A riveting tale of two hitmen
MANILA, Philippines - There is a lot in store for Filipino moviegoers when they watch Cesar Montano’s Hitman.
For one, it does away with graphic violence or for the most part, is merely hinted.
The actors turn in first-rate performances, notably Phillip Salvador and Ricky Davao; the sound engineering of Mike Idioma is superb; the music of Jessie Lasaten lives up to the action genre; and boy, the film editing is real tight and competent and the cinematography is highly commendable.
The film is actually a tale of two hitmen — one in the final phase of retirement (Salvador) and the other (Montano) taken for dead by the boss (Davao) who is the epitome of greed in the film.
An excellent case of first-rate acting in the film is the confrontation scene between Davao and Salvador while the subject of retirement pay (P10M) is discussed under the watchful eyes of their respective bodyguards. Here you see Salvador and Davao at their best with the mixture of hate, contempt, veiled greed registering with such intense but subtle bravura. Salvador and Davao dominate the film in the first part until Montano comes along, matching the intensity of the two actors.
The newcomer, leading lady Sam Pinto, essays a fairly good portrayal and so does Mark Herras who, for me, still looks too boyish for the part. Or perhaps his role is underwritten?
The supporting cast, notably Joko Diaz and Rommel Montano, complement the lead actors.
Montano wore three hats in the film as actor, co-screenwriter and director.
As screenwriter, he has to be credited for the insight on corruption in Philippine society and why people turn to killing as a means to survive. By far, this is the most refreshing part in the opening scenes of the film.
On the whole, he succeeds immensely in the writing and directing departments and manages to deliver good acting as well to match the equally sensitive portrayals of Salvador and Davao.
As I watch the film credits, I realize that Hitman is one action film worth patronizing even by those who — by choice or prejudice — don’t like action films.
In this film, the transition of the making of the Filipino action film has taken a highly positive turn.
With Hitman, it’s time we revive the action film genre in the industry.
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