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Sunday, 19 May 2024

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Bayan o Sarili: Heneral Luna Film Review

Sa pagbukas ng pelikulang Heneral Luna ni Jerrold Tarog, muling balikan at buksan ang kwento ng kagitingan ng isang heneral at ng iba pang kontrobersyal na bahagi ng kasaysayan.

Hindi lubos na mauunawaan ang kasalukuyan kung hindi babalikan ang kasaysayan. Kaya sa pagbukas ng pelikulang Heneral Luna ni Jerrold Tarog noong Setyembre 9, 2015, nabuksan sa madla ang kwento ng kagitingan ng isang heneral at ng iba pang kontrobersyal na bahagi ng kasaysayan. Naging usap-usapan ng mga netizens ang pelikula at mistulang naging viral pa ang posibleng maagang pagkakatanggal nito sa mga sinehan. Muli nating hawiin ang kurtina at tanawin ang kasaysayan sa likod ni Heneral Luna.

Mapangahas at puno ng tapang ang grupo ni Direk Jerrold Tarog sa pagnanais na ibunyag ang madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan. Ang kasaysayang kinagisnan nating mga bayani ay may kinalaman din sa kontroberysyal na krimen ng pagpatay sa kapwa Pilipino. Umiikot ang istorya sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga Amerikano at kung paano lumaban ang mga Pilipino upang hindi tuluyang masakop ng mga dayuhan at makamit ang soberanya.

Pilipino Laban sa Pilipino

“Mayroon tayong mas malaking kaaway kaysa mga Amerikano, ang ating sarili,” isa sa mga matalinhagang linyang binitawan sa pelikula na sumasalamin sa madilim na lihim ng kasaysayan. Hindi man direktang ipinakita ay tila palaisipan ang matagal nang isyu na si Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo rin ang nagpapatay kay Heneral Luna gaya nang nangyari kay Andres Bonifacio. Naging tahasan din ang pagsasalaysay ng totoong kaganapan sa pagitan ng mga Pilipino noong panahon ng mga Amerikano. Kahit sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ng militar o pulitika ay hindi nagkaroon ng kasunduan ang mga Pilipino sa pagdedesisyon.

Napapanahon Kahit Kahapon

Maikukumpara na magpahanggang ngayon ay nangyayari pa rin ang pagsisiraan sa pagitan ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa ating gobyerno. Kung sa pelikula ay makikitang pinatay si Heneral Luna ng kapwa Pilipino, ngayon ay wala pa ring nababago gaya nang patuloy nating nakikita sa mga balita at maging sa pulitika. Ang mga salitang ginamit ay nababagay rin sa modernong panahon lalo na ang mga punchline upang lagyan ng bahagyang komedya ang timpla. Bagaman makabago ang salita ay hindi nasakripisyo ang kwento at takbo ng istorya dahil sa katunayan, maging ang paggamit ng f imbes na p sa salitang familia ay kapansin-pansin din. Maging ang mga linya ay sadyang may laman na mas pinatindi pa ng batuhan ng mga dekalibreng artista gaya ni John Arcilla .

Atensyon para sa Suhestiyon

Talagang isa ang pelikulang ito sa mga maituturing na masterpiece sa larangan ng Philippine Movie, hindi lang dahil sa magandang storyline kundi maging ang cinematography . Makakakonekta ang lahat ng uri ng manonood sa ganitong klaseng pelikula dahil sa pagkakatalakay nito sa ating mga paaralan simula nang tayo ay nasa elementarya. Sadyang iba ang nakikita sa nababasa mula sa nilalaman ng libro kaya mas mainam kung sa susunod ay ipapalabas ito nang may subtitle upang masundan din ng mga manonood ang mga linyang tumatatak sa puso. Bagaman mayroon nang mga naunang pelikula patungkol sa ating mga bayani, maganda rin kung ang mga susunod na pelikulang tungkol sa kasaysayan ay gawing sequel style o tahiin ang mga istorya ayon sa pagkakasunod-sunod sa kasaysayan upang hindi nakalilito at mas madaling magamit bilang material sa pagtuturo sa mga paaralan. Noon pa man ay may kakaiba nang alab ang puso nating mga Pilipino gaya nang ipinakita ng isa sa ating mga bayani. Nakakalungkot lamang na isiping tila nakakalimot tayo at pati sa simpleng pagsuporta ng sariling atin ay mistulang mabibigo pa tayo. Sa bawat pagkakataon na iniisip natin ang ating kapakanan, isaalang-alang din natin ang ating bayan. Wala mang kapa o anumang costume gaya ng mga superheroes ang ating mga bayani ay umukit sa kasaysayan ang dugong kanilang ibinuwis. Sana’y huwag tayong magbulag-bulagan sa nagaganap sa ating bansa at gaya ng sinabi sa pelikula, “hindi panlalait ang pagsasabi ng totoo.” Kaya sa mga pulitiko, pulis, estudyante at maging pedicab driver , “negosyo o kalayaan, bayan o sarili, mamili ka.”

