One must say that the No. 1 attraction of the film is the superb acting ensemble.
This is not Bergin’s best exposure but still he remains a towering, if, admirable figure as he interacts with Dantes and Confiado. There is unfathomable evil in the portrayal of Gabe Mercado (as Deputy Warden Diaz) and Thou Reyes (as Dong) opposite the inherently good Gudo (Confiado) and Allona (Paras).
Thus far, this is the best of Dingdong as an actor. His dance sequences are credible, his intensity comes from something deep in his being. Towards the end of the film when he still tries to avoid dancing in public on account of his father’s opposition to his art, he lets go of his reservations and joins the glorious dancing finale of the film.
As for director Apolinario, he has rare insight and a wide imagination to make another prison story look fresh and highly revealing.
As it is, Man of Steel is pure Hollywood crap and Dance of Steel Bars shines minus special effects.
This is another indie filmmaking at its best.
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