CINEMALAYA 2014 - Ronda (Patrol) Review: And It Goes Round and Round

Upon reading the film’s synopsis, I got excited. But as the film progressed, my excitement started to die down. 

The film is about a mother who struggles to find her lost son as she patrols the city to fulfill her duties. As the protagonist circles the streets of Manila, the film introduces pertinent issues of the society such as the good cop-bad cop dilemma, the arrest of the Arroyo’s, machismo of policemen, class struggle, etc. However, it came to a point that it was too much as it tries to present many things in a single plate.

There were scenes that could have been removed but would still make the film effective such as how Ai-Ai de las Alas changed clothes to meet someone. Indeed it was an ultimate dead-air so to cover it up, the pointless conversation of Carlos Morales and the cigarette vendor was added. There were dragging moments that did not contribute to the development of the plot like when the patrol car continues to roam around the city with the background sound of a radio program tackling several issues of the country.

 On the other hand, de las Alas was able to carry herself all throughout the film as a distraught mother who continues to accomplish her patrolling job despite her personal issues. It just proves that de las Alas is a master of her craft that she even surprisingly delivered well on her sexy scenes in the film. Brava! Unfortunately, she was the only saving grace on the multitudes of character that were not put into good use such as Carlo Aquino, Cogie Domigo, Cesar Montano and Angeli Bayani. Nevertheless, with their given small roles, they were able to leave an impression to the viewers. Carlos Morales could act but his character was inefficient that removing some limelight from him would make the film better.

The cinematography was nice as the film carefully chose the proper elements to magnify the characters' emotions. More so, it effectively brandished the character of de las Alas as a righteous servant, mother and citizen, and then made a great pullback as the film approached its ending. It made you question why you love and pity her at first. 

The most impressive part of the film is at the end, where the conflict that I was waiting for (that was not the actual conflict pala!) was presented. The film closed in a dark pit hole of emotions out-poured by de las Alas.

Would I watch the film again? I’d say no. #sorrynotsorry

To check the schedules, please click this link: Cinemalaya 2014

Rating: 6/10

Photo credits: Cinemalaya