Drumbeat

The slums of Manila function as a lively and intense location for a series of successful Filipino feature films. This latest film by the young and very productive director Adolfo Alix Jr. fits in that list, but distinguishes itself through its idiosyncratic approach. For instance the film is nearly all shot in black & white, apart from a few bloody colourings. In addition, he allowed his film to be carried by three fairly young actors. The 14-year-old protagonist Jason is movingly and beautifully played by Jiro Manio. When he was even younger, Manio acted in Maryo de los Reyes’ film Magnifico. Jason is a talented percussionist. He dreams of having his own drum kit so he can play in a band. The problem is that Jason is not only growing up in a slump, as a result of which his dream is pretty unattainable, but he also has a good and sensitive nature. These are not characteristics which help keep your hard earned savings yourself in this environment, because there are always pirates on the lookout. For instance his brother Billy (Coco Martin) gets his girlfriend pregnant and his mother is having yet another baby. The friend and profiteer Pablo (Sid Lucero) also needs money.
The story is told in restless fragments with the rhythm of a drum solo. The film has a subtle soundtrack inspired by drums that was made by the film maker Khavn De La Cruz. (GjZ)

• 

• 

•