Sepak Takraw Film Review

Directed by Mes de Guzman 

Starring Enzo Osorio Ruby Ruiz Acey Aguilar Nicollo Castillo Arnold Reyes

Article by Mars Callo

As the title suggests, one would think that most of this film's running time would dwell on the very sporty sepak takraw, the native sport of foot volleyball. 

Featuring award winning actors Enzo Osorio and Ms Ruby Ruiz together with Acey Aguilar, Arnold Reyes (in a special cameo) and Nicollo Castillo, the film also tackles the conflict of two long lost siblings as they face and struggle family matters in their young lives. 

From the success of young actor Enzo as Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actor for the film, The Hearing, his role in Sepak Takraw shifts from good character to a lead bully to long lost half brother Nicollo Castillo. A little taller now, Enzo always does his very best in roles he plays. With more training and acting workshops and exposure to various characters given his way, Enzo is on his way to pursuing the dream roles of his bright career in the acting industry. Same goes to Nicollo, this kid deserves a cool spot in showbiz as future dramatic actor inspired by the greats in Allen Dizon, Jericho Rosales or John Lloyd Cruz. 

What we liked about this movie is the cultural side of the Isinaya tribe of Nueva Ecija, the birth province of director Mes. He fittingly gave us an immersion, of regardless as a disappearing tribe, the indigenous folks have interesting practices when it comes to death, healing and cleansing as depicted in the film. The movie also notes the downside of losing ancestral domain to rich capitalists providing jobs and tourism in the guise of a natural resort for profit. 

Hall of Famer award winning actress Ms Ruby is a cinematic gem and treasure. She does her characters so well it just comes out of her so naturally. Truly an actor's actor. She is a regular favorite actress to cast in the many film festivals here and abroad. 

Sepak Takraw is more than a sports themed film and the challenges that go along with dominating the sport can also be compared side by side with life's thorns pertaining to handling and resolving sensitive family issues or matters that eventually lead to forgiveness and acceptance in the end.