Long before he gave us modern masterpieces like On the Job , director Erik Matti was already crafting gritty, neon-soaked underworlds. One of his standout early works is (1999), a film that blends the high-stakes tension of a heist thriller with a dark, tragic romance. The Plot: No Way Out
The story follows ( Albert Martinez ), a reluctant kidnapper who works for a brutal crime syndicate but maintains a shred of humanity by treating his victims with kindness. His life takes a sharp turn when he starts a passionate affair with Dolor ( Sunshine Cruz ), a former bar girl trapped in a marriage with a rich, abusive man.
July 28, 1999 Director: Erik Matti Starring: Albert Martinez & Sunshine Cruz Ekis, Walang Tatakas 1999 PMH.mp4
Critics often describe the film as a mix of John Woo-style heroic bloodshed and Quentin Tarantino's snappy, stylized dialogue.
Both dream of a "normal" life and plan to flee their respective prisons. However, their escape is triggered by chaos: a botched ransom payoff by Gene’s gang and a violent confrontation where Dolor kills her husband in self-defense. The pair is forced to go on the run, pursued by both the police and Gene's vengeful criminal associates. Why It’s a Cult Classic Long before he gave us modern masterpieces like
In a cheeky nod to the Will Smith blockbuster Wild Wild West released that same week, Ekis was marketed with the tagline "Wild Wild Wet" due to its erotic thriller elements and heavy rain-soaked scenes.
Retro Review: Why Erik Matti’s ‘Ekis’ Still Hits Different His life takes a sharp turn when he
For those looking to dive deeper into Filipino cinema history, you can find full credits and trivia on sites like IMDb and TMDB. Ekis: Walang Tatakas (1999) - Plot - IMDb