Score: 3.06
12 Ratings
Genre: Documentary
Synopsis: Follows three Marias as they travel to search out the truth and fight for justice in the midst of the Philippines’ dwindling civic and democratic space, which encourages a culture of impunity.
Director & Writer: She Andes
Reviews/Notes:
“Maria is a powerful documentary that is indeed chilling and sometimes hard to watch. It works with its intention to document the realities and effects of Extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.” (Read more)
– Bernard Santos, My Movie World (4/5)“Maria sheds some light on the seemingly never-ending fight for justice for all the EJK victims of the Duterte Regime through the stories of three Marias, one who lost hope, one who brought hope and one who will always be hoping.” (Read more)
– Jun Mendoza (3.5/5)“Maria is one of the most important films to watch this year: albeit flawed, it is a potent reminder to ourselves that the struggle for what is right does not end with any single loss, nor does evil go away on its own.” (Read more)
– John Tawasil, Present Confusion (3.25/5)“While the film feels complete, there is missed opportunity here in going much deeper – especially from a woman’s perspective, with this War on Drugs. Other personalities could have made this more potent (but it does destroy the conceit of the film if taken that path). Dr. Fortun is the most fascinating.” (Read more)
– Vinson Gabato (3/5)“A superb editing by Benjamin Tolentino made the first Cinemalaya documentary emotionally striking when it focused on the two Marias who suffered from losing their loved ones because of the brutal war on drugs.”
– Roy Narra (2.5/5)