Raymond Red: ‘Manila’s Finest’ is the must-watch film this Christmas

When Raymond Red first came on board the project, directing wasn’t part of the plan.

“Manila’s Finest” is this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry which puts the spotlight on leadership during one of the deadliest periods in our country’s history.

Boasting a dominant cast led by screen sensations Piolo Pascual (Homer Magtibay) and Enrique Gil (Billy Ojeda), the crime film explores its take on a Martial Law-era mystery, which pits morality and obedience against each other.

But who knew that a similar dilemma, emanating the film’s stance on leadership, also reflected off-screen during the movie’s production?

“When I was on board, I didn’t expect to become the director of this,” director Raymond Red said. “My niece (Rae Red) was the original director. I was the cinematographer.” Then, the responsibility landed on him after Rae left the production unexpectedly.

Changing leadership in a stormy weather

Looking back, Red describes the experience as both surprising and smooth. “Honestly, it was my first time working with a cast of big stars,” he shared. “I was surprised that everyone understood what everyone was trying to do in the production of this film. The collaboration went very smoothly.”

According to online sources, Rae backed out of the production of “Manila’s Finest” due to personal issues, which left the daunting task of leading the star-studded film to Red.

The support he got from those who remained, he said, made all the difference. From the producers at MQuest Ventures, who trusted him with the material, to the writers Moira Lang, Sherad Sanchez, and Michiko Yamamoto, who had been developing the project for years, Red felt a responsibility to deliver. “And yet, it went very well.”

Even the actors played a major role in making the sudden shift seamless. “I don’t remember a day when we had a major problem with working relationships,” Red said. The real challenges were external: “Our only problems were weather, rain, logistics.” Everything else, he added, from production design to the crew and creatives, fell into place.

Asking the ‘What Ifs?’

Asked about Piolo’s comment that Red stepping in as director was “a blessing in disguise” because the film needed a masculine touch, Red answered with prudence. “I’ll be honest, I cannot comment on it. I cannot predict how it would have come out with my niece, Rae, on board.”

What he did know was that he was deeply familiar with the material. “I was very ready. I was discussing this film with Rae. That’s why it was easy for me to pick up.”

Eventually, Red realized the project spoke directly to his interests. “Period film, history… police story, so there’s a bit of mystery, and human relationships, conflict,” he said. “I said, this is what I want to film. Maybe this was the script I’ve been waiting for all this time. So I decided very quickly. I said, ‘Okay, I will do it.’”

Merging indie and mainstream

For Red, who made a name for himself in the indie genre, the setting is crucial when movies go mainstream. “It’s telling a story of a very specific point in history,” he explained. “We should know the past so we know where we’re going in the future. They’re simple, normal people… but they’re caught in this backdrop of history.”

Recreating the era required detail and memory, something Piolo initially said might have been a challenge for the young Rae, as he himself took to his notes to study history. “I think I was the only one alive at that time,” Red joked about his first production meeting.

“I had vivid memories growing up in the ’70s,” he said, shaped by stories from his family. That helped him guide the cast and crew on everything from dialogue to attitude. “Small nuances, but it adds to the authenticity of the story.”

“No Pressure”

Despite early awards buzz, Red isn’t dwelling on expectations. “There’s no pressure. I’m thinking about the film and how it turned out. We made a good film and I hope the audiences respond to it.” Everything else, he added, is just a bonus.

“Manila’s Finest” makes its debut on Christmas day under the co-production of Cignal. Joining Piolo and Enrique are Romnick Sarmenta, Ariel Rivera, Rico Blanco, Joey Marquez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Rica Peralejo. 

 

 

It’s telling a story of a very specific point in history. We should know the past so we know where we’re going in the future.

Raymond Red

 

 

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