In what way was this an "art" movie? What made you classify it as one?
I apologize for the late response, between my college and jobs barely have time to chill. Now coming back to your criticism, you definitely have some valid points there. There is an obvious weakness in the script and in the execution of the main plot which I admit can unfortunately take away most viewers' attention from the bigger picture and the message its trying to convey.
In what way was this an "art" movie? What made you classify it as one?
Lockdown allows its audiences to know a modern-day hero who all of a sudden is thrust into the world of unemployment after being retrenched from his job in the Middle East. Our protagonist Danny Asuncion (Paolo Gumabao) is one of the many overseas Filipino workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and goes back to his native land. When his bedridden father was rushed to the hospital, his family’s finances became tighter than tight, and sadly, despite his “international work experience and expertise, landing on a new job, given the pandemic situation, it is impossible for him to pay for the hospital bills. Adding another degree of difficulty to Danny’s emotional health, he broke off his engagement with his fiancée Luz as he wanted to prioritize his domestic dilemmas. This desperation for cash scenario led him down the dark world of cybersex. Though initially repulsed with the very idea of performing sexual antics for customers including many international customers for a fee, Danny lets himself be objectified by his clients to ease his family’s financial woes and worries. I understand that Lockdown is not an easy watch since it is unapologetic and a slap on the face of ones who are self-righteous. Lamangan and writer Troy Espiritu (who also wrote the screenplay for socially relevant motion pictures like Ma' Rosa and Alpha: Right to Kill) brilliantly set this contemporary family drama during the early months of the pandemic when everything was touch and go, the majority of people were feeling anxious and helpless, and the assistance arriving at turtle’s pace. All the precautionary measures from quarantine centers, face masks and shields, social distancing, restrictions in people’s movement, gatherings, etc. as well as hit-and-miss experiments with many becoming collateral damages and guinea pigs being slaughtered in scientific experiments. Not to exclude their brilliant highlighting of governmental corruption and abuse of power. True, the cybersex component of the movie will shock the prudes. It did not shy away from showing the male genitalia and the many sexual shenanigans that happen in the life of an adult sex performer. All makes it a gem of an “art movie”. Aside from its brutal narrative, the most commendable aspect of Lockdown are the acting prowess of its cast, lead role, or support, they were all splendid and slayed their respective roles. Hope that somewhat answered your query.
This reminds me of the novel the firm written by one of my fav authors, John Grisham, and the Hollywood movie based on the above mentioned novel with the same name.
Did not expect anything going in as I am not particularly fond of Japanese roms especially how FLs are portrayed. However, this one was surprisingly sweet and very tolerable. A midweek must watch after a long day of classes and lectures. Will most def put a smile on most faces.
So just a shout out to the notorious lovers' bridge. I have seen it in multiple Taiwanese series now and boy it is my first stop whenever I save enough money to go to Asia or get a chance to apply to a student exchange program in Taiwan. XD
After watching this art movie I felt obligated to write this review on this obviously low-budget but done to perfection piece. We are shown the struggles of common people via our protagonist Danny during this Covid time where governments make the lockdown rules without considering what would happen to the lives of daily or low wagers and their families. Additionally, we are shown corruption among the ones in power. I cried with Danny and felt every single emotion he experienced as the actor expressed it brilliantly. I would most definitely reiterate that everyone should watch this movie as it is a real eye-opener and shows as the title highlights " how far will you go to survive".
So this series was a total surprise for me. I finally watched it after it had been on hold for quite some time. Even though this series had quite a few flows and I mean somewhat significant flows from camera angle to editing to sounds and weird art on the wall that was totally distracting from serious scenes. And most important of all lack of kissing from the leads especially in the most intimate of moments which was pretty disappointing. Whether it was actors, producers, or director who didn't think it was important to show kissing especially in the most intimate moments like when they are making love, made the whole scene seem forced, bland, and flat. That being said, I still think it is one of the sweetest darn series. I loved Judah, the actor played the role to perfection. His pleasure, his vulnerability, his strength, and his standing up for what he believes in were so powerful and convincing. He touched my heart in every single scene. Other characters like rocky and gene all played their roles really well. looking forward to seeing season 2 of this lovely series and I hope that producers and director workout the flows and in season 2.
Haven't watched epi Vll yet but in Vl, Kaitoon came out as kind of a jerk. No one is such an ass to stand someone up twice. Especially in this day and age. Just text that you ain't gonna make it dude, just so another person isn't waiting and wasting their time :( BTW Valen is a sexy sun of a gun and the venue is perfect for seduction for sure;)
Love my boy tay but honestly? did someone else notice when they are giving his first appearance as a hot guy walking by the pool and all girls ogling over him ( like they should cuz he's hot ;) ) and they show him jumping/diving from the board? It was soooo disappointing! He cannot dive! that was such a lame dive and anticlimactic. Director should be put in a timeout for approving that. It should've looked cool but was so lame that my friends and I could just shake our heads at it. ( Just food for thought XD ).
How was the acting skills of fl and ml? They get some bad comments regarding their acting skills b4. Are there…
Neither spectacular nor absolutely horrible. Kind of one dimensional through out. In the beginning looked nice but after first episode story and acting didn't go anywhere. I don't know if it was the script or the direction these actors were following but pretty much just okay to the point of being boring.
It was an okay series. Started funny and interesting than didn't really go anywhere much. Your typical triangular love. Epi 14 and 15 were cute and ended well with a happy ending for every single character but the 2nd male lead. I feel 7/10 is a good and generous rating for it.
This was a sweet watch. Loved the chemistry between both MLs. The only thing lacking for me was the actual dance. I mean one of the male leads is supposed to be a really good dancer that's why apparently he comes first in some audition. However, we were never really shown how he danced in the audition as that was the major part of the whole show's back story. I mean we were shown bits and pieces and hand movements with cameras super close to him but were never really shown his dancing except what we see at the beginning of each episode's starting theme. Other than that I feel that it was a super cute watch.
I had been putting it off for whatever reason but today after what seemed like a never-ending day of classes and lectures I finally decided to watch it ( especially as there was nothing else to watch basically). All I can say is that I had been such a doofus for not watching it sooner. What a fun, light-hearted watch. Exactly what one needs at the end of a tiring day.
Now coming back to your criticism, you definitely have some valid points there. There is an obvious weakness in the script and in the execution of the main plot which I admit can unfortunately take away most viewers' attention from the bigger picture and the message its trying to convey.
Hope that somewhat answered your query.
Damn Boys!!! Totally kool ;D
( Just food for thought XD ).
Other than that I feel that it was a super cute watch.