CineTV Contest: Cleaners (2019)

Hey there, Hive movie lovers! Welcome to the blog where we explore cool and underrated films that deserve more attention. Before we dive in, don’t forget to join our latest community contest called "Favorite Movie No One Likes." Share your favorite hidden gem and explain why it’s awesome for a chance to win! Speaking of underrated movies, I want to share one of my all-time favorites: Cleaners (2019).

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Cleaners? What’s that? This Filipino indie film is a blend of comedy and drama, showcasing the awkward and funny side of being a high schooler. What makes it stand out is its visual style. The film is all in black and white, with certain parts hand-colored to make them pop. It’s quirky and completely unique. But not everyone is into it because the humor and style might feel offbeat if you’re not accustomed to it, and the story is heavily focused on life in the Philippines, so it might not resonate with everyone.

The movie is far from perfect, and if you prefer big-budget, polished films, this might not be for you. But I think that’s what makes it special. It’s raw, creative, and incredibly relatable if you’ve ever felt like a messy teenager trying to figure things out. I wouldn’t say I enjoy going against popular opinions, but I love movies that take risks, and Cleaners definitely does that.

The story is divided into different chapters, each focusing on a distinct set of characters and their high school struggles. There’s the overachieving student who becomes obsessed with maintaining her "clean" image, only to discover that perfection isn’t everything. Then there are the hilarious and awkward moments of a student thrust into embarrassing situations, like performing a cringy school play or trying to impress their crush. Each chapter has its own vibe, but they all come together to create a larger picture about the ups and downs of being a teenager.

Looking beyond the artsy style, you’d realize it’s all about genuine teenage struggles and funny, heartfelt moments. One of my favorite part was the story about a student who tried way too hard to appear perfect but ended up going wild at a school event. It was hilarious and somewhat emotional. That’s what this movie excels at: showcasing how messy and human we all are. Another standout scene featured a chaotic group project gone awry, where everyone’s personalities clashed. I laughed at that part because I've been in that situation before.

The actors in Cleaners aren’t super famous, but they’re incredible. They feel so authentic, like people you’d actually know from school. The cast’s authenticity really enhances the film’s charm because you can see they poured their hearts into their roles. It doesn’t feel like acting; it feels like real life captured on screen.

What’s also cool about Cleaners is how it was made. The filmmakers opted for a hand-drawn look by adding colored highlights to the black-and-white film, which makes it feel like flipping through a scrapbook. It’s a bold, artistic choice that gives the movie its unique vibe. Some people might find it distracting, but I think it adds to the nostalgic, DIY feel of the story.

The film reveals a side of life we don’t see in most mainstream films. It’s different, creative, and full of heart. Watching it made me reflect on my own high school days, the awkwardness, the laughs, and the moments when things didn’t go as planned. It’s the kind of movie that lingers with you because it’s so real and relatable. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should give it a chance! And hey, what’s your favorite underrated movie?

• Poster photo is from TubiTV
• Images are sourced from the movie itself.
• Clipped videos used with the help of GifRun

Thank you for reading this simple blog of mine. I truly appreciate the community. Hoping for the future of Web3 applications that support the ideas of the people.

Macarthur by Bob Ong	Unwind Thursday	Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin (Get Away from Me) 2016

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_{Welcome to my blog. I'm just a simple staff member in the service industry, currently pursuing the things my inner child desires in life. Mostly self-taught in the areas that inspired me to explore the digital world, which ultimately led me to this amazing community.}