Drugs, crime, neon lights in mind-blowing ‘BuyBust’

Memorable fight scenes among the drug gang, the anti-narcotics agents, and the slum dwellers take place, amid torrential rains, in the maze that is Gracia ni Maria. CONTRIBUTED

DALY CITY, California — Following its world premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival, the action-crime movie “BuyBust,” starring Anne Curtis and MMA fighter Brandon Vera, opens August 10 in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.

“BuyBust” is directed by Erik Matti, of the highly-acclaimed “On the Job,” from a script also written by Matti and Anton Santamaria.

After surviving the slaughter of her entire squad in a drug raid compromised by dirty cops, anti-narcotics special operative Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis), is eager to go head-to-head with the drug cartels that hold a bloody grip on Manila. But when her new mission in the city’s most dangerous slum goes south, the angry civilians turn on her squad.

Trapped between a brutal drug gang and hordes of bloodthirsty citizens, their only option is to fight their way out, turning one claustrophobic street at a time into a symphony of apocalyptic violence.

Variety applauded “BuyBust” lead actor saying, “In a radical departure from her usual rom-com roles, dual Australian-Filipino national Curtis is convincing and charismatic as the determined and amazingly resourceful heroine.”

“BuyBust” also stars Victor Neri, Arjo Atayde, Levi Ignacio, Alex Calleja, Lao Rodriguez, Joross Gamboa, Ricky Pascua, and Nonie Buencamino. Itscreensin the U.S and Canada starting August 10. Go to buybust-movie.comor visit TFC US  or TFC Canadaon Facebook for a list of theaters in your area.