This show surprised me. Production values may not be on par with Western cinema but way better and more thought out then what I usually see from the Philippines. I like this show for a variety of factors, but please don't take my word for it... Watch it yourself!
Where do I start? Is it refreshing because I'm looking at Philippine society at large on screen, not just the few select mestisa actors that I see on TV and mainstream movies? Is it engaging because there is no clear right or wrong just the consequences? Is it frightening because the reflection is too close for comfort? I can say the backdrops are close to my own experience visiting family from different socioeconomic backgrounds. It blows my mind the blatant difference in treatment depending on your status/wealth. Watching this show was also like seeing the news stories I've read unfold in front of me. I appreciated that this series denied us the comfort of offering a clear protagonist, a hero, but instead paints a picture of humanity, complete with its flaws and resilience, that happens to be in a drug fueled setting. It is what it is. See the many facets and take what you want from it. I'm looking forward to season 2!
Side note: Watching this has been great in helping me learn and practice my Tagalog. The rapping, while setting the story, was a little cringe. I've seen lots of reggae but not much rap in the Philippines. Anyway, hoping to find more stuff like this!
Where do I start? Is it refreshing because I'm looking at Philippine society at large on screen, not just the few select mestisa actors that I see on TV and mainstream movies? Is it engaging because there is no clear right or wrong just the consequences? Is it frightening because the reflection is too close for comfort? I can say the backdrops are close to my own experience visiting family from different socioeconomic backgrounds. It blows my mind the blatant difference in treatment depending on your status/wealth. Watching this show was also like seeing the news stories I've read unfold in front of me. I appreciated that this series denied us the comfort of offering a clear protagonist, a hero, but instead paints a picture of humanity, complete with its flaws and resilience, that happens to be in a drug fueled setting. It is what it is. See the many facets and take what you want from it. I'm looking forward to season 2!
Side note: Watching this has been great in helping me learn and practice my Tagalog. The rapping, while setting the story, was a little cringe. I've seen lots of reggae but not much rap in the Philippines. Anyway, hoping to find more stuff like this!