BuyBust

About BuyBust

BuyBust is a 2018 action and adventure film directed by Erik Matti. The movie follows a special forces team as they embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate a drug den in Manila, Philippines. The team aims to take down a notorious drug lord and put an end to the city's drug trade. However, their operation takes a turn for the worse when they become trapped and hunted down by the drug cartel and its heavily armed henchmen. The film is known for its intense and gritty portrayal of the war on drugs and its unflinching action sequences.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Set in the slums of Manila, BuyBust tells the story of Nina Manigan, a rookie police officer played by Anne Curtis. Nina is part of an anti-narcotics squad tasked with capturing drug dealers and dismantling the local drug trade. Frustrated with the system's corruption and ineffectiveness, Nina hopes that the mission to infiltrate and bring down a major drug lord will be her breakthrough. As the team enters the densely-populated slum, they face a series of obstacles and unexpected betrayals. They find themselves surrounded by heavily armed drug cartel members who will stop at nothing to protect their empire. Trapped inside, the team must fight their way out, using their skills and wits to survive. The film is praised for its realistic portrayal of the violent and chaotic world of drug trafficking, shedding light on the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the devastating impact of the war on drugs in the Philippines.

Making / Production

BuyBust was directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Erik Matti, known for his work in the crime and thriller genres. The movie was shot on location in the streets of Tondo, Manila, to achieve an authentic and gritty atmosphere. The production team faced numerous challenges in filming the action-packed sequences, including coordinating large-scale fight scenes and navigating the narrow and crowded alleyways of the slums. Matti collaborated with renowned action choreographer Sonny Sison to create the intense fight sequences that are a highlight of the film. The use of hand-to-hand combat, improvised weapons, and realistic stunts adds to the overall tension and realism of the action. The film's production design, cinematography, and editing also contribute to its gripping atmosphere. The dilapidated, claustrophobic settings of the slums are skillfully captured, immersing the audience in the dangerous world of the characters. BuyBust was produced by Reality Entertainment and Viva Films, two prominent production companies in the Philippines.

Actors

• Anne Curtis as Nina Manigan - a rookie police officer determined to make a difference.
• Brandon Vera as Rico Yatco - Nina's ally and a skilled member of the special forces team.
• Vince Rillon as Bernie - a young informer who assists the team.
• Arjo Atayde as Rico's younger brother - a drug addict involved with the cartel.
• Joross Gamboa as Teban - a member of the team with a history of drug addiction.
• Sheen Gener as Anna - a tough female operative.
• Mara Lopez as Olivia - a cartel member's girlfriend who becomes entangled in the conflict.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• BuyBust premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival in 2018.
• The film received critical acclaim for its intense action sequences and social commentary.
• Anne Curtis trained extensively in various combat techniques for her role, showcasing her dedication to the character.
• The movie addresses the controversial war on drugs in the Philippines and the impact it has on society.

Awards

While BuyBust did not receive any major international awards, it was widely praised by critics and audiences alike for its thrilling action sequences and gripping storytelling.

Quotes

• "This isn't just a drug den. It's a whole damn city!" - Nina Manigan
• "They want the war. We'll give them the war." - Rico Yatco
• "In this neighborhood, corruption is the only system." - Bernie

Music / Soundtrack

• The film features a tense and atmospheric score composed by Erwin Romulo and Malek Lopez.
• Original songs were created specifically for the movie, complementing the action and adding to the overall mood.
• The soundtrack reflects the urban setting and the adrenaline-fueled nature of the story, enhancing the viewing experience.