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Kritikultura

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Balota

Aug 2 2024 · Cinemalaya Foundation

Generally positive reviews

Based on 17 review(s)
70

In a small town, a ruthless tycoon battles a former actor for mayor. Amid violence, teacher Emmy flees into the wilderness with crucial election results, sparking a community's fight against goons determined to sabotage the elections.

Positive16
Mixed0
Unfavorable1
Published 3 months ago
Aug 5

It perfectly captures the harsh reality of electing a politician in the Philippines, making it a relatable and emotional ride for viewers. (5/5)

100

My Movie World

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 6

Sa kabila ng mga kakulangan, hindi nawala ang hangarin ng pelikulang ito na maghatid ng mensahe. (3/5)

80

Goldwin Reviews

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 7

Marian Rivera lends her superstar power to attract the fickle Filipino moviegoers to watch a film with an important advocacy to push. (8/10)

80

Fred Said

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 10

Kip Oebanda's 'Balota' highlights the chaos of elections, politics in general, and what it does to the Filipino people. (4/5)

80

Pelikula Mania

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 4

With a comedy that's reminiscent of humor ni Vice Ganda, and the timely issue on Philippine politics, this satire of a film is definitely a winner to Filipino audiences. Balota yung tipo ng indie film na kapag ni-release sa mainstream has a high chance to perform so very well. (Maganda)

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
80

Maganda Ba?

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 5

It's easy to fall into the trap that the movie is cynical about our state of affairs, but I believe it offers a more pragmatic look at the situation at hand. (3.5/5)

70

John Tawasil

Society of Filipino Film Reviewers

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 9

While entertaining, a lot of it feels anachronistic, evoking 2020s sensibilities even though the story is set in 2007.

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
70

Brontë H. Lacsamana

BusinessWorld

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Published 3 months ago
Aug 5

A delicious mix of scathing satire and campy humor with an unexpectedly satisfying payoff. It's a fun and engaging black comedy with enough bite. (3.5/5)

70

Film Circle Reject

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 4

Though it hesitates to go all-out with the nihilism about its subject matter, Balota proves itself to still be a crowd- pleaser armed with a darkly comic yet uncomfortably timely tale and a career-best performance from Marian Rivera. (B+)

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
70

Cinegeeks

Read
Published a month ago
Oct 6

For the Western audience unacquainted with the local tropes, “Balota” will remain a potpourri of ideas that doesn’t always deliver the message it wants so passionately to bring across. [...] “Balota” is in no way a film that will stay long with you, but it is fun to watch it.

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
70

Marina D. Richter

Asian Movie Pulse

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Published 16 days ago
Oct 17

Artsy, highbrow, technically superior films have their audience, but "Balota" knows its viewers. It is speaking to them in the language they are familiar with — easily digestible and understandable, without beating around the bush.

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
70

Kathleen A. Llemit

Philstar Global

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Published 3 months ago
Aug 14

With too many plot points scattered across the film, it needed more space for any storyline to strike a chord deep enough.

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
65

Monica Chu

SINEGANG.ph

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Published 3 months ago
Aug 6

This is Marian Rivera's bravest role yet, mahusay sya dito sa pelikulang ito, a strong contender for Cinemalaya Best Actress [...] (3.5)

60

CJ Says

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Published 3 months ago
Aug 6

The movie is often funny, but as a piece of political satire, it's pretty weak. It stays on the surface of the issue, basically saying things we all already agree with. (3/5)

60

Philbert Dy

Read
Published 3 months ago
Aug 12

[...] even without the comedy, the film already works. And if we’re being honest, it would’ve been much, much better. (B)

This is a Kritikultura-assigned score
The author of this review did not provide a numerical score. Kritikultura assigned this score based on the sentiment of the review and may not accurately represent the author's verdict.
60

Paul Emmanuel Enicola

The Movie Buff

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Published 15 days ago
Oct 18

It’s surprisingly comedic [...] but it can become distracting, especially when the next scene is another character in a life-and-death situation. Make no mistake, the comedic moments are justified, but the tone could be introduced more effectively. (3/5)

60

CBO Entertainment

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Published 3 months ago
Aug 6

The film seethes with the director’s cynicism and anger; however, his comedic, hysterical and cheesy theatrical treatment dilutes what could have been a strong, impactful commentary. (2/5)

40

Stephanie Mayo

Daily Tribune

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