Reef Hunters is an allegory about a man′s ambition and despair, which in turn threatens a group and drives him to destruction. Various dramatic motives constitute the structure of this film: the dark memories of a man who has lost his wife and child; distorted sensibilities; blinded ambition and beastly instincts; seniors who are sacrificed for worrying and giving advice; the conspiracy and betrayal of a right-hand man; sudden death by accident and murder; a prostitute who becomes a man′s shelter and a tragic end, may be too stereotypical yet this film refrains from remaining as a line-up of conventions. Set on a deep-sea fishing boat right before Christmas. The boat carrying 200 young boys set out for the sea to catch 300 barrels of fish and give them out to needy families. Unfortunately, a series of accidents and conflicts results in the boat sinking. A typical drama which filmmaker, Marilou Diaz-Abaya introduces the lives of the poor, and moreover a microcosm of Philippine society. The dynamic directing approach and spectacular visuals truly stand out. (Yu Hyun-Mi)