Watch Bola

Bola is a 2012 Filipino drama film directed by Emmanuel Quindo Palo. The movie tells the story of a young boy, who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player despite facing multiple obstacles in his life. The movie portrays the struggles of the lower class and the dangers of getting involved in illegal activities. The story takes place in a poor community in the outskirts of Manila, where Bola, played by newcomer Kenneth Salva, lives with his family. Bola's father, played by Simon Ibarra, is a drunkard who spends most of his time gambling and leaving his family in poverty. Bola's mother, played by Eula Valdez, works as a laundrywoman and does everything in her power to provide for her family.

Bola's only escape from the harsh realities of his life is soccer, which he plays with his friends using makeshift balls and goals. His talent is noticed by a local football coach, played by Arnel Ignacio, who sees potential in young Bola and helps him join a local football team. However, Bola's father opposes his son's dreams of becoming a soccer player, as he sees it as a waste of time and money.

As Bola's soccer skills improve, he catches the attention of a wealthy businessman, played by Baron Geisler, who offers him a chance to play for his elite football club in exchange for money. Bola is torn between accepting the offer and staying true to his values as a soccer player. He also faces pressure from his father, who sees the opportunity as a way to make money and alleviate their family's financial struggles.

The movie portrays the reality of the lower class in the Philippines, where individuals are forced to make difficult choices and often find themselves involved in illegal activities to make ends meet. Bola's father, who sees gambling as a way to make quick money, ends up getting involved in underground cockfighting and drug dealing, which leads to tragic consequences.

Bola is a movie that highlights the importance of family values and pursuing one's dreams despite the obstacles that come our way. The movie also reinforces the idea that success should not come at the expense of one's integrity and values.

Kenneth Salva delivers a solid performance as Bola, showcasing his raw talent as an actor. Arnel Ignacio also shines as the coach, who genuinely cares about his players' well-being and character development. Simon Ibarra's portrayal of Bola's father is both intense and heartbreaking, highlighting the negative impacts of gambling and addiction on families.

The cinematography and music of the movie add to its overall impact, as the audience is taken on an emotional journey through the eyes of Bola and his family. The soccer scenes are well-executed, and the movie effectively portrays the love and passion that exists in the sport.

Overall, Bola is a must-watch movie for fans of Filipino dramas and soccer movies alike. It is a moving story that portrays the harsh realities of life in the Philippines and the power of resilience and determination.

Bola is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.