Maria (2019)

I can't stop thinking about what I watched.

For fans of martial arts and action cinema, 'Maria' is definitely a must-see if it ever enters an international release. Cristine Reyes dazzles in every fight scene she's in and definitely (dare I say) better than Brie Larson's fights in Captain Marvel.

The action is very much a highlight of the entire movie. After my slight disappointment with Nilalang, an action film that was directed by the same director, Pedring Lopez, this was an huge step forward from that movie. The plot was simple yet engaging, albeit similar to a number of revenge thrillers. This movie is another example of quality action cinematography in Asian action cinema, it's well-staged, well-shot and tightly edited; no kinetic quick-cuts, no shaky-cam and other bulls*** that detracts the action.

Perhaps my only minor gripe with the movie would be the running time, which is 89 minutes. It's somewhat frustrating that with so much momentum and potential the movie established, the film's short running time really leaves you wanting more. The ending of 'Maria' does leave a lot of room for sequels if director Lopez does plan on doing so. _________________________________________________

'Maria' definitely has potential to become a classic among action and martial arts cinephiles. Cristine Reyes shines throughout and might serve as a forerunner for Philippine action cinema going international. Local audiences, please watch this (only if you're already 16 and above)

I just want to shout out Mr. Lee B. Golden and Film Combat Syndicate for covering this movie. If they didn't cover it this, I would've never caught my eye on this.

Score: 8/10

Fmovies: What is the name of the old pub they used? I'm very curious about it

I hope the Philippines can come up with something better. This film is an Iko Uwais movie wannabe. Acting is ridiculous. Story is very predictable. And including lots of english dialogues with American accent? You're Filipinos. Be Filipinos. Being pretentious is embarrassing. Wasted my time watching this.

Maria fmovies. Why is everyone hating on this film? All you wannabe critics need to learn how to review a film based on its own merits. Yes it's been done before, and much better, but let's compare apples to apples here. This is an international Filipino non-Hollywood small production B-grade film with unknown actors and film-makers.

For starters, this is writer, producer and director Pedring Lopez's 5th ever film. The directing and camera work was outstanding, even by seasoned Hollywood directors standards. The cinematography was perfect. Sure the writing needed some fine tuning, but for his 4th screenplay, the story was good, flashbacks scenes placed properly, the pacing excellent, and the 90 min length perfect. I was glued to my chair in suspense the entire time!

The acting by all (unknown) actors was very convincing, and Cristine Reyes as Maria killed it! The fight scenes were expertly choreographed and realistic to the point of John Wick standards. I'd love to see Cristine Reyes next to Keanu Reeves in a John Wick 4! Additionally, the camera work by Pedring Lopez captured the fight scenes perfectly! I've seen Hollywood produced fight scenes with big name actors that don't even come close to these fight scenes - by choreography, realism and especially directing and filming it right. Yet a novice Filipino director I've never heard of, nailed it.

I was really surprised as to how much I really enjoyed this film. The only flaw in my opinion was the writing needed to be a little tighter, and the score better.

A well deserved 9/10 from me, and if anyone questions my review as fake, click on my user name to read my profile (and learn how to review a film), and see my 1000+ ratings and 600+ reviews. Mad props to Netflix for picking this one up!

Pretty sad but the story line is as great as the action. Reminds me of Peppermint with Jennifer Garner. If you're a martial arts fan, definitely recommended.

Just a wanna be "John Wick" movie. The story is correct for the genre. An ex-assassin and her gang killing each other. However, the acting is just not quite there. It's just super bland, especially the gun fight and the fighting. The actors and actresses are not showing strong emotions. Just LOL at the blood splashes from the bullets. Super cheap FX right there. Good for a Youtube entertainment action short film. Just like I said in my title, if you're doing a party and need to play a movie as background for your drunk friends, they'll be entertained I guess. If not, pass your way, you won't miss on anything.