Leanah S. Torio Section 6 Respeto: A Reflection of Our Society

Leanah S.
Torio
Section 6
Respeto: A reflection of our society
Respeto is an inherently timely and relevant indie film. It shows us the sad truth
about our present-day society, all of its themes circle around poverty-stricken Manila
facing the threat of another authoritarian regime where a drug war has turned the
police into the enemy of the people. In the film, Betchai, a tomboy, was sexually
harassed by a cop, and Doc’s son, a policeman, protected Hendrix’s sister and brother-
in-law (a drug addict and a drug pusher respectively), before killing them on Hendrix’s
birthday. Moreover, the way Hendrix and his friends joked about a girl’s death in their
neighborhood early on the film only shows that death is not anything unusual to them.
They are so used to hearing people they know dying left and right as a result of the
extrajudicial killings.
In addition, the gangsta rap shown in the opening sequence and throughout
seems like a perfect metaphor for how some present-day creators and artists focus on
creating for the mainstream audience instead of engaging with the problems of the real
world. In the club, conflict was manufactured and encouraged, like how artists (and
people) these days create unnecessary drama with each other for publicity rather than
talking about social issues. This is why Doc felt compelled to bring Hendrix and his
friends to see a Balagtasan instead, which is like a FlipTop battle except it is
intellectual, more poetic, makes much more sense, and engages the participants with
real world issues.
Lastly, Hendrix killing Doc’s son in the end only hints that history is bound to
repeat itself. Doc shared his dark past with Hendrix before and told him that killing the
police who shot his son did not bring him any satisfaction, but Hendrix, fueled with
anger and adrenaline, did the exact same thing in the end. The scene showed us that
no matter how much we learn of our history, our hatred will make us more likely
commit the same mistakes in the past. This is what seems to be happening with our
society right now.
Yes, I strongly believe that art is a reflection of our society. Whether we admit it
or not, Respeto is a movie about the harsh reality that all of us are living in. I also
believe that all art is political. Artists are either challenging norms, creating discomfort,
and making a social commentary or have the privilege not to do so. Through the film,
the director and writers created a think-piece with socially relevant issues for its
audience to reflect on. After all, the art that we see today documents what our society is
currently going through. As society expands and grows, art changes to reflect its new
developments. In the 1800’s, we know how Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo depicted the hardships experienced of the Filipinos in the hands of the
colonial invaders.
As such, just like the sciences, it cannot be denied that art has the power to
revolutionize the world. It reflects our ever-changing culture and has the ability to alter
society’s values. Moreover, art brings meaning into people’s lives and helps preserve the
world’s culture and societies. It is a manifestation of society and a reflection of people’s
intricate identities.
Respeto did not open my eyes to the sour state of our society—it smacked my
face into reality. The movie was charged with political commentary so it was not hard to
miss. Throughout the movie, although briefly, I saw the poverty-stricken areas of
Manila, how the people in those areas live, and what they do to survive. This was their
reality, I kept telling myself, and it was saddening. My heart was moved at how the
people are suffering there, but at the same time, I can’t help but also feel grateful and
blessed for my current situation. See, this is the beauty of art in politics it uses its
creative power to touch people’s hearts and move them to incite social change.
Art can be a scary word. It is entertainment, but it is also arresting. It is a
vehicle for thought and can be a catalyst for rebellion. From Jose Rizal’s infamous Noli
Me Tangere to Juan Luna’s Spolarium, art has played a monumental role in politics by
providing social commentary on the reality of our present-day world. As it is so, art in
politics is something that needs to be more recognized with creators and the consumer
alike—for direct commitment, for artistic activism, and for intervention in the political
reality of our society and economy. It is through art that we come to better understand
our place in history, engage with different ways of thinking, and reflect—that is if we
allow ourselves to.

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Leanah S.

Respeto: A reflection of our society

friends to see a Balagtasan instead, which is like a FlipTop battle except it is

real world issues.

society right now.

developments. In the 1800’s, we know how Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El

world’s culture and societies. It is a manifestation of society and a reflection of people’s

Art can be a scary word. It is entertainment, but it is also arresting. It is a

allow ourselves to.

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