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS, REVIEWS

‘Your Mother’s Son’ Review: Uncomfortable realities

I can’t remember the last time I was this uncomfortable even after watching a movie and it’s not even a horror one. But Jun Robles Lana’s latest film, ‘Your Mother’s Son,’ made me uncomfortable without being untrue to its characters, without them being overly dramatic. It’s the kind of film that you want to shake off after watching because of the discomfort its story tells especially about morality.

Read our 4.5 out of 5 stars review of YOUR MOTHER’S SON. Now showing at ElighTEN: The IdeaFirst Film Festival at Gateway Cineplex 18. Rated R-18 by the MTRCB. #YourMothersSon #IdeaFirstEnlighTEN

‘A Glimpse of Forever’ Review: Everything is not what it seems

A Glimpse of Forever tells us that everything is not what it seems. People may look okay, they may smile, laugh and do normal things people do but deep inside they are troubled, they are aching, they are crying for help.

Read our full review below. #AGlimpseOfForever

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Review: Smart, funny and weird AF

Lisa Frankenstein is smart, funny, twisted and very entertaining. It is a fun and more grounded take on romancing with the undead with all the uncomfortable realities on the side.

LISA FRANKENSTEIN is now showing in Philippine cinemas from Universal Pictures Philippines. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB. #LisaFrankensteinPH

‘Priscilla’ Review: Restrained love

‘Priscilla’ presents a sad reality for women not just during her time as the wife of Elvis Presley but until today. Spaeny got the role of a lifetime and she took it with her heart fully.

PRISCILLA opens in PH cinemas January 31, 2024, locally distributed by CreaZion Studios. #PriscillaPH

‘The Beekeeper’ Review: Jason Statham does a less serious John Wick

Imagine if Jason Statham, with all his macho charm action, were to play John Wick? The Beekeeper is an entertaining revenge action thriller that packs some surprising twists and knows the audience of the genre and its lead star.

THE BEEKEEPER is now showing in cinemas and IMAX from Pioneer Films. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB.

‘Becky & Badette’ Review: Going beyond comedy

Both hilarious and heartwarming. The tandem of Pokwang and Domingo under the direction of Jun Lana offers different types of comedy and some will surprise you. But what’s great about the film is that it goes beyond the genre. If there’s a word for “may kabuluhang comedy,” that’s what I would describe Becky & Badette.

BECKY & BADETTE is now showing in cinemas nationwide from The IdeaFirst Company and OctoberTrain. Rated PG by the MTRCB. An official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. #MMFF2023 #BeckyAndBadette

‘Mallari’ Review: A triumph in Philippine horror

The technical aspects in ‘Mallari’ will leave you in awe. It is a triumph in Philippine horror. Not just because it’s big budgeted, not just because Warner Bros. Pictures is part of it, but because this is a multi-layered, complex and well-made film. It’s worthy of your attention and it will make you proud that this is Filipino made.

