Balik Taya (2023) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Introduction
“Balik Taya” (2023) is one of the latest offerings from Vivamax, a platform known for its bold and boundary-pushing content. Directed by Roman Perez Jr., this film is a follow-up to the 2021 hit “Taya,” which delved deep into the gritty underworld of online gambling and crime. While the first movie set a high bar with its intense storytelling and compelling characters, “Balik Taya” attempts to build on this foundation with a mix of crime, drama, and eroticism. But does it succeed in delivering a memorable experience? Let’s dive into a detailed review of the film and explore where you can watch it online, especially in the United States.
Plot Overview
“Balik Taya” starts with promise, introducing us to the charming and enigmatic Azi Acosta, whose presence lights up the screen. The movie follows the story of Kiko Estrada’s character, a man deeply entrenched in a world of crime and gambling. The plot begins as a romantic drama, where Kiko’s character meets and falls for a mysterious woman played by Azi Acosta. Their chemistry is palpable, creating a captivating dynamic that pulls the audience in. However, the narrative soon takes a sharp turn, pivoting from romance to a crime thriller as Kiko’s character becomes embroiled in a series of dangerous events involving online gambling, pit fighting, and the criminal underworld.
Azi Acosta’s Performance: A Standout Element
Azi Acosta shines in her role, especially during the first half of the movie. Her character adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the story, making her the highlight of the film. However, her disappearance halfway through the movie marks a turning point in the narrative. The shift in focus from her character to the more crime-driven elements of the story feels jarring and leaves a void that the rest of the cast struggles to fill.
The Supporting Cast: Hit or Miss
Angeli Khang and Jela Cuenca join the cast in significant roles, but their performances are met with mixed reactions. Khang’s character, unfortunately, feels sidelined, and Cuenca’s portrayal, marred by a controversial accent, detracts from the overall experience. The decision to cast Cuenca in a role that requires her to adopt an exaggerated Chinese accent has been widely criticized for its insensitivity and poor execution. This misstep is one of the many factors that contribute to the film’s uneven tone.
Cinematography and Direction: A Mixed Bag
From a technical standpoint, “Balik Taya” has moments of brilliance, particularly in its cinematography. The film features some visually striking scenes that showcase Perez Jr.’s eye for detail. However, these moments are overshadowed by questionable editing choices and a soundtrack that feels out of place. Some of the songs used in the film seem to draw inspiration from mainstream erotic thrillers, which doesn’t quite fit the narrative’s tone. The editing, particularly in the action sequences, feels disjointed, reminiscent of the heavily criticized editing style seen in the movie “Blonde,” a Razzie nominee.
The Storyline: A Disjointed Narrative
One of the most significant issues with “Balik Taya” is its disjointed storyline. The film feels like a patchwork of different genres and ideas, none of which are fully realized. The initial romantic setup, which was one of the film’s strongest aspects, is quickly abandoned in favor of a crime thriller that never quite finds its footing. The online gambling subplot, which should have been a central theme, is only briefly touched upon, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The movie’s attempt to incorporate multiple plot twists only adds to the confusion, making it difficult to follow the story’s progression.
The Film’s Setting: Thailand’s Aesthetic Appeal
The film takes a brief detour to Thailand, a setting that, while visually appealing, feels forced within the context of the story. The use of Thailand’s picturesque landscapes seems like an attempt to mask the film’s narrative shortcomings. However, despite the beautiful scenery, the film’s underlying issues are still very much apparent, and the Thai backdrop does little to enhance the overall story.
Themes and Underlying Messages
“Balik Taya” attempts to tackle themes such as love, loss, and the dangers of the online gambling world. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the film’s focus on eroticism and action, which detracts from the deeper messages the movie tries to convey. The exploitation of both male and female characters through sex work and violence is a recurring theme, but it’s handled in a way that feels more gratuitous than meaningful.
Final Verdict
“Balik Taya” is a film that had the potential to be a gripping crime drama with elements of romance and intrigue. However, it falls short of its goals due to its inconsistent storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and questionable creative choices. While the first 30 minutes of the film are genuinely engaging, the rest of the movie struggles to maintain that momentum. Fans of the original “Taya” might find some elements to enjoy, particularly Azi Acosta’s performance, but overall, “Balik Taya” fails to live up to expectations.
Where to Watch “Balik Taya” Online
For those interested in watching “Balik Taya” despite its flaws, the movie is available for streaming on Vivamax. As of now, Vivamax is the exclusive platform offering “Balik Taya” for viewers in the Philippines and other regions. Unfortunately, as of August 2024, there are no official streaming services in the United States that offer “Balik Taya.” However, international viewers can access Vivamax through a VPN service, allowing them to watch the movie outside of its primary regions. Additionally, Vivamax often updates its content library, so it’s worth checking back for any changes in availability.
Conclusion
“Balik Taya” is a film that attempts to balance multiple genres but ultimately falls short due to its disjointed narrative and inconsistent execution. While it does have some redeeming qualities, particularly in its initial setup and cinematography, it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression on viewers. If you’re a fan of Vivamax’s unique brand of cinema, “Balik Taya” might be worth a watch, but temper your expectations accordingly. For those looking for a more coherent and satisfying crime drama, there are other options available that might better serve your needs.
