• Jim Libiran
• Philippines
• Filipino
• Drama
• 2007
• 

Think of shades of City of God (but not quite) transplanted in the underbelly of Manila that is Tondo and you have a forceful film by Jim Libiran that would make anyone who cares about good movies take notice. But this is not your usual poverty film that has been showcased since Lino Brocka et al made their political commentary and has made it a trademark of the Philippines. It is about the often hushed and not so known underworld that Tondo is portrayed to be, often associated to be, often heard to be but not quite seen to be. It is just powerful, moving and raw.

The juvenile hiphop gangs in the old and historic district of Tondo have a world of their own. Their territories marked with invisible boundaries that only become apparent with the descent of darkness. Unfortunately, despite a veneer of calmness during the day, where people, despite their poverty still enjoy life their own way, come night and the rabid rivalry between gangs just ensures that a member’s life is not assured of longevity.

Booze mixes easily with hiphop and rap. Drugs and sex are standard. Violence is trademark. Despite pleadings of a father, always fearful that his son might not live long enough to be his age, all these are thrown out the window for the sake of the gang. And Tribu takes you into these kind of world. Into this kind of blind loyalty and commitment to the brotherhood, all unfortunate hallmarks of a sophomoric sense of belongingness with their tribe.