Author Topic: Filipino films (Read 498246 times)

keating · « **Reply #990 on:** Apr 22, 2006 at 09:12 PM »

Thanks for the pic, pinoymovies! Really appreciate it, man. I'm dying to see this cult classic.

talisman30 · « **Reply #991 on:** Apr 24, 2006 at 06:01 PM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 22, 2006 at 09:12 PM

Thanks for the pic, pinoymovies! Really appreciate it, man. I'm dying to see this cult classic.

Ron which is better patayin sa sindak si barbara the original release or dawn zulueta's version?

keating · « **Reply #992 on:** Apr 24, 2006 at 06:13 PM »

Quote from: talisman30 on Apr 24, 2006 at 06:01 PM

Ron which is better patayin sa sindak si barbara the original release or dawn zulueta's version?

Forget the Rono version with Dawn & LT, bro. Its bland but technically well-made. The original by Celso Ad has more shock value.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #993 on:** Apr 24, 2006 at 08:28 PM »

Agreed. Celso's Patayin is maybe the one Filipino horror film that actually made me jump in my seat. Saw it on the big screen, too.

keating · « **Reply #994 on:** Apr 24, 2006 at 08:45 PM »

How lucky you are, Noel! It was simultaneously shown in the late 90's together with Celso Ad's PINAKAMAGANDANG HAYOP SA BALAT NG LUPA during the World Cinema Centennial Celebration, but I didn't go with it.

still no sked on Cinema One.

talisman30 · « **Reply #995 on:** Apr 25, 2006 at 05:55 PM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 24, 2006 at 08:45 PM

How lucky you are, Noel! It was simultaneously shown in the late 90's together with Celso Ad's PINAKAMAGANDANG HAYOP SA BALAT NG LUPA during the World Cinema Centennial Celebration, but I didn't go with it.

still no sked on Cinema One.

i was in college back then when this was shown in Mega. i dunno if this was that event Ron. niyaya ako, obviously di ako sumama. hehehe

keating · « **Reply #996 on:** Apr 25, 2006 at 06:00 PM »

You should have watch during that time, bro. More than 50 Pinoy films were shown if I'm not mistaken.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #997 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 02:56 AM »

Looking at Bona, can't help but compare it to O'Hara's Babae sa Bubungang Lata. In almost all ways Bona's the better film--the photography is by Carding Baltazar (and there are some great shots that involve the camera sweeping around and following the action, plus Baltazar's trademark incandescent-bulb nightmare lighting), and Aya Medel is in no way anywhere near the level of Nora, and the story is moving, definitely, designed to let you come to know the characters and empathize with them and their situations.

That said, I think O'Hara had a great subject to deal with--a kind of tribute to the Philippine cinema of the '50s and '60s, and a kind of neorealist expose of industry practices today. It's not as moving, but I don't think it's meant to be--there's some distance inserted there between us and the material, unlike in Bona; we're meant to think as much as feel.

Ultimately, they're two very different creatures, and I love them for different things. But I had to just plunk them side by side, and see how they size up with each other.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #998 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 11:12 AM »

any chances of writing a full review of Bona?

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #999 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 11:28 AM »

Ultimately, yeah sure, probably for Criticine which would love to have it. It's one of Nora's finest performances, maybe not up the level of Bakit Bughaw (am I just prejudiced?

), but up there. I think it's her finest collaboration with Brocka, at least.

keating · « **Reply #1000 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 12:47 PM »

I was mesmerized by the ending in Brocka's BONA. Nora poured all her emotions and anger in that emotionally charged scene. Of course, Brocka always indulge us in those terrific cinematic moments, full of heart and gut-wrenching feelings.

What if Vilma played Bona?

rse · « **Reply #1001 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 02:26 PM »

I hope that www.CineFilipino.com will strike a deal with Bona's producers/copyright owners and release Bona on DVD.
I haven't seen the movie but I've read a lot of great things about it.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1002 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 05:36 PM »

Quote from: Noel_Vera on Apr 29, 2006 at 11:28 AM

Ultimately, yeah sure, probably for Criticine which would love to have it. It's one of Nora's finest performances, maybe not up the level of Bakit Bughaw (am I just prejudiced? ), but up there. I think it's her finest collaboration with Brocka, at least.

better than Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo? Bona was the better movie but Nora's performance in Ina Ka astonished everyone who's seen it. she was at times on par with Lolita Rodriguez, maybe even better.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1003 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 05:43 PM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 29, 2006 at 12:47 PM

I was mesmerized by the ending in Brocka's BONA. Nora poured all her emotions and anger in that emotionally charged scene. Of course, Brocka always indulge us in those terrific cinematic moments, full of heart and gut-wrenching feelings.

What if Vilma played Bona?

if you'll notice in all three films Brocka handled Vilma, nothing compares to his collaborations with Nora. Brocka was most inspired in his movies with the Superstar. proof of which Bona is considered to be one of his best films while Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo is blue collar melodrama at it's finest. even Brocka's adaptation of An American Tragedy, Nakaw Na Pag-Ibig was an interesting study of Filipino society and the effects it had on each individual.