‘MALLARI’ opens in cinemas December 25, 2023. An official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival from Mentorque Productions, in cooperation with Cleverminds, Inc. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB. #MallariTheMovie

‘Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)’ Review: The bittersweet slices of life

FAMILY OF TWO (A MOTHER AND SON STORY) ReviewDirected by Nuel Naval How close are you to your parents? What if it’s just the two of you for a very long time? One parent, one child together for more than a decade. Doing the same routine, saying the same things over and over again. Everything’s …

Continue reading “‘Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)’ Review: The bittersweet slices of life”

‘Firefly’ Review: A heartwarming love letter to our first storytellers

FIREFLY (2023) ReviewDirected by Zig Dulay When was the last time you got out of the cinema with your heart feeling full? Or at least after watching a Filipino movie. Zig Dulay’s love letter to our first storytellers embraces its audience through its heartwarming story about a boy and his mother. Told through impressive visuals …

Continue reading “‘Firefly’ Review: A heartwarming love letter to our first storytellers”

‘GomBurZa’ Review: Masterfully crafted historical film that’s still relevant 150 years after

GomBurZa is an eye-opening film. This historical drama movie will leave you with a lot of emotions – anger, sadness, the urge to find the truth, but above all hopeful. GomBurZa is masterfully crafted from direction, production design, cinematography and acting. Deserves to be seen by Filipinos not just in the Philippines but all over the world.

GOMBURZA opens in cinemas December 25, 2023. An official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023. #GomBurZaFilm

Making The Most Out of Everyday Life

Ikaw (Filipino) Movie Review

January 27, 2022

Ikaw (You) is one of the newly added Filipino movie on Netflix. It’s about a Manila-based real estate broker who returned to her town in Bulusan, Sorgsogon for her grandmother’s 80th birthday celebration. She gets reacquinted with her elementary schoolmate, Edong, a coconut farmer.

Basically when I watched this movie, I have no clue what’s the plot of the movie, I just watched the trailer on Netflix and then proceeded to hit the play button.

Here’s my 3 thoughts about the movie:

Wow. The plot twist was unexpected . Since I don’t look at how many minutes are left in the movie, the plot twist took me by surprise. Yup. I really thought the movie was done, and they were already wrapping up. Since I don’t want to spoil you with the plot twist, I will not elaborate more on this thought.
I didn’t cry that much . I’m a big cry baby! And so when I tell you I didn’t cry that much, tears did fell, but wasn’t enough. They kind of missed on the chance of making their audience bawl their eyes out. Maybe it’s the song choice or the scene was just lacking. For me, instead on focusing on the character crying, they could have shown a few seconds of flash backs.
It’s not a happy ending . If you like movies that ends in happy ever after, then this movie is not for you. But don’t let this stop you. This movie is still worth watching. I enjoyed and I didn’t feel like I wasted my time.

Have you seen Ikaw? What do you think about the movie? Let me know in the comments!

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30 best movies in tagalog - a good movie to watch, find the best tagalog-language movies to watch. these movies in tagalog are: highly-rated by critics, highly-rated by viewers, and handpicked by our staff..

Cleaners (2019)

Kita Kita (2017)

Leonor Will Never Die (2022)

Rewind (2023)

Third World Romance (2023)

Whether the Weather Is Fine (2021)

Rookie (2023)

Aswang (2019)

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The 10 Best Tagalog Movies You Need to See

Visual Cult Magazine is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Tagalog cinema, like that of other cultures, reflects the customs and values of its people. Tagalog, which is the most commonly used tongue in the Philippines, has provided the audio tracks of several of the country’s enduring and poignant pictures. With their touching dramas and hilarious comedies, Tagalog films have captured the hearts of both Filipinos and foreigners. If you are interested in the long and storied history of Tagalog films, here is a list of some of the best films you may watch.

1. Himala (The Miracle, 1982)

Director(s): Ishmael Bernal Writer(s): Ricky Lee Cast: Nora Aunor, Spanky Manikan, Gigi Dueñas, Laura Centeno IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 Runtime: 2h 4m Genre: Drama

Himala is regarded as the foundational work of Tagalog cinema and Filipino culture. Nora Aunor portrayed Elsa, a young destitute Filipino girl who claims to have seen the Virgin Mary and conducts miracles in a remote village. The film was released in 1982 under the direction of Ishmael Bernal.

The film explored several issues confronting Philippine society at the time of its debut, including poverty, politics, faith, and the impact of media on the community. In addition, it explored the complex makeup of the human condition and the role of theology in individuals’ existence.

