Stark Lives, Stark Lens: Restlessness and Realism in Brillante Mendoza's 'Ma'Rosa'

Known for his politically potent cinematic works, Filipino director Brillante Mendoza wields the camera as a tool for critiquing the harrowing effects of corruption and inequity on the less affluent sectors of Philippine society. With its simple – but not simplistic – story about a family that resorts to crime to make ends meet, Ma' Rosa is no different, writes Sarah Ward.

Additional keywords:
Manila, poverty, class, drugs, meth, social realism, Jaclyn Jose, Asian cinema.