MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Topakk’ is a one heartstopping action ride | ABS-CBN
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MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Topakk’ is a one heartstopping action ride
Rhea Manila Santos
Published Dec 25, 2024 11:05 AM PHT
Out of all the entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, the Nathan Studios produced film Topakk claims the title of being the only full-length action film in the roster as well being the only entry with dual ratings of R-16 and R-18 (for showing in non-SM cinemas). The almost two-hour film had its grand black carpet premiere last December 19, where members of the press also got a first look at director Richard Somes’s latest work which is consistent with his love for gritty action sequences and brisk storytelling.
Out of all the entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, the Nathan Studios produced film Topakk claims the title of being the only full-length action film in the roster as well being the only entry with dual ratings of R-16 and R-18 (for showing in non-SM cinemas). The almost two-hour film had its grand black carpet premiere last December 19, where members of the press also got a first look at director Richard Somes’s latest work which is consistent with his love for gritty action sequences and brisk storytelling.
The night also marked Topakk's homecoming after making the rounds of international film festivals like the 78th Cannes Film Festival and the 76th Locarno Film Festival.
The night also marked Topakk's homecoming after making the rounds of international film festivals like the 78th Cannes Film Festival and the 76th Locarno Film Festival.
In the almost two-hour film, Arjo Atayde plays the role of Miguel, a former soldier who was discharged after experiencing a traumatic encounter while on a mission with his team. He eventually accepts work to become a night guard at a former steel mill even though he is obviously still dealing with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In the almost two-hour film, Arjo Atayde plays the role of Miguel, a former soldier who was discharged after experiencing a traumatic encounter while on a mission with his team. He eventually accepts work to become a night guard at a former steel mill even though he is obviously still dealing with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At first, Arjo’s approach to his character can be taken as coming from the nonchalant school of acting but as the story develops, his character’s inner strength and morality starts to come out, especially when he unexpectedly encounters Weng and her brother (played by Julia Montes and Kokoy de Santos respectively) in the middle of the night.
At first, Arjo’s approach to his character can be taken as coming from the nonchalant school of acting but as the story develops, his character’s inner strength and morality starts to come out, especially when he unexpectedly encounters Weng and her brother (played by Julia Montes and Kokoy de Santos respectively) in the middle of the night.
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Topakk's action sequences racked up a huge body count. Within the first five minutes of the film, they rack up a large number of casualties already. The scenes get your adrenaline pumped up for a long thrilling ride of suspense and action, with a little fear mixed in. And as the movie progresses, you’ll notice that the deaths start getting more creative (and violent), but not without good reason.
Topakk's action sequences racked up a huge body count. Within the first five minutes of the film, they rack up a large number of casualties already. The scenes get your adrenaline pumped up for a long thrilling ride of suspense and action, with a little fear mixed in. And as the movie progresses, you’ll notice that the deaths start getting more creative (and violent), but not without good reason.
Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes’s fight scenes with their opponents are satisfying to watch, with every encounter a fight for survival, and not just of gratuitous bloodshed. Playing the role of dirty anti-narcotics agents are Sid Lucero, Paolo Paraiso, Bernard Palanca, Pocholo Barretto, and Ivan Carapiet who are all interesting adversaries you’ll love to hate in each of their scenes.
Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes’s fight scenes with their opponents are satisfying to watch, with every encounter a fight for survival, and not just of gratuitous bloodshed. Playing the role of dirty anti-narcotics agents are Sid Lucero, Paolo Paraiso, Bernard Palanca, Pocholo Barretto, and Ivan Carapiet who are all interesting adversaries you’ll love to hate in each of their scenes.
But there's more to Topakk than just the violent scenes. It’s about being there with the character of Miguel (Arjo) and experience how soldiers like him try to live a life while dealing with trauma and an unshakeable feeling of regret. It’s also about knowing what it feels like to be in a situation that will terrify you just because you made a bad decision like Weng (Julia) and now you have to end up fighting for your life alongside a troubled ally.
But there's more to Topakk than just the violent scenes. It’s about being there with the character of Miguel (Arjo) and experience how soldiers like him try to live a life while dealing with trauma and an unshakeable feeling of regret. It’s also about knowing what it feels like to be in a situation that will terrify you just because you made a bad decision like Weng (Julia) and now you have to end up fighting for your life alongside a troubled ally.
Topakk, beneath all its bloodshed and pain, is really about the human experience. Whether it aims to entertain or educate, Topakk is definitely worthy to watch as part of this year’s MMFF.
Topakk, beneath all its bloodshed and pain, is really about the human experience. Whether it aims to entertain or educate, Topakk is definitely worthy to watch as part of this year’s MMFF.
Read More:
Richard Somes
Kokoy de Santos
Arjo Atayde
Ivan Carapiet
Julia Montes
Paolo Paraiso
Weng
Sid Lucero
Bernard Palanca
Arjo
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