Himala was praised by critics and became a commercial success in the Philippines, in addition to garnering worldwide acclaim. The film won several accolades, including Best Picture and Best Director at the 1983 Gawad Urian Awards, and represented the Philippines at the 55th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

The enduring impact of Himala on Philippine cinema and culture cannot be stressed. This film has been praised as a shining illustration of the artistic and social potential of Tagalog cinema, and it has served as a source of inspiration for generations after generations of Filipino filmmakers and artists. Despite the passage of time, its ideas and emotions have not lost their potency, and it is still regarded as a cultural and artistic masterpiece.

2. Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)

Director(s): Peque Gallaga Writer(s): Peque Gallaga, Mario Taguiwalo, Conchita Castillo Cast: Cherie Gil, Sandy Andolong, Liza Lorena, Fides Cuyugan-Asencio, Joel Torre IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 Runtime: 3h 14m Genre: War, Drama

The Tagalog movie Oro, Plata, Mata was released in 1982 and was an instant hit. Directed by Peque Gallaga and starring Joel Torre, Sandy Andolong, and Cherie Gil, the film portrays the lives of two affluent families in Negros Occidental, Philippines, during World War II.

In the film, the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the subsequent liberation by American forces serve as a historical background. During this time of great unpredictability, it explores the impact that the war has had on the families and citizens of Negros.

The plot and its characters are influenced by three primary forces, all of which are alluded to in the title, which translates to Gold, Silver, Death in Spanish. The protagonists are driven by three fundamental emotions: greed for monetary gain, fear of bodily harm, and moral uprightness.

The film is a creative feat that successfully captures the distinctive style of its day. The gorgeous beauty of Negros is juxtaposed with the anarchy and ruin of warfare, creating an emotional and unsettling feeling.

A really moving and enlightening film, Oro, Plata, Mata explores the complexities of the human condition in the face of disaster. It is a powerful homage to the resilience of the human spirit and a sobering reminder of the devastation that war can inflict on individuals and communities.

3. Dekada ’70 (The Seventies, 2002)

Director(s): Chito S. Roño Writer(s): Lualhati Bautista Cast: Vilma Santos-Recto, Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Runtime: 2h 8m Genre: Drama

The Tagalog movie Dekada ’70 (the 1970s) was released in 2002, and it is a strong and thought-provoking work of cinema. The film, helmed by Chito S. Roño and adapted from a book by Lualhati Bautista, follows a family of Filipinos as they navigate the challenges of life in the Philippines in the 1970s.

The turbulent societal and political climate of the period provides a rich backdrop for the examination of the family’s intricate relationships. Julian, the family patriarch played by Christopher De Leon, is a conservative and nonpartisan man who has no interest in becoming embroiled in the political disputes of the time. Amanda, his tough and self-reliant wife (Vilma Santos), gets more interested in the revolutionary cause.

As the film proceeds, the family encounters a series of obstacles that forces them to examine their own ideals and principles. They must face the realities of the world and the shifting roles of women, the working class, and the powerful.

Both Christopher De Leon and Vilma Santos provide strong, complex portrayals that elevate their characters and the picture as a whole. The cinematography is stunning, and it perfectly evokes the spirit of 1970s Philippines.

When taken as a whole, Dekada ’70 is a strong and affecting film that delves into the intricate relationships inside Filipino families amid a period of rapid turmoil in society and politics. It’s a symbol of the Filipino people’s fortitude in the midst of hardship and an affirmation of the value of sticking up for the principles you stand for.

4. Batch ’81 (1982)

Director(s): Mike De Leon Writer(s): Mike De Leon, Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., Raquel Villavicencio Cast: Mark Gil, Sandy Andolong, Ward Luarca, Noel Trinidad IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Runtime: 1h 40m Genre: Drama

The 1982 Tagalog film Batch ’81 is an impressive and potent work of art. The film, directed by Mike De Leon and starring Mark Gil, recounts the account of a group of college newbies who endure being subjected to violent hazing rites at the hands of their senior counterparts.

The film is a scathing condemnation of the harassment and bloodshed rampant at the time in many Filipino university fraternities. It examines the psychological consequences that hazing has on the perpetrators and victims alike, as well as the vicious circle of physical and mental assault it fosters.

