The stars and director of "Moro." Josh Mercado 

Watching a Brillante Mendoza film is like attending a few hours of masterclass. 

What makes his movies so uniquely "Brillante" is his choice of actors --he made Coco Martin a "masahista," tapped the late actress Jaclyn Jose to play a drug reseller, and booked the Superstar Nora Aunor for "Thy Womb." 

In his latest movie "Moro," Mendoza casts Piolo Pascual, Baron Geisler, Christopher de Leon, and Laurice Guillen -- who equally deliver career-best performances you'll never forget. 

Despite their differences in style, the four actors complement each other well, allowing their characters to create screen moments together. 

"Sa totoo lang, ang pinakamalaking challenge sa production ay 'yung pagsama-samahin sila. Siyempre puro malalaking artista. But we were able to manage,” said the award-winning director. 

Piolo is profoundly moving 

According to the Kapamilya actor, it’s not intentional that he gets to portray meatier roles now. 

"No matter how small or big your role is, ang sarap nung pakiramdam na kasama ka sa isang mensahe. Wala talaga sa laki ng role 'yan," he said. 

In "Moro," Pascual's expressive eyes convey a message of pain, strength, and love. His performance resonates even in the silent, humble scenes.

"Kailangan mong ma-realize 'yung pain na pinagdadaanan ng tao. Para panoorin mo ang isang pelikula na ganito, kailangan mo mag-invest ng emotion," he shared. 

Baron is an award-worthy actor

Geisler is a gifted actor, offering passionate acting in the Netflix movie. What makes him stand out as an artist is his versatility, with film critics always praising him.

He brings the viewers closer to his character Abdel as the vulnerable man behind the strong surface. 

"Ang bida talaga rito ay ang story. It's not the actors. We're just being used as tools to convey the message. And we're grateful na naipahiwatig namin sa inyo," he told the media.

Christopher never misses

Though his role is short, it's remarkable. The veteran actor plays the father of Pascual and Geisler, who tells Jasim to take care of their family before he dies. 

With few speaking lines, De Leon's body language is on point. You'll feel his presence and his impact as an actor without the need to speak. 

Laurice never disappoints 

Guillen, celebrated for her compelling portrayals in films, delivers another nuanced performance. She plays a loving mother who attempts to reconcile Jasim (Pascual) and Abdel (Geisler). 

"It's unity ng buong pamilya. The pain that is caused by division. If we're going to make a positive statement, conflicts can be settled peacefully and not through violence," she said.

The veteran actress' portrayal anchors the film, making her character's internal journey both relatable and poignant. She just never disappoints. 

"Ang hirap. Ang daming challenges. Unang-una 'yung language. What I did was I asked the [language] coach how to say it, anong pronunciation, and I recorded myself and I practiced it over and over again," Guillen on how she prepared for her role.

"Moro," which is now streaming on Netflix, also stars Beauty Gonzalez, Joel Torre, Nikki Valdez, Felix Roco, Ina Feleo, Alvin Anson, Rolando Inocencio, Dido Dela Paz, Kirst Viray, and Onyl Torres. 

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