BuyBust (2018)

Buy Bust follows a group of specially trained operatives as they embark on a dangerous to capture a high value drug pusher and that's when chaos ensues.

A very gritty presentation. There's nothing glamorous about the world of drug enforcement and nor should be and the film doesn't pretend about it's morals either. An emphasis on how the poor live and feel plays very heavily throughout.

A highly stylized action film with the only flaw being it can be too much at times. The director is given free reign to shows his skills with the camera using one-shot techniques, obscure close-ups and seemingly flawless camera movement.

My biggest gripe would be the thin story behind such a bust without anyone really questioning anything. But maybe that's intentional...

Maybe in the current political and social climate ongoing in the Philippines speaks volumes about what the film is trying to portray. That maybe the only way things can get better is when they're at their absolute worst.

The soundtrack was pretty cool too.

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Everything is chaotic in this film. First, the political aspect: is the film condoning the police brutality that comes with the war on drugs or condemning the abuse and corruption of police authority? Perhaps, both can co-exist, but the execution was rather clumsy. Second, the editing and even the direction. This is certainly an action film, but even the action sequences cannot save this film for me as it was almost badly directed. Some scenes even seemed like the characters were fake fighting as it didn't seem genuine at all. Lastly, the sound and music; they just seemed awkward and out of place sometimes. Though, for some consideration, the acting was good, especially Anne Curtis' performance.

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Ruthless female lead, dark storyline

I can’t help but appreciate an asian cop film which portrays a ruthless and unsparing female lead in spite of being one of the “good cops”. Anne curtis is an underrated actress... she just gained a new fan today. Only complaint was that soundtrack did nothing for me throughout the film, it leaves no impression on me. The storyline could be improved as well, especially in the beginning, where Alvarez was introduced. The lack of any planning for such a risque operation that involves a “rookie” team was strange and unsettling as well. The film showcases the uncensored, cold hard reality of anti-narcotics operations and the grim fate of those who live in a slum. The grisly and macabre themes of the film is a plus for someone who is morbid.

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