Definitely seeing Vox Populi wedge.
Saw Halaw at UP earlier today. Felt it was a little too . . .is structured the right word? Would've worked better if it were more languid and aimless. Still, worth a look. And the controversial ending was so spot-on for me, it practically made the movie. Will write up a piece soon. Habang may momentum.
I'd love to read your take on the ending. For me, if it is ambiguity that Sheron is gunning for, I'm all for it. But there is an ending, it's not ambiguous at all since it's right there, repeated even, made overt by the sound bites of guns, the Malaysians threatening. Heck, even the title states the ending; Halaw means deported. There's a conclusion to the tale of these people. The only fault is that it was an ending that didn't say exactly what it wants to say. I'm not sure if it's a stroke of luck, an act of fate, that the ending has been this controversial, and has been read so many ways.
For me, the sea scenes feel so truncated. You're right Do, I wanted it to be more languid, aimless, more dangerous even. Characterization is great; the first few scenes were brilliantly directed, I think.