Watch Angela Markado

Set in the bustling city of Cebu, Angela Markado follows the story of Angela, a young woman who resells clothes bought from thrift shops. Initially seen as a meek and unassuming character, Angela is revealed to be a well-connected and highly respected leader of a street gang called "Angela Markado". Along with her crew of young, street-smart girls, they rob, extort and fight for control over the city's illegal drug trade.

Andi Eigenmann plays the titular character of Angela, bringing both vulnerability and fierceness to her portrayal of the reluctant gang leader. Eigemann's acting is a standout in the film- from her quiet moments of contemplation to her intense stare-downs with rivals, she manages to convey enough emotions and depth to make the audience invest in her character.

The rest of the cast also delivers solid performances. Bret Jackson plays the role of a musician who becomes involved with Angela, adding a quiet charm to his character. Jeffrey Quizon plays the head of the rival gang, offering a menacing presence alongside the vulnerable Angela.

The film's direction, helmed by Carlo Enciso Catu, is commendable. Catu's use of handheld cameras and muted colors adds a raw and gritty feel to the movie, lending to the authenticity of the story. Moreover, he manages to balance the action scenes with quieter and more personal moments, showcasing the humanity of the characters amidst the gang violence.

The screenplay is mostly well-written, but there are moments when the dialogue becomes a bit cliché or overly melodramatic. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall quality of the movie. Ultimately, the film's theme of power, control and revenge is well-explored and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

One of the strongest aspects of Angela Markado is the representation of the all-female gang. The film presents a realistic portrayal of young women struggling to survive in a male-dominated environment. The girls of Angela Markado are not presented as weak, damsels in distress but rather, as resilient and fierce fighters who prove to be just as capable, if not more, than their male counterparts. The film's subversion of gender roles is a refreshing take on a genre that is traditionally male-centric.

The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with songs that range from rock to indie, providing a fitting accompaniment to the action on-screen. The sound design is meticulous, with the sounds of the city and the gang's weapons adding to the visceral feel of the movie.

Overall, Angela Markado is a well-made and engaging film that offers a unique perspective on the world of street gangs. The strong performances, skilled direction, and authentic portrayal of female empowerment make this a movie worth watching. It may not be for everyone, as there are scenes of violence and drug use, but for those who appreciate a well-told story with complex characters, Angela Markado is definitely worth a watch.

Angela Markado is a 2015 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 1.7.