Ma' Rosa Review (2016) — 74% Celluloid Score
Directed by Brillante Ma Mendoza · 2016 ·
Is Ma' Rosa worth watching?
Yes. Ma' Rosa (2016) earns a 74% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (86%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (72%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as Mãe Rosa ローサは密告された 마'로사 罗莎妈妈
Theatrical release Where to watch
We do not have a confirmed subscription streaming listing. Check services in your country; rental, purchase and cinema options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (86/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (72%).
- Metascore is generally favorable (72/100).
- Celluloid Score 74% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
- Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers
Not ideal for
- Viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is Ma' Rosa worth watching?
Yes — Ma' Rosa earns a 74% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits short runtime — easy weeknight watch, but viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films may want to skip it. Read our full review (3.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
Brillante Mendoza took Best Director at MGGA 2017 for this Cannes Best Actress vehicle — a cornerstone of MIFFest’s early international slate.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics (86%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (72%).
What is Ma' Rosa about?
Ma’ Rosa has four children. She owns a small convenience store in a poor section of Manila where everybody knows her. To make ends meet, Rosa and her husband, Nestor, resell small amounts of narcotics on the side. One day, they get arrested. Rosa’s children are ready to do anything to buy their parents’ freedom from the corrupt police.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
Ma' Rosa (2016) Review: One Long Night of Bribes
★★★½☆
Ma' Rosa is Brillante Mendoza's raw Manila drama about a shopkeeper arrested for dealing and the children scrambling to buy her freedom, anchored by Jaclyn Jose.
Yes, with reservations. It is a gripping, street-level portrait of poverty and police corruption for viewers who can handle grit, though its shaky realism can wear.
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Ma' Rosa: frequently asked questions
Is Ma' Rosa worth watching?
Yes. Ma' Rosa (2016) has a Celluloid Score of 74%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
How long is Ma' Rosa?
Ma' Rosa runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
What is Ma' Rosa rated?
Ma' Rosa is rated R18+ in Japan. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in Ma' Rosa?
Ma' Rosa is directed by Brillante Ma Mendoza and stars Jaclyn Jose, Julio Díaz, Andi Eigenmann, Felix Roco, Jomari Angeles.
What is the Metascore for Ma' Rosa?
Metacritic's Metascore for Ma' Rosa is 72 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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