Starring Piolo Pascual, Baron Geisler, and Laurice Guillen, this gripping drama, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, explores the heart-wrenching struggles of a family amidst the ongoing conflicts in Mindanao.
You’ll never run out of good family drama here in the Philippines. From entertaining comedies to heart-wrenching sagas, there’s always something to captivate you. But if you want a film that will open your eyes to the realities of life in places often overlooked by mainstream media, consider adding Moro to your Netflix watchlist.
Inspired by true events in Mindanao, Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza’s Moro tells the story of a widowed mother (Laurice Guillen). She is trying to reconcile her warring sons.
Jasim (Piolo Pascual) is the diligent elder brother. Abdel (Baron Geisler) is the reckless younger brother. They must navigate their strained relationship amidst the turmoil of military conflict and land disputes.
Why You Should Add ‘Moro’ to Your Netflix Watchlist
Many films have depicted the tragic Mamasapano clash of 2015, focusing on the ill-fated operation of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) officers. However, Moro sheds light on the untold stories of the civilians living in the area. “There were also civilians and marami naman yung mga nandun, not only one group, not only the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), there’s also the MNLF (Mono National Liberation Front), and others. That one, hindi natin siya narinig. So, that’s why this film is an opportunity also to show that there’s the other side of the story. And people from that part of Mindanao also suffered.”
Set in Maguindanao, Moro is Brillante Mendoza’s third Mindanao-set film. It is centered around a Muslim woman facing social and political violence. The film follows Thy Womb (2012) and Mindanao (2019). It is layered with contemporary issues and socio-political realities faced by Filipinos today.
The film offers a poignant social commentary from the perspective of those living in these conflict zones. This includes the struggles of a mother. This makes Moro an essential watch for those looking to understand the deeper issues at play.
To authentically deliver the story, coaches were hired to teach the cast the Maguindanao dialect. This ensured powerful and faithful performances in the local language.
Alongside Laurice Guillen, Piolo Pascual, and Baron Geisler, the film features veteran actors. These include Joel Torre, Christopher de Leon, Beauty Gonzalez, and Nikki Valdez.
Piolo Pascual’s Emotional Connection
Mallari actor Piolo Pascual, who plays a pivotal role in Moro, shared his emotional connection to the film: “The takeaway from me is that kailangan mong ma-realize ang pinagdadaanan ng tao—be it a film, a series, or a documentary. It’s very painful. For you to watch this film, you have to invest emotions because this is ours. This is our film as a Filipino. It’s a huge investment. I don’t know how to market this abroad but for me, it depicts the real emotions of a mother for her children.”
Beyond its stellar cast and excellent script, Moro is a visual feast, juxtaposing dreams and premonitions with flashbacks of beauty and horror. Watching the film, you’ll understand why Brillante Mendoza is a celebrated, award-winning director.
Initially submitted as an entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival but not making the cut, Moro is now available to a wider audience on Netflix. If you’re looking for a film that offers a raw and insightful look into the realities of life in the Philippines, add Moro to your watchlist!
Cover image credit: Moro Film
