Ed Cabagnot's lists of top ten filipino films, nice comments also. Whether you're a cine nut for transcendence or just the popcorn, here are some titles that's guaranteed to increase your self-esteem and racial pride.
Manuel Silos' BIYAYA NG LUPA- Brocka claimed this was on top of his list. It broke rules (character actors as stars, ultra simple storyline, picturesque cinematography, social issues) and got away with it.
Gerry de Leon's NOLI ME TANGERE- Only because its the clearest copy extant (via a German grant) of Manong's works. But should there be a miracle and other de Leon titles surface let it be EL FILIBUSTERISMO, SANDA WONG, DAIGDIG NG MGA API, IFUGAO, DYESEBEL, 48 ORAS.
Lamberto Avellana's ANAK DALITA or BADJAO- Pinoy neo-realism at its best. Fine ensemble acting between the leads, Tony Santos and Rosa Rosal.
Mike De Leon's KISAPMATA- One of the most technically proficient local films todate. Sound and editing (usually glossed over during production) is painstakingly nurtured. The script by Raquel Villavicencio, Doy del Mundo and the director is crisp and spare. Must-sees: Vic Silayan's powerful performance and Charito Solis untypical understated acting.
Ishmael Bernal's MANILA BY NIGHT- Bernal's satyric claws at its sharpest (It made Imelda cry for the wrong reasons). Imagine this project started as an exploitation piece for Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar and William Martinez.
Lino Brocka's INSIANG- Superb handling of his cast (Koronel, Vernal and Mona Lisa) and an innate sense of drama makes this a quintessential Brocka. Other Brocka's second and third looks: MAYNILA SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG, TINIMBANG KA NGUNIT KULANG, BONA and JAGUAR.
Peque Gallaga's ORO PLATA MATA- Too bad Peque's gone the lucre route. Oro was such a stunner when it first came out in the early 80's. Nobody's ever seen such opulant production design by Don Escudero on local celluloid before. Today, folks think its too noisy and the last shootout extreme, but Oro still is a tough act to follow.
Laurice Guillen's SALOME- A fine reworking of RASHOMON with a script by Ricky Lee, this film elevated the concept of a woman director. Again an actor's film (with Gina Alajar, Johnny Delgado and Armida Siguion-Reyna).
Marilou Diaz-Abaya's BRUTAL- Inlcude MORAL and KARNAL in your list. Marilou's the undisputed spokerperson of mainstream films for/about/by women.
And some other works like Celso Ad Castillo's PINAKAMAGANDANG HAYOP SA BALAT NG LUPA, Mario O'Hara's BULAKLAK NG CITY JAIL, and Raymond Red's commercial birth-pangs that's BAYANI and SAKAY.