26/10/2024
The movie *Balota*, directed by Kip Oebanda, is a bold and intense political satire reflecting the frustrations and corruption often associated with Philippine elections. The story centers on Teacher Emmy, portrayed by Marian Rivera, who represents the underappreciated election workers striving for integrity amid a deeply flawed system. Set in a rural town, the film follows her determined struggle to protect a ballot box from violent political forces, symbolizing her fight for fairness in a society dominated by unscrupulous politicians.
The film's setting and character portrayals effectively emphasize the harsh realities of marginalized communities. Characters like the trapo (traditional politician) played by Gardo Verzosa, and marginalized voices from the LGBTQIA community (depicted by Sassa Gurl and Esnyr Ranollo), add depth by portraying the diversity of social issues involved in elections. The movie balances heavy political themes with moments of dark humor, though some critics noted that the over-the-top approach can sometimes overshadow the film's core message.
Despite minor critiques, Rivera’s powerful performance as Teacher Emmy has been praised for its emotional depth, grounding the narrative in empathy and resilience. Overall, *Balota* resonates with audiences by presenting an unfiltered look at voter disenfranchisement and the cyclical nature of political power struggles, which many viewers find deeply relatable and timely ahead of the 2025 elections. 【8†source】【9†source】【10†source】.
