Plot summary
 | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2022) |
| Ambush | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Francis 'Jun' Posadas |
| Screenplay by | Jerry O. Tirazona |
| Story by | Raffy Quizon |
| Produced by | Betty Catog (executive producer) |
| Starring | Ronnie Ricketts |
| Cinematography | Ver Dauz |
| Edited by | Nap Montebon |
| Music by | Rey Valera |
Production company | Regent Films [1] |
Release date | |
Running time | 123 minutes |
| 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 13, 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 implausible character.
| | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2022) |
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]
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]
| Group | Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Best New Actor | Bobby Zshornack [7] | Nominated |
| Best Child Performer | Gladys Reyes [7] | Nominated |
Other film depictions of the Sparrow Unit starring Ronnie Ricketts:
Lavrente Indico Diaz is a Filipino independent filmmaker and former film critic. He is frequently known as one of the key members of the slow cinema movement, and has made several of the longest narrative films on record. Diaz is one of the most critically acclaimed contemporary Filipino filmmakers.
Ronald Naldo Ricketts, popularly known as Ronnie Ricketts, is a Filipino actor, scriptwriter, film director, line producer, and martial artist who is the former President of the Philippine Film Actors Guild, and former Chairman of Optical Media Board (OMB), a government agency that regulates recording optical media in the Philippines.
Target: Sparrow Unit is a 1987 Filipino action film directed by Ben "M7" Yalung. It stars Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Ronnie Ricketts, Debbie Miller, Sonny Parsons, Dick Israel, King Gutierrez and E.R. Ejercito.
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Ang Supremo is a 1988 Filipino action film directed by Joey del Rosario and starring Ramon Revilla as the titular supremo. It also stars Chat Silayan, Eddie Garcia, Jean Saburit, Rommel Valdez, and Miguel Rodriguez.
Patrolman is a 1988 Filipino action film directed by Cesar SB. Abella and starring stuntman Baldo Marro as the titular patrolman. It also stars Melissa Mendez, Sunshine, Raoul Aragonn, Dick Israel, Zandro Zamora, Arwin Rogelio, and Odette Khan. Based on a true story, the film is about a dedicated and honest policeman who becomes a target of the New People's Army's Sparrow Unit. The film was produced by El Niño Films and released on December 25, 1988, as part of the 14th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Sukdulan is a 1988 Filipino erotic horror film written and directed by Joe "Kaka" Balagtas and starring Myra Manibog, Olga Miranda, and Franco Madrigal. Produced by Double M Productions, it was released in mid-1988. Critic Lav Diaz gave a negative review of the film, criticizing most of the film for being cliched, forced, irritating, and annoying, while praising the suspenseful and frightening scenes involving the returned psychopathic expatriate from Saudi Arabia toward the end.
Sa Dulo ng Baril is a 1988 Filipino historical action drama film written and directed by Jerry O. Tirazona and starring Jess Lapid Jr., Lito Lazaro, Eric Borbon, Marithez Samson, Nick Romano, Danny Riel, and Ronald Nepomuceno. Produced by Super Nine Films International, the film was released on August 5, 1988. Critic Lav Diaz gave the film a negative review, criticizing its pretentious editing and questionable depiction of communist rebels in the early 1970s.
Sgt. Ernesto 'Boy' Ybañez: Tirtir Gang, or simply Tirtir Gang, is a 1988 Philippine action film co-written and directed by Willy Milan. The film stars Sonny Parsons as the titular character. Produced by Double M Films International, the film was released on July 28, 1988.
Alex Boncayao Brigade is a 1989 action film directed by Joey del Rosario. The film stars Ronnie Ricketts, Mia Prats, George Estregan Jr., Richard Bonnin and Marco Polo, alongside Dave Brodett, Val Iglesias, Nick Romano, Bomber Moran, and Dexter Doria. It is about the titular communist militant group that functions as the urban guerrilla unit of the New People's Army. Produced by Olympia Pictures, the film was released on January 18, 1989.
Kapag Napagod ang Puso is a 1988 Filipino romantic drama film directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes and starring Christopher de Leon, Snooky Serna, Gloria Romero, Lito Pimentel, Julio Diaz, Rez Cortez, Anjo Yllana, Caridad Sanchez, and Gil de Leon. Produced by VH Films, it was released in June 1988.
Target... Maganto is a 1988 Filipino action film based on the life of Lt. Col. Romeo Maganto of the Western Police District in Manila. Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia, the film stars Ronnie Ricketts as the eponymous police commander, alongside Charlie Davao, Monica Herrera, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Nick Romano, Renato del Prado, Bing Davao and Aurora Salve. It is the first film to be made about Maganto's life; later films include Leon ng Maynila (1991) and The Legend: Tomagan (2003). Produced by GVM Productions, the film was released on April 8, 1988.
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NEW LORDS[...]Ambush
NEW LORDS.............Raider Platoon
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.