Mark Gil, who portrays the once tortured and then conflicted torturer protagonist, delivers an unparalleled execution. The film is gorgeously filmed and depicts the claustrophobic and oppressive university environment.

Overall, Batch ’81 is a compelling yet disturbing film that addresses a complex and contentious topic with openness and compassion. It is a tribute to the ability of film to shed light on crucial human problems and dispute conventional wisdom. It continues an iconic film in Tagalog motion pictures, and its intent is as pertinent now as when it first hit theaters.

5. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank, 2011)

Director(s): Marlon N. Rivera Writer(s): Chris Martinez Cast: Eugene Domingo, JM de Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Runtime: 1h 27m Genre: Comedy

The 2011 release of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” was an important milestone in the history of independent cinema in the Tagalog language. Directed by Marlon Rivera and starring Eugene Domingo, the film follows a band of would-be filmmakers as they attempt to capture the brutal realities of impoverishment in the Philippines on video.

The film is both scathing and amusing in its criticism of the Philippine film industry, highlighting its hypocrisy and snobbery. It’s an all-encompassing look at the challenges faced by independent filmmakers and the creative process behind the films they create.

What separates “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” from the pack of indie films is the fresh and original approach it takes to telling its story. The film overturns the audience’s assumptions concerning what is real and what is false via the use of a narrative structure that reflects on itself.

Its impact on Filipino culture and cinema has been immense. It has inspired a new generation of Filipino independent filmmakers to tell stories that are authentic, uncut, and passionately Filipino. It has also helped to raise the profile of indie films in the Philippines by highlighting the need of funding homegrown productions.

Overall, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is a landmark in the development of independent Tagalog cinema in the decade that followed. Its unusual narrative format and amusing remarks on its movie enterprises make it an essential viewing for anybody interested in independent filmmaking or the upcoming generation of Filipino cinema.

6. Insiang (1976)

Director(s): Lino Brocka Writer(s): Mario O’Hara, Lamberto Antonio Cast: Hilda Koronel, Mona Lisa, Ruel Vernal IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 Runtime: 1h 35m Genre: Drama

Insiang, directed by Lino Brocka and released in 1976, is an outstanding film. The central character of the story is a young woman named Insiang who was born and raised in the slums of Manila. She faces extreme hardships such as poverty, corruption, and violence on a daily basis.

The film’s ability to convey the harsh realities of life in the slums via its characters’ actions and the audience’s own sentiments to those actions contributed to the film’s critical and economic success. The performance is superb, particularly from Hilda Koronel, who plays the story’s protagonist.

The film Insiang is a groundbreaking achievement in Tagalog cinema; it deals with weighty themes like authoritarianism, abuse, and the determination to live in a way that wasn’t explored before. It aided in the consolidation of Tagalog cinema as a formidable force in the global film industry and led to the recognition of Tagalog as a powerful and versatile language for filmmaking.

Overall, Insiang is a fantastic and important film that you shouldn’t miss. This exemplifies the impact of storytelling and the ability of film to inspire and shift viewpoints.

7. Manila in the Claws of Light (Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, 1975)

Director(s): Lino Brocka Writer(s): Based on In The Claws of Brightness by Edgardo M. Reyes Cast: Bembol Roco, Hilda Koronel, Lou Salvador Jr., Tommy Abuel, Joonee Gamboa IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Runtime: 2h 5m Genre: Drama

There is no better example of vintage Filipino cinema than Lino Brocka’s Manila in the Claws of Light (1975). The protagonist, Julio, is a young guy from the provinces who comes to Manila to find his fiancée, Ligaya, after a mutual acquaintance promises her the chance to work in the capital. However, upon reaching Manila, Julio learns that Ligaya has vanished, leaving him to fend for himself in the city’s hostile environment.

It’s a striking social commentary on the plight of Manila’s working class and the brutal reality of living there as well. It shows the impoverishment, illicit activity, and abuse of power that plague the city, but it also shows the caring nature and strength of its residents. Both the camerawork and the directing are superb, accurately depicting the grimy reality of life in Manila’s shantytowns.