Vilma as Bona? i coudn't imagine her fetching water in the slums of Tondo.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1004 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 05:49 PM »

Quote from: rse on Apr 29, 2006 at 02:26 PM

I hope that www.CineFilipino.com will strike a deal with Bona's producers/copyright owners and release Bona on DVD.
I haven't seen the movie but I've read a lot of great things about it.

i've spoken with one of the honchos at cinefilipino and they would really want to release Bona on dvd. the problem is the only existing master print of the film is at the Museum Of Modern Art here in New York. it was donated by Pierre Rissisent along with other Brocka classics Insiang and Jaguar and is now part of MOMA's permanent collection. Nora produced Bona for her own NV Productions, but even she doesn't have a copy of the film. Bona is a great film! there's a huge difference between the tv series in which Laurice Guillen and Ronaldo Valdez played Bona ang Gardo respectively. the tv version concentrated on her infatuation with Gardo while the film dealt with Bona's obsession thus allowing herself to be fully manipulated by Gardo.

keating · « **Reply #1005 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 05:56 PM »

Quote from: Jojo Devera on Apr 29, 2006 at 05:43 PM

if you'll notice in all three films Brocka handled Vilma, nothing compares to his collaborations with Nora. Brocka was most inspired in his movies with the Superstar. proof of which Bona is considered to be one of his best films while Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo is blue collar melodrama at it's finest. even Brocka's adaptation of An American Tragedy, Nakaw Na Pag-Ibig was an interesting study of Filipino society and the effects it had on each individual.

Vilma as Bona? i coudn't imagine her fetching water in the slums of Tondo.

But I noticed, Vilma was also good in Brocka's RUBIA SERVIOS, ADULTERY. She's even at her best in HAHAMAKIN LAHAT. And yeah agree with you, those oppressed roles, only Nora can do justice to it.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1006 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 06:08 PM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 29, 2006 at 05:56 PM

But I noticed, Vilma was also good in Brocka's RUBIA SERVIOS, ADULTERY. She's even at her best in HAHAMAKIN LAHAT. And yeah agree with you, those oppressed roles, only Nora can do justice to it.

i'm not saying Vilma is not good in all three of her Brocka movies but the director was most inspired with his collaborations with Nora. Brocka directed Vilma first in Rubia Servios (1978) with Vilma fervently hoping to bag the Best Performer Award at the MMFF that went to Nora for Atsay. he also worked with Vilma a year before his tragic death in Hahamakin Lahat (1990) but she was stomped once again by Nora when she won all the major acting awards for Andrea. Brocka wasn't able to give Vilma any acting recognition for any of the films he made with her which cannot be said of her fims with Bernal.

keating · « **Reply #1007 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 06:15 PM »

Come to think of it, or is it just mere coincidence? Nora-Brocka, Vilma-Bernal collaborations created more impact on the two icons respective filmography.

Vilma is more fond of Ishma rather than Lino.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1008 on:** Apr 29, 2006 at 06:21 PM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 29, 2006 at 06:15 PM

Come to think of it, or is it just mere coincidence? Nora-Brocka, Vilma-Bernal collaborations created more impact on the two icons respective filmography.

Vilma is more fond of Ishma rather than Lino.

i guess you can say that... maybe Vilma was indeed fond of Bernal but Nora became his good friend. he even directed her Super Me Noodles commercial in the early 90's. Mother Lily gave Vilma a lot of projects with Bernal but most of them were troublesome, including the eight month shoot for Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga. on the other hand Nora's riffs with Brocka stemmed with their beliefs in politics and politicians.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1009 on:** Apr 30, 2006 at 09:21 AM »

Quote from: keating on Apr 29, 2006 at 12:47 PM

What if Vilma played Bona?

The director would cast her as the lead in the movie Gardo is making and it would become a different story altogether.

Hard to say--Bona's the stronger, more elegant story, and Brocka's working with his strengths here, dramatizing the plight of the oppressed (can't say Nora is poor--ironically, she comes from the middle class and, fascinating psychological detail, decides to live with Philip in the slums). In Ina Ka, both Nora and Brocka are making a stretch. I admire them for it, but I can't help but suspect that a huge part of the acclaim is due to their making that stretch.

Middle class films can be great, but I think it needs a specialist--Ozu, or Rohmer, or Bernal at his most cynical.

Bona isn't very cynical; if it's ironic, it's ironic in a simple, unsophisticated way. Bernal wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. The more interesting question is what if Bernal directed Ina Ka--and cast Vilma in it. ..?

As for Brocka and Nora, gotta remember he didn't respect her at first; he was offered the chance to direct Nora's second prestige project after Banaue, and he passed saying "I want nothing to do with that superstar!" handing the project instead to Mario O'Hara. Hence, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Kastilyong Buhangin, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit?, Condemned all happened.

Bona's moving, it's great; more, Nora's great in it...but I think I prefer Nora in Bakit Bughaw.

keating · « **Reply #1010 on:** May 01, 2006 at 11:16 AM »

Nice inputs, Noel. Did Brocka directed a middle-class film that fits very well to Bernal?

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1011 on:** May 01, 2006 at 11:26 AM »

That one.

keating · « **Reply #1012 on:** May 01, 2006 at 11:28 AM »

Ah, INA KA NG ANAK MO. I haven't seen that one but will do.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1013 on:** May 01, 2006 at 12:13 PM »

It's Hammi Sotto's favorite Brocka. I don't know if he's being perverse, but it is good. I don't think I can put it on top tier Brocka, tho.

keating · « **Reply #1014 on:** May 01, 2006 at 09:51 PM »

What about Teddy's favorite Brocka movies? Did he mention that to you, Noel? I ask RMN already but no luck. Teddy might be busy right now in Bacolod as a juror in Peque's film workshop.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1015 on:** May 02, 2006 at 12:49 PM »

Teddy thinks Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag is the greatest Filipino film ever made.