Filipino action movies often get a bad rep amongst the viewing pvblic.
Whether it be from years of poorly shot scenes, bad acting or cringe-worthy dialogue, there’s this lingering stigma that the genre is trying its damnest to shake off.
But if ‘The Trigonal: Fight For Justice’ is any indication, the future of the Filipino action films is looking pretty sweet – and badass.
‘The Trigonal: Fight for Justice’ follows Jacob Casa (Ian Ignacio), a mixed martial artist who is forced to compete in an underground fight club after he and his wife (Rhian Ramos) are caught in the schemes of a notorious drug lord.
Directed by Vincent Soberano, who’s also part of the cast, the film is the first Filipino martial arts film in almost a decade and recently debuted at the Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews.
The Cast is Cool
The flick features some solid acting thanks to lead star Ian Ignacio’s theater background as well as a slew of veteran artists in Epy Quizon, Levi Ignacio and Monsour Del Rosario.
However, the main point of praise is Direk Soberano’s decision to cast real-life martial artists.
Ian Ignacio has won multiple medals in Tae Kwon Do competitions while Sarah Chang, who plays Mei Li in the film, is a world Wushu champion. These actors have all the required skill sets to pull off the authentic feel of a legit martial arts film.
Speaking of which…
The Action is Nuts
For so long, action flicks, including international ones, have been plagued with shaky cam and annoying jump cuts in an effort to hide the shortcomings of its lead actors.
‘The Trigonal’ manages to keep all of those to a minimum, opting for realistic fight sequences that will make your jaw drop, thanks in large part, to the capabilities of its cast.
Heck, even Rhian Ramos, who isn’t a competitive fighter by any means, manages to make her fight scenes look believable.
The Story is Self-Aware
Given its setting (man takes on a drug lord and an underground fight club), the story could’ve easily tackled social and political issues underneath its chaotic exterior like so many films before it.
‘The Trigonal’ smartly avoids being pretentious and instead, owns up to what it truly is: a fun, brutal, and action-filled romp at the theaters.
And hey, if you still don’t believe us, you could just ask the pvblic yourself.
‘The Trigonal: Fight For Justice’ is out in theaters now.