Bembol Roco, who plays the protagonist Julio, gives a remarkable performance that captures the complexity of the character’s despair, helplessness, and resolve. Hilda Koronel as Ligaya is especially impressive, capturing the character’s inexperience and sensitivity.

Anyone with even a passing interest in Filipino film or social realism should see Manila in the Claws of Light. It’s a moving and impactful film that will stay with audiences long after they’ve seen it.

8. Ang Kwento Ni Mabuti (Mabuti’s Story, 2013)

Director(s): Mes de Guzman Writer(s): Mes de Guzman Cast: Nora Aunor, Sue Prado, Mara Lopez Genre: Drama

The contemporary Tagalog film Ang Kwento ni Mabuti (2013) depicts the tale of a lady called Mabuti who is revered as a faith healer and a good person in her rural community. When a bag of cash mysteriously appears on her front door one day, she must decide whether she’s going to keep it or give it back to its proper owners. The video examines issues of truthfulness, morality, and the consequences of what we do on those around us.

Mes de Guzman directed the picture, while Nora Aunor, a multiple-award winner, plays the title role of Mabuti. Aunor does an outstanding job of portraying the role, eloquently conveying her kind nature, formidable will, and conflicted emotions. The film also has excellent cinematography, with beautiful images of the Philippine countryside and its people going about their daily lives.

The capacity of Ang Kwento ni Mabuti to deal with global subjects in a manner that is welcoming to Filipino viewers is what defines it as a superb contemporary Tagalog film. The video provides a detailed portrait of Filipino beliefs and culture while also drawing attention to the difficulties experienced by Filipinos living in rural areas. In a world where people put their own interests above those of society as a whole, this serves as an appropriate reinforcement of the value of being truthful and trustworthy.

In sum, Ang Kwento ni Mabuti is one of the finest examples of contemporary Tagalog filmmaking. It’s a moving and inspiring piece that will stay with viewers for a long time.

9. Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)

Director(s): Lino Brocka Writer(s): Orlando Nadres Cast: Dolphy, Niño Muhlach, Phillip Salvador IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Runtime: 1h 56m Genre: Drama

A Filipino cinematic classic, Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978) is a film about parenthood and homosexuality helmed by Lino Brocka. The film follows comedy legend Dolphy’s character, Coring, a homosexual man who raises his two kids as a single parent when their biological mother leaves them and their biological father leaves the country to help fend for them.

The film takes a brave and innovative approach to the topic of homosexuality, showing Coring as a kind and selfless parent who would do everything for his kids. Brocka does a fantastic job at the helm, and the writing perfectly captures the nuances of the protagonists and the obstacles that they experience in modern society.

The film’s focus on parental affection and acknowledgment is what renders Ang Tatay Kong Nanay so memorable. What counts most in child-rearing, the film argues, is a loving, nurturing, and accepting home for the child, irrespective of the parent’s sexual orientation or preference.

In sum, Ang Tatay Kong Nanay is an all-time great that hasn’t lost any of its relevance over the years. It’s an emotional and impactful look at the difficulties LGBTQ+ parents deal with in today’s culture. The movie serves as an expression of the value of unconditional love and the support of one’s family through thick and thin.

10. Bwakaw (2012)

Director(s): Jun Lana Writer(s): Jun Lana Cast: Eddie Garcia, Princess, Rez Cortez, Soliman Cruz IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Runtime: 1h 50m Genre: Comedy-drama

The Filipino film Bwakaw (2012), directed by Jun Robles Lana, deals with mortality and sexuality. Eddie Garcia stars as Rene, an elderly homosexual man who faces his own impending passing and looks back on his life and relationships, filled with regrets and squandered possibilities.

The film’s contemplation of death is moving and thought-provoking; it serves as an exercise in reflection on the finality of dying and the fragile condition of living. It also explores the yearning for human connectedness that endures throughout the passage of time, as well as the feeling of isolation and loneliness that may come with getting older.

The issue of sexuality is also addressed in Bwakaw, with Rene’s orientation being shown as a positive aspect of his character rather than a cause of guilt. The movie addresses the ambiguity of human yearning and how social norms might stifle one’s ability to be genuinely oneself.

