Rhymes of Resistance: A Sociological Analysis of Treb Contreras II’s Respeto (2017)

By: Miguel Macapinlac

Introduction

Respeto is a 2017 independent drama film by Treb Monteras II in the Philippines that follows the story of young street rapper Hendrix played by Abra, and an older poet named Doc (Cabana, 2019). Respeto is a metaphoric vision of daily life living in the harsh surroundings of the slums of Manila, with its rap battles, poetry, and personal narratives all pulling it into the larger storytelling and the effects of oppression and the drug war on the poorest sections of the community. In this analysis, sociological criticism will be used to explore the film's portrayals and comments on social structures and issues in the Philippines. Through examining the film's depiction of societal norms, power dynamics, and cultural values, the analysis aims to uncover the underlying messages and meanings behind the narrative and show how these reflect and critique the aforementioned issues. 

Body

Respeto follows the journey of three individuals living in the impoverished area of Pandacan, Manila. The

primary character, Hendrix, is an aspiring poor rapper struggling to establish himself within the underground rap community. He resides with his sister, who subjects him to abuse, along with her drug-dealing boyfriend, who frequently coerces Hendrix into assisting with his illicit activities. The young rapper uses a portion of the cash to pay for admission fees to enter underground rap battle events, however, he soon faces financial difficulties that compel him to seek a way to settle his debts with the drug supplier. Hence, Hendrix, accompanied by his friends Betchai and Payaso, plans to rob a local second-hand bookstore. However, their attempt fails when they are caught by the bookstore owner Doc while trying to escape. The bookshelves were damaged and injured the elderly man. In ensuing the chaos, authorities ordered the main protagonists to restore the damages caused. From then on, the three companions develop a familial bond with Doc, a seasoned poet plagued by his past. (easternkicks.com, 2018) 

In one scene, a police officer examining Doc's house makes the three main characters face the wall and do a

body check on them which seems to involve sexual harassment. Similarly, Breezy G, an underground rapper, used rap to criticize Hendrix on multiple occasions during their meetings outside of underground rap bouts. Throughout the story, themes of cyclical oppression, voicing of struggles through hip-hop, and systematic inequality were consistent. 

Critical Analysis

Through a sociological lens, Respeto powerfully illustrates the struggles faced by marginalized communities in

the Philippines, effectively bringing to light the harsh realities of poverty and limited opportunities. Through the character of Hendrix, the film encapsulates the aspirations and frustrations of many young Filipinos who seek to rise above their circumstances but are often hindered by systemic barriers. 

The film uses a non-linear narrative which creates a bridge that highlights the past and present lives of the two

main characters, Hendrix the young street rapper, and Doc the older poet and martial law survivor. Moreover, it utilizes a gritty and realistic style to convey the living conditions in the setting. 

The main strengths of the film lie in its authentic portrayal of poverty. An article by Ching (2017) states that the

film is an honest depiction of these issues that will make viewers aware of these issues to encourage them to find ways to fix these issues. Additionally, the standout performance of the actors, Abra as Hendrix and Dido as Doc, enhances the narrative of the story, making it relatable and memorable. 

While Respeto is a powerful and impactful film, it has weaknesses and limitations. Firstly, the film occasionally

dips into melodrama, a review article by Tsu (2018) states that the portrayal of the characters’ backstories and emotional struggles could enhance the emotional impact and create a deeper connection with the audience but it may also feel excessive or over-the-top to some viewers. Avoiding excessive melodrama, the characters’ struggles would feel more authentic and relatable. A nuanced approach to their emotional journeys could create a richer narrative experience, where the highs and lows resonate more profoundly without overwhelming viewers. Secondly, Zinampan’s article said that the film follows several familiar tropes of the underdog story, which can render certain plot points predictable. By delving into unique character motivations or presenting challenges that diverge from typical tropes, the film could elevate its storytelling and offer a more memorable experience.

The film serves as a critical reflection of the socio-political issues of the Philippines such as poverty, drug

addiction, and extrajudicial killing. Respeto acts as an emotional tie to persuade the public, raise awareness, and encourage the viewers to discuss and work on addressing these pressing issues. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Respeto is a lyrical and powerful story that explores the harsh reality of living in the Philippine

slums. Based on the lives of Hendrix and Doc, the movie examines socio-economic issues, oppression, and repercussions on marginalized groups in the country, using a blend of rap, poetry, and personal stories to tell a compelling, human story of its subjects. Said movie provides a voice to both the oppressed and the oppressed in society as well as speaks to the power of art as resistance and empowerment. To view the film in this way inspires contemplation about social reality, power relations, cultural norms, and so on.

Respeto is not an ordinary film, it is one of the most important messages of these days and we want to ask

people to engage in conversations, to show solidarity, to work on solving those terrible social problems at hand. Respeto is an emotional movie about real struggles, and their misery, with the ultimate goal of encouraging viewers to become more compassionate and to want to change things. Said film is a movie that encourages us all to reflect on how to be responsible in our lives for the better.

REFERENCES LIST

Cabana, Y. (2019). Film review: Respeto (2017): A mash-up of rhymes and resistance. The Philippine Reporter.

https://philippinereporter.com/index.php/2019/02/22/film-review-respeto-2017-a-mash-up-of-rhymes-and-resistance/ 

Ching, M.A. (2017) Review: Why Respeto deserves Best Film award in Cinemalaya 2017. PEP.PH.

https://www.pep.ph/news/local/123490/review-why-emrespetoem-deserves-best-film-award-in-cinemalaya-2017 

Golez, A. (n.d.) Review: ‘Respeto.’ Pisyo.

https://pisyo.wordpress.com/2017/09/22/review-respeto-pisyo/ 

Korbecka, M. (2018). Boyz n the Slums… of the Philippines… 

https://www.easternkicks.com/reviews/respeto/ 

Tsui, C. (2018) ‘Respeto’: Film review. The Hollywood Reporter.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/respeto-film-review-1125571/ 

Zinampan T. (2017) Respeto: The futility of resignation. Film Police Reviews.

https://www.filmpolicereviews.com/respeto-the-futility-in-resignation/