OTJ is a Reality Entertainment and Star Cinema production but it is far from feel-good. It takes one away on thrilling chase-and-shoot scenes across gritty Metro Manila, but its connect to the country’s social political reality is a punch in the gut. OTJ is the film for those wondering why the Philippines is what it is; why, for a democracy, we’re only furthered treaded on by the mishaps of actors turned politicians, how one woman can singlehandedly get away with pocketing billions of pesos of public funds in 10 years.
The reviews have remarked on its remarkable allusion to current events, so I won’t dwell too much on that, so I’ll just leave you with this damning quote from their politiko-villain, General Pacheco (played by Leo Martinez),
“Do you think the president, the lawmakers are running this country? Kung wala kaming mga pulis at militar, matagal nang walang demokrasya. Now we are running this country. Join us. And then maybe one day you will have your revenge…”
(Do you think the president, the lawmakers are running this country? If there were no police and military, there would be no democracy. Now we are running this country. Join us. And then maybe one day you will have your revenge.)
How much longer do we settle with the lesser evil in the hopes that our country will get better?
Disclaimer: while I am personally associated with one of the crew members of the movie, the opinions in this blog entry are entirely my own and do not reflect or represent Reality, Star, or any other authorized body. This is just me doing my part in promoting great Filipino cinema.
Catch OTJ at local cinemas near you. Click here for schedules. For those based in North America, OTJ is distributed by WellGo USA and is set to tour there in late September and October. Watch out for schedules in your local district.