In sum, Bwakaw is an impressive and heartfelt film that skillfully depicts the complexity of the human condition. It’s a moving examination of death, isolation, and the convoluted web of humanity’s needs, as well as a tribute to the power and perseverance of the spirit of mankind. Eddie Garcia gives an outstanding portrayal as the film’s protagonist, expertly conveying the character’s conflicting emotions and fragility.

Final Thoughts

Films in this list cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family to politics and social activism. They display the amazing skill of Filipino directors, performers, and storytellers and provide an insight into the country’s cultural wealth.

If you like drama, romance, or humor, you might find a Tagalog film that suits your tastes. So, if you haven’t already, take some time to look into Filipino films and learn about their remarkable charm and beauty. You won’t be disappointed.

#RewindMMFF: “Rewind” movie review and quotable quotes

Mark Pere Madrona
December 30, 2023
commentary , entertainment

Since I cannot and will not be able watch all the other entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023, I don’t really have strong opinions either way about those who won. However, I think Mae Cruz Alviar’s “Rewind” does not deserve to be snubbed during yesterday’s awards night. This Star Cinema movie should’ve gotten some love!

According to a report from the Philippine Entertainment Portal, “Rewind” is MMFF’s top grosser so far, and that it is not surprising because of its relatable themes and scenes.

For example, I think many of us have experienced being like John (played by Dingdong Dantes) who lashed out against someone at home – including children! – because we had a bad day in the office even though our loved ones have nothing to do with what we experienced.Apart from that, there are countless of women who like Mary (portrayed by Marian Rivera) had to set aside their professional careers for their family. Way too often, we let our work consume too much of our time and energy at the expense of giving ample time for our loved ones and to ourselves. Do you remember the last time you were able to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your parents, siblings, or anyone else at home?

Once we die, our employers will probably just send a message condolences to our bereaved family before posting the vacancy soon after. But to our respective families, we are irreplaceable. Unfortunately, there are no do-overs in life so we just have to nurture our bond with our loved ones every chance we get.

PS: I cried buckets during the numerous scenes where Ben and Ben’s “ Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay ” was played. I know I am not alone!

“Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit bata pa lang pinagtagpo na tayo, dahil hindi pala tayo sabay tatanda.” – Mary to John

“Consummatum est.” – Lods (Pepe Herrera) to John

“Maniwala ka lang. Magiging ok ang lahat.” – Lods (Pepe Herrera) to John

About Author

The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.

Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.

Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.

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Review: Filipino-made films at the SXSW 2021

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Review: Filipino-made films at the SXSW 2021

Screenshot from trailer

In 2020, the for-profit film, music, and tech festival South By Southwest (SXSW), typically held every March in Austin, Texas, became one of the first large-scale US festivals to be cancelled due to COVID-19.

Filmmakers once slated to premiere their films at SXSW scrambled to figure out how, when, and where their films might play for an audience during a global pandemic. SXSW attempted to redress these issues by premiering some of the films on Amazon Prime. But some filmmakers opted out, in hopes of securing a more substantial premiere or to wait until the pandemic’s effect on the industry became more clear.

This year, SXSW prepared a pandemic friendly, all-online platform.

SXSW 2021’s badge-only format, however, made it harder for potential viewers to screen individual films. Three Filipino-American and Filipino-Canadian films were part of the festival lineup.

The Filipino-Canadian film in Narrative Competition, Islands , deserves the largest audience it can find.

Writer and director Martin Edralin skirts pretension in his feature film debut, arriving with restraint and control of his form. Islands follows Joshua (Rogelio Balagtas), a fifty year old Filipino immigrant, as he passes time in the comfort of his parent’s home.

His mother Alma (Vangie Alcasid) helps her senile husband, Reynaldo (Estiban Comilang), get around the house, use the bathroom, and bathe. On top of that, she also cooks and cares for her old son. Then one day, after a bad fall, she suddenly passes away, and Reynaldo’s memory and health decline further as a result. In Joshua’s late-middle age, he must learn how to take care of himself for the first time while nursing his father. His brother’s family visits on occasion, but they remind him of the family he doesn’t have.

Then his cousin, Marisol (Sheila Lotuaco), begins to live in the home and take care of his father in exchange for a rent-free room in the house. She cooks them hearty meals, warms the mood of the home, and the long chaste Joshua begins to have complicatedly good feelings towards his cousin.

