BAR BOYS: AFTER SCHOOL (2025) Review
Directed by Kip Oebanda
It’s hard to encapsulate all the stories and all the feelings that ‘Bar Boys: After School’ has given me. There’s a lot to unpack because the film isn’t focused on just one story. ‘Bar Boys: After School’ presents the bigger purposes in life. From the struggles of the first years of being a licensed lawyer, including doing pro bono work for the less fortunate, the working students who are trying to make ends meet while also trying to prove their worth, those who are in the marginalized communities, those who are trying to make a change for their communities, and the families we’ve built outside our homes. All these heavy themes are balanced by the thoughtfulness with which everything is done.
It’s eye-opening, thought-provoking, inspiring and at the same time, comforting. Beyond the entertainment factor of the film, it showcases other people’s lives, struggles, and how they overcome these challenges – this is one of the reasons why I love watching movies. ‘Bar Boys: After School’, in a way, puts us in those people’s shoes. And more than that, it makes us reflect on how we live our lives and what we could do to make our society better.
As acting performances go, there isn’t a shortage in ‘Bar Boys: After School.’ Carlo Aquino and Rocco Nacino know well how their characters grew from the first film. Their struggles as adults in the real world, from being lawyers for the needy to passing the knowledge to new law students. It’s like seeing your favorite teachers do what they do best.
New characters Will Ashley, Therese Malvar and Sassa Gurl will leave a mark with their performances. You will be finding yourself captivated with Will’s screen presence, how he commands the scene with his eyes, his voice and his actions, with his award-worthy performance. Therese, while her character may seem delicate, gives justice to her character’s dreams and stance on societal issues. And lastly, Sassa Gurl’s insightful but also entertaining take on her ambitious, strong, intellectual and caring LGBTQIA+ character.
But let’s also not forget Ms. Odette Khan. Every line is a quotable quote and a lesson to ponder on. She gives the much-needed depth in the film. The amount of wisdom her character, Justice Hernandez, shows to the other characters, and by extension, the audience. She’s like a mother, or that favorite teacher that cares about her students so much, never wasting chances to impart wisdom.
I would have preferred if some of the stories had better closure, but ‘Bar Boys: After School’ is that film that isn’t hard to recommend. It’s entertaining but also provides life lessons, and not in a preachy or cringey way. You know a great amount of love is put into this project, not just because of the performances or the direction, but also how it manages to be relevant and uplifting.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Bar Boys: After School’ is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide from 901 Studios PH. Rated PG by the MTRCB. #MMFF2025 #BarBoysAfterSchool