By Jm Jusay
In Christian Paolo Lat’s Journey Man, the gritty world of journeyman boxing is laid bare, exposing a
brutal reality that few outside the ring ever truly see. This unflinching portrayal of survival and
sacrifice offers more than just the thrill of a fight; it delves into the very soul of a man caught in an
endless cycle of loss—not for glory, but for the slimmest chance at survival. Set against the
backdrop of a third-world country, Journey Man serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles
that so many face, often at the expense of their dignity and humanity, just to stay afloat in a world
that values success above all else.
At its core, Journey Man is a film about loss, sacrifice, and the quiet battles that occur outside the
public eye. The protagonist, a journeyman boxer, spends his life throwing fights to ensure others
remain champions. His victories are not his own, but are traded away for a few meager scraps of
cash that keep him and his family alive. In a world where survival often means giving up one's self-
worth, the film presents an emotionally charged narrative that forces us to question the price of
such survival in a system that seems indifferent to the underdog.
What elevates Journey Man beyond a mere exploration of this harsh reality is the powerful
performance by JC Santos. He brings the tortured character of the journeyman boxer to life with an
authenticity rarely seen on screen. Santos, whose acting career spans 18 years, delivers a portrayal
so raw and real that it often feels less like acting and more like the lived experience of someone who
has truly been through it all. Each subtle breath, every pause, and every line spoken with quiet
intensity bears witness to his dedication and passion for the craft. His commitment to the role is
palpable, embodying the pain and endurance of a man who has resigned himself to a life of sacrifice
for others.
In an interview, Santos revealed that his motivation to take on such challenging roles goes beyond
money or fame. It’s the desire to push his boundaries and challenge himself with diverse and
compelling characters. From gay roles to villains, he has continuously sought out opportunities to
stretch his acting range. In Journey Man, Santos embraces a new challenge, portraying a boxer
trapped in a cycle of self-sacrifice, losing for others’ gain. To prepare for the role, Santos trained
intensely, learning the sport from the ground up, with guidance from Lat himself—an actor-turned-
director whose own life experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of the film.
Lat’s direction is a perfect balance of subtlety and power, capturing the delicate emotional depth of
a story that demands both realism and vulnerability. Growing up in poverty, Lat infused the film with
an undeniable sense of lived experience. In our conversation, he shared how his childhood wasshaped by the struggles of his mother, who often had to resort to promissory notes just to keep the
family afloat. These deeply personal memories permeate the narrative, giving Journey Man a
resonance that goes beyond fiction. For Lat, this film isn’t just a story—it’s a reflection of his own
journey, a meditation on the daily grind of survival, and the sacrifices that come with it.
The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the film’s impact. Jasmine Curtis shines as a
devoted mother working as a saleslady to support her family. Her performance is so genuine that it
feels as though she is channeling the lives of countless women who, like her character, struggle to
provide for their loved ones. Raffy Tejada, in his role as a character that the audience loves to hate,
adds a layer of tension and complexity, showing off his considerable talent and adding depth to the
story.
While Journey Man is a short film, its impact is anything but fleeting. It doesn't shy away from
uncomfortable truths, offering no easy answers but instead leaving the audience with a profound
message of hope. The film’s ending—a cliffhanger—captures the uncertainty of life, underscoring
the idea that while the future is unpredictable, the very act of fighting, of continuing to move
forward, is what gives us purpose. The film reminds us that life’s battles are rarely fair or easy, but
it’s the perseverance that defines us.
In conclusion, Journey Man is a masterful exploration of survival, dignity, and the emotional toll of
fighting for a place in a world that too often ignores the struggles of the marginalized. With
exceptional performances, particularly from JC Santos, and direction rooted in real-world
experience, the film leaves a lasting impression that resonates on a deeply personal level. It forces
us to confront the cost of survival and the sacrifices we make to simply stay alive. For its unflinching
look at life on the margins, Journey Man is a powerful, heart-wrenching film that warrants serious
reflection.
Rating: 8/10 – A raw, unflinching portrayal of life’s underdogs, where every fight is not for glory but
for the barest chance of survival.
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