When he admits his feelings, Marisol steers him away while understanding how he got there. Both leads, Balagtas and Lotuaco, maintain perfect balance navigating this daunting and awkward high-wire act, delivering two staggering feature film debut performances.

Most of this dynamic plays out at Joshua’s home, and almost every shot in the film is completely static, letting characters enter and leave the frame rather than following them in or out. The house is divided into sections, echoing the film’s idea of “islands” – spaces isolated from each other.

For the most part, Edralin keeps dialogue and backstory to a minimum, but he informs the viewer that Joshua was a dentist before he left the Philippines. He couldn’t continue his career in Canada without a Western education, and he now works as a janitor. We get the sense that the transition stunted his growth.

But Edralin shows us that Joshua’s immigrant experience gives him community, even if he’s often too shy to engage with the people in it. The film hardly ventures outside Filipino-Canadian spaces, where Joshua has opportunities to make human connections. Indeed, there is hardly any English spoken in the film, and, according to SXSW festival director Janet Pierson , Islands is “one of the first-ever Filipino-language narrative features to premiere at the festival.”

The Fabulous Filipino Brothers

Fil-Am actor Dante Basco’s directorial debut, The Fabulous Filipino Brothers , is an English language film with little Tagalog. Despite its title, the Narrative Spotlight film keeps its eponymous brothers, played by Basco and his 3 real life brothers (who also wrote the script together with their sister), separate for most of the film.

The Fabulous Filipino Brothers is a chaotic hodgepodge of vignettes based on true Basco family stories, featuring in-jokes and easter eggs leading up to a big and “controversial” wedding. Segments from the interior lives of each brother eventually lead to an ending reveal of the bride and groom. The first segment follows the eldest brother, Dayo, played by Derek Basco, who promises to cover the cost of the wedding food and somehow ends up having to wrangle a rooster for a cockfight to raise the funds. Duke’s (Dante Basco) story is an earnest love triangle that spans the US and the Philippines. Dave (Dionysio Basco) gets a single, elongated sequence of food oriented foreplay, and “Danny Boy,” the antisocial one, sees an opportunity to come out of his shell. All these sections feel like entirely different films, which could be fun. It’s just unfortunate that none of them really work.

A lot of the film’s shortcomings stem from an over-reliance on expository dialogue, and some confounding decisions made about what is shown vs what is told.

A female voice narrates the film, but like the bride and groom, her identity is kept secret until the end for reasons that are not entirely clear. Although The Fabulous Filipino Brothers appeals to Filipino and Fil-Am audiences, the narration tends to prioritize Western viewers. For instance, the film opens with a crash course on Philippine history, “They’ve been occupied by the Americans, the Japanese, heck, the country is named after King Philip II of Spain,” and even feels the need to clarify, “If you didn’t get it by now, they’re Filipino, specifically Filipino Americans.”

The film could have spent less energy making the film palatable to everyone and focused on the personal. When the brothers and family are all together in the same scene, their natural chemistry flows. But the script is so intent on dividing them, that it ends up fighting against its own best qualities.

Learning Tagalog with Kayla

Learning Tagalog with Kayla , by Fil-Am writer, director, and actress Kayla Galang, is a parody of language learning vlogs and how they can streamline cultures for educational purposes – not unlike the narration of The Fabulous Filipino Brothers .

Galang also pokes fun at the emotionless nature of educational content.

She begins her lesson with basic phrases: “ Magandang hapon! ” “ Kumusta ka?” but freezes up as soon she gets to “ Okay lang .” Is she? The camera cuts from the shot of her centered against a blue backdrop, to a shot of her side profile that reveals the movie lights involved in the making of her language learning video.

With the illusion of infomercial-esque happiness shattered, Kayla admits that “it’s hard to enjoy living in my own home.” The laundry and dishes are always piled up, she sees the same two people everyday, and the smell of her cat’s poop hangs over the apartment. Kayla Galang is able to do so much with so little in her 4-minute short premiering in the Texas Shorts category, and the film signals a promising career ahead for the multi-hyphenate talent. – Rappler.com

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