Ambush (1988 film)
| Ambush | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Francis 'Jun' Posadas |
| Screenplay by | Jerry O. Tirazona |
| Story by | Raffy Quizon |
| Starring | Ronnie Ricketts |
| Cinematography | Ver Dauz |
| Edited by | Nap Montebon |
| Music by | Rey Valera |
Production company | Regent Films[1] |
Release date | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Ambush is a 1988 Filipino action film directed by Francis 'Jun' Posadas and written by Jerry O. Tirazona. It stars Ronnie Ricketts, Dick Israel, Sonny Parsons, E.R. Ejercito, Leo Lazaro, Bobby Zshornack, and Beverly Vergel. The film depicts an armed struggle between the New People's Army's Sparrow Unit and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Produced by Regent Films, Ambush was released in theaters on July 22, 1988. It was given a mildly positive review by critic Lav Diaz, who praised its non-propagandistic depiction of ideological conflicts between communist revolutionaries and law enforcers, while criticizing its technical flaws and the inclusion of an unbelievable character.
Cast
- Ronnie Ricketts as Ka Mario
- Dick Israel as Ka Diego
- Sonny Parsons
- E.R. Ejercito
- Leo Lazaro
- Bobby Zshornack
- Beverly Vergel
- Raoul Aragonn
- Odette Khan
- Johnny Wilson
- Joonee Gamboa
- Johnny Vicar
- Gladys Reyes
- Vic Varrion
- Rey Sagum
- Danny Riel
- Rene Matias
- Grego Gavino
- Robert Talby
- Dave Moreno
- Jess Bernardo
Production
Ambush was one of the first major roles of Bobby Zshornack and Leo Lazaro, part of a group called the "Escolta Boys" who mostly starred in action films.[4] On April 11, Beverly Vergel did her own stunt of driving a pickup truck through a fruit stand.[5]
Critical response
Lav Diaz, writing for the Manila Standard, gave a mildly positive review of the film.[6] He praised the film's non-propagandistic and unbiased depiction of the ideological conflicts between communist revolutionaries such as the Sparrow Unit and enforcers of the law, but considered the filmmakers' inclusion of an inexperienced recruit within the demanding unit as unbelievable and the film's "biggest mistake", in addition to its other technical faults.[6] He concluded, however, that if viewers watched the film solely for its action, it is worth the cost of admission.[6]
References
- ^ Miralles, Nitz (July 5, 1988). "Ronnie, Gabby deny rumors". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 14. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Standard Publications Inc. July 22, 1988. p. 14. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
DYNASTY-B....................Ambush
- ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Standard Publications Inc. July 21, 1988. p. 14. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
Dynasty-B...........Kambal na Kamao
- ^ Alip, Nap C. (February 19, 2019). "A Throwback on Escolta Boys of Showbiz". Balita. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
- ^ V., Nena (July 1, 1988). "Viva tries to recover lost ground". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 14. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c Diaz, Lav (July 26, 1988). "Walang kinikilingan". Manila Standard (in Filipino). Standard Publications, Inc. p. 15. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
Bakit sa pelikula'y naglagay ang mga may obra ng isang bagong recruit, matatakutin (ni hindi mapaputok ang baril) at litung-lito pa sa hanay ng grupong ito? .... Ang aspetong ito ang pinakamalaking kapalpakan ng Ambush.