Skip to main content

Movie Review: Third World Romance

Is “love” enough to survive the romance in a third-world realm?

Being happy is simple, but it can’t be for some if the social and economic challenges are on the nose.

You may already see this type of genre in other foreign or local movies/series, but if you’re into good acting and script, Third World Romance is a treat to watch.

Firstly, Charlie Dizon proves her acting prowess once again in this social realist film helmed by Dwein Ruedas Baltazar.

Proceed with caution: Spoilers zone!

Alongside his reel/real partner, Carlo Aquino, both play as blue-collar workers; cashier (Charlie) and grocery bagger (Carlo).

Charlie’s character is Britney Gatmaitan or simply “Bree” whom she has a tight-knit relationship with, is an outspoken lass, then Carlo is Alvin “Vin” Tolentino, who happens to be the laid-back guy.

Fate brings them together where nothing comes in an instant or free and have to work one’s a$$ off to survive.

In a post-pandemic setting, the classic meet-cute is the film’s opening where Bree unconsciously drags Alvin while both are in queue to receive the government’s ayuda (aid) – unfortunately – the ayuda-giving stops because of a sudden downpour.  They chase the vehicle by enlisting the help of a local trike (tricycle) driver and plan to steal the ayuda. For Bree, it’s not stealing because they deserve to receive them as taxpayers and the local government unit seemingly hoards them, too.

More than just a Love/Romance Story

Cut to where Vin helps Bree land a job in a local grocery where he works and is adored by his colleagues and his male supervisor, but exploits the employees’ labor rights. As their romance and connection develop, financial insecurity and anxiety get in Bree’s way later on; affecting his good-natured relationship with Vin. While Vin assures her that he’s her ride-or-die partner, one viral incident happens during their working shifts that tests their love and trust for each other.

Its Social Relevance

What makes this movie gripping is how it shows the harsh reality of those who are on the fringes of society (nasa laylayan ng lipunan) – taken for granted, disadvantaged, and overlooked. Dialogues are punchy and vexing, especially when Bree can’t stomach anymore their supervisor’s lies and deceits when it comes to labor practices.

SHE IS THE MOMENT!

Charlie delivers – from her facial expressions and her soliloquy – so astoundingly good! No wonder she snagged the 2024 Gawad Urian Best Actress award.

Like in her 2020 movie, Fan Girl (she won her first Best Actress in FAMAS and other award-giving bodies), Charlie effortlessly kills in her string of expletives -- I AM SATISFIED! PUTANG INA TALAGA!


I also want to bring up that some of the shots from the film add a riveting experience, and the side characters are a joy to watch.

So…

Let me end this by saying MABUHAY ANG MANGGAGAWANG PILIPINO! F*ck the corrupt system and crooked leaders!

"Para sa mga walang wala na. Para sa mga taong nagpapagaan ng bigat ng kupal na mundong 'to. Para sa ating lahat."

Catch Third World Romance on Netflix.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Resist Their Attempts to “Ground” You: Embrace Your Wicked Self

 If you've spent your life as a misunderstood outcast and always challenged traditional notions of good and evil, yet you are still an empathetic and deeply compassionate soul, you are a variant of "Elphaba Thropp." Wicked is based on the Broadway musical, story of the Witches of Oz: Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of The West was originally adapted from a novel, The Wizard of Oz , but reimagined. Both witches explore their complex friendship until some twist of events leads to Elphi’s vilification. Wicked is a beloved work of art for a dear friend of mine, who has shared how it profoundly changed his life and perspectives. When he encouraged me to watch the movie, I agreed, even though I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The strength of the movie lies in the performances of the lead actors -- the chemistry between Ariana Grande (Galinda/Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba/Elphi) serves as the emotional core of the story. The visuals and produ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Halcyon days in Palawan

It’s been a year since my friends and I planned to have a vacation trip to Puerto Prinsesa in Palawan . Then last May of this year, we availed the nine promo tickets from Air Philippines that only cost 700+php back and forth (Manila to Palawan/ Palawan to Manila).  Our departure was Sept. 23-29, 2010 and we were pretty excited for this trip because all of us were first-timers to visit the beautiful province of Palawan. Months have passed but three of my friends were not allowed to take a vacation leave at their work and some of them weren’t also allowed by their parents. So we’re only six in the group and still, we decided to push this one through.  Palawan is such a wonderful place and I can’t refuse this chance of a lifetime of visiting the province they called the Last Frontier . I heard a lot of good comments and reviews about Palawan and I can’t wait to see and experience it for myself.   ( Credits: google.com for this image ) We arrived there at three o’clo...
2 comments
Read more

You’re my favorite (Gin) King/ Weekend Warrior

It’s already been two weeks since the news circulated all over the internet particularly on the sports page of the newspaper, news sports program and PBA Sports that Sunday Salvacion is not a Gin king anymore. At first, I don’t have any idea about the trade issue because I haven’t received any texts from my friends in Ginebra. Then I opened my Facebook account and looked at Itay Sunday’s (Yes, we fondly called him Itay and her wife as Inay Chin because they treated their fans as one of their “anakis”...) wall/ profile in FB and I read some wall posts about the trade issue. Most of his fans were deeply saddened on his departure in Ginebra and others were saying good luck in his new team which is the Barako Bull. They assured Itay that whatever happens, their support is 101% guaranteed. According to some news, Itay’s contract in Ginebra was already expired and the management didn’t renew his contract and decided to bring him up in Barako Bull. When I heard this news, it may sound...
2 comments
Read more