to remind us of appreciating Filipino poetry. I also like the cameo of the literary rockstar. 5.0/5.0 Key message: There are two key messages: First, people need literature and poetry. Literature's not dead, and it continues to evolve. Second, learn to forgive yourself so you can move forward. Overall: It's a parallel story of despair and finding hope to survive between two polar characters, but both of them converge in one passion, conflict, and resolution. The movie is rich in poetry- old and modern. If you're a fan of Fliptop you must definitely watch it, it's a visual feast. If you're into poetry, you must also watch it. You'll feel how words of poets are not merely words but alphabetized emotions. It's somehow a light dystopic movie as conveyed in the mood, shots, and lighting but it won't drag your mood down. This is worth watching. You should watch it. You still have until tomorrow, Sunday to watch it. It only costs P150 (P100 if student, only available in CCP) in CCP and Ayala Cinemas per ticket. Kumbaga sa restaurant, lumabas ako ng busog, sarap na sarap sa kinain, at nagtu-toothpick pa. 5.0/5.0 EDIT: They just won Cinemalaya 2017 Best Film. #Respeto #Cinemalaya