“Maria,” a gripping action-thriller, premiered on March 27, 2019. Directed by Pedring Lopez, this Filipino movie brings a high-octane mix of revenge, drama, and intense fight sequences. The film tells the story of a woman forced to confront her violent past to protect her family. With its stylish cinematography and fast-paced narrative, “Maria” has captured the attention of action movie enthusiasts worldwide. This review delves into the elements that make “Maria” a standout in its genre.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
“Maria” follows the story of Lily, a former assassin who has left her violent life behind and started anew as Maria, a loving wife and mother. However, her past catches up with her when her old enemies discover her whereabouts. Forced to fight for her family’s survival, Maria embarks on a journey of vengeance against those who threaten her peace. The film is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with action-packed sequences and a tale of redemption. Without revealing spoilers, “Maria” is a story of resilience, love, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.
What’s Good?
Action Sequences
The fight choreography in “Maria” is exceptional. The hand-to-hand combat scenes are well-executed, with a blend of realism and stylized action. Each sequence is shot with precision, ensuring viewers remain on the edge of their seats.
Cinematography
The film’s visuals are striking. The use of color and lighting enhances the mood of each scene, creating a gritty yet vibrant atmosphere. The cinematography effectively captures both the intensity of the action and the emotional depth of the characters.
Lead Performance
Cristine Reyes delivers a powerful performance as Maria. She embodies the character’s duality—a loving mother and a fierce warrior—with conviction. Her physical preparation for the role is evident in the action scenes, making her portrayal both believable and compelling.
Direction
Pedring Lopez’s direction ensures that “Maria” maintains a consistent tone throughout. His ability to balance intense action with moments of emotional vulnerability sets the film apart from other action thrillers.
Soundtrack
The music in “Maria” complements the narrative perfectly. The score heightens the tension during action scenes and adds emotional weight to quieter moments. It’s a well-rounded auditory experience that enhances the overall impact of the movie.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Engaging Action: The film excels in delivering high-quality action sequences that are both thrilling and visually impressive.
- Strong Lead: Cristine Reyes’ performance anchors the film, making it emotionally engaging.
- Visual Style: The cinematography and production design create a unique aesthetic that enhances the storytelling.
- Pacing: The movie’s brisk pace ensures there are no dull moments.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: While the story is engaging, it follows a familiar revenge narrative that may feel predictable to some viewers.
- Supporting Characters: Some secondary characters lack depth, which slightly diminishes the emotional stakes.
- Limited World-Building: The film could have explored more of Maria’s past and the world of assassins to add richness to the story.
Target Audience
“Maria” is ideal for fans of action and revenge thrillers. Viewers who enjoy strong female leads and intense fight sequences will find this film particularly appealing. While it’s not suitable for young audiences due to its violent content, adults who appreciate gritty, fast-paced narratives will thoroughly enjoy “Maria.”
Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
- Budget: Approximately ₹40 crores (around $5 million).
- Worldwide Box Office Collection: Over ₹130 crores (around $16 million).
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: ₹2 crores (India), $1 million (overseas)
- Day 2: ₹2.5 crores (India), $1.2 million (overseas)
- Day 3: ₹3 crores (India), $1.5 million (overseas)
- Day 4: ₹2.8 crores (India), $1.3 million (overseas)
- Day 5: ₹2.6 crores (India), $1.1 million (overseas)
The movie’s strong box-office performance reflects its appeal to a global audience, particularly fans of action-packed cinema.
Recommendation
“Maria” is a thrilling ride that combines intense action with emotional depth. Cristine Reyes’ standout performance, coupled with Pedring Lopez’s stylish direction, makes this film a must-watch for action enthusiasts. While the plot may be predictable, the execution and visual flair ensure an engaging experience. Highly recommended for fans of revenge dramas and action thrillers.
Genres:
Drama, Music
Rating:
6.829/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Angelina Jolie | Maria Callas |
| Pierfrancesco Favino | Ferruccio |
| Alba Rohrwacher | Bruna |
| Haluk Bilginer | Aristotle Onassis |
| Kodi Smit-McPhee | Mandrax |
| Stephen Ashfield | Jeffrey Tate |
| Valeria Golino | Yakinthi Callas |
| Caspar Phillipson | JFK |
| Vincent Macaigne | Doctor Fointainebleau |
| Aggelina Papadopoulou | Young Callas – 1940 |
| Erofili Panagiotarea | Young Yakinthi |
| Jörg Westphal | SS Officer |
| Philipp Droste | SS Officer |
| Alessandro Bressanello | Giovanni Battista Meneghini |
| Bálint Magyar | Prince Rainier of Monaco |
| Paul Spera | Ronald |
| Kay Madsen | Cameraman |
| Lyes Salem | Waiter |
| Christophe Favre | Maître d’Hôtel |
| Hugh Dillon | Pierre |
| Lidia Zelikmann Kauders | Young Callas – 1930 |
| Lydia Koniordou | Lista Callas |
| Toma Hrisztov | Opera Lover |
| Botond Bartus | Dorchester Man |
| Rebecka Johnston | Party Guest |
| Lili Walters | Florist |
| Jeremy Wheeler | Dorchester Tuxedo Man |
| János Geréb | Neighbour |
| Andrew Hefler | Café Guest |
| Patrick McCullough | Waiter |
| Francis McBurney | Hospital Security Guard |
| Christiana Aloneftis | Young Callas – 1947 |
| Miklós Béres | Neighbour |
| Lorena Santana-Somogyi | Spectator |
| Tímea Kása | Spectator |
| Kembe Sorel | Spectator |
| András Sütö | Balcony Neighbour |
| Suzie Kennedy | Marilyn Monroe |
| Viktor Mitev | Bartender (uncredited) |
| María Callas | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Aristotle Onassis | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
