Watch Santa Mesa

Santa Mesa is a 2008 drama film directed by Ron Morales. The plot revolves around a twelve-year-old boy named Hector (Jacob Shalov) who is forced to move to Manila's infamous Santa Mesa district with his mother, a former sex worker. His father is in prison, and his mother is struggling to make ends meet. The family moves in with Hector's grandmother, a cantankerous and bitter woman who harbors a deep-seated resentment towards her daughter-in-law.

The film explores the gritty and dangerous world of Santa Mesa, where poverty, crime, and prostitution are rampant. Hector is forced to grow up fast as he navigates through his new surroundings; he befriends a street gang and falls in love with a young girl named Juliana (Angie Ferro), who is a worker at a local strip joint. Juliana is also a single mother, struggling to provide for her son while also dealing with her abusive boyfriend.

As Hector becomes more and more involved in the world of Santa Mesa, he discovers his own inner strength and resourcefulness. He learns to stand up for himself and those he cares about, and he becomes a trusted member of his gang. However, the dangers and pitfalls of the district are always lurking just around the corner, and Hector must tread carefully if he wants to survive and protect the people he loves.

The film's setting is bleak and depressing, with the harsh realities of poverty and violence on full display. The actors give compelling performances, particularly Jacob Shalov as the young and vulnerable Hector. The chemistry between Shalov and Angie Ferro, who portrays Juliana, is palpable and adds depth to the film's romantic subplot.

The cinematography of Santa Mesa is impressive; the dark and gritty atmosphere of the district is captured through the lens of the camera, creating a bleak and oppressive ambiance. The film's use of lighting and shadows effectively highlights the stark contrast between the poverty and wealth of Manila.

The film also explores themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery. Hector's relationship with his mother is strained, but as the film progresses, he gains a better understanding of her struggles and comes to appreciate her strength and resilience. His bond with his grandmother is complex, with the two often at odds with each other, but Hector learns to see through her bitterness and instead focus on the love and care she provides for him.

Overall, Santa Mesa is a powerful and moving film that tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance. It is a poignant portrayal of life in one of Manila's most notorious districts, where poverty and desperation reign supreme. The film's message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Santa Mesa is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.