Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga (Movie Review)

"...Akin ang lupang ito." "Hindi! Kay Asiong!"

That is just one of the memorable lines in this movie by Tikoy Aguiluz. It's a biographical film about the life of the gangster from Tondo, Nicasio, "Asiong" Salonga. Though his life story has already been brought to the big screen back in the 1960's starring Joseph Estrada, This one is the most recent rendition of Asiong's life. 

Characters: Asiong Salonga

                     Fidela

                     Domeng Salonga

                    Totoy Golem

                     Erning "Toothpick" Reyes

Plot: It stars Asiong Salonga and how he lives his life as the Manila Kingpin. He is like the Robin Hood of Tondo Manila, he robs from the rich and gives it to the poor residents of Tondo. he is seen as a hero by his neighbors and colleagues, but his wife, Fidela, worries day and night that her husband might be killed in some random shoot out. 

And during the middle of the film, Asiong will be arrested and taken to jail, wherein he will reflect on his wrong doings. Eventually, he will be released, and he tries to live a new life, but it is cut short when one of his colleagues shoots him from behind. 

Eventually, his other comrades, capture and kill the traitor, thus ending the movie.

Review: I am not a big fan of Action movies. But this one, really captured my attention. the lines, and the characters will really make you see how a true gangster's life is like. Furthermore, the Cinematography is amazing as well. The movie was shot in black and white, and it added up to the old-time feel to the movie which was set around the 1950's. 

Manila Kingpin is one of the best movies I have seen. It can also teach you a little something on principle and how to be true to the people who trust you fully. 

Rating: Out of Five Stars, I would give this a six. This movie was shown during the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), But I wasn't able to watch it then because of financial reasons.... But nevertheless, it is still a movie worth watching! So, if you haven't heard of the story of Asiong Salonga, well, get a move on and be enlightened! :D