Watch Ma Rosa

Ma Rosa is a Filipino drama film released in 2016 that follows a struggling family in the rough streets of Manila as they are forced to resort to unethical practices to make ends meet. The film, directed by award-winning Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, tackles issues on poverty, corruption and family ties against the backdrop of a society that is plagued with crime and violence.

The story of Ma Rosa revolves around Rosa and her husband Nestor, who run a small convenience store in a poor neighborhood in the city. Despite their hard work, they struggle to provide for their four children, Jackson, Raquel, Kerwin, and Erwin. To make matters worse, they are constantly hounded by corrupt cops who demand bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye to their illegal activities.

One day, the cops raid their home and catch the couple selling drugs from their store. With no money to pay bail, Rosa and Nestor are locked up in jail, leaving their children to fend for themselves. Rosa's children are forced to go to extreme lengths to come up with the money to pay the corrupt cops, including selling their mother's body. As the family's situation worsens, Rosa and Nestor turn to their crooked friends and family for help.

The cast of Ma Rosa is led by veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, who plays the titular character of Rosa. Her performance was widely celebrated, earning her the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. She portrays the character with an incredible sense of depth and complexity, making the audience empathize with her struggles despite her questionable choices.

The film is shot in a raw and gritty style, often using handheld cameras to capture the chaotic environment of the streets of Manila. This approach lends the film a sense of realism, providing an insight into the harsh lives of the urban poor in the Philippines.

One of the most striking aspects of Ma Rosa is its unflinching depiction of the dark side of Filipino society. The corruption and brutality of the police force are portrayed in a matter-of-fact manner, with the film not shying away from showing the extent of their depravity. The film also tackles issues of family dynamics and loyalty, particularly in how Rosa and her children band together to survive in a world that is constantly trying to bring them down.

Overall, Ma Rosa is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into a side of Filipino society that is often ignored. It is an unflinching portrayal of the realities of life on the streets of Manila, with a strong performance from Jaclyn Jose and a raw and gritty style that captures the harshness of its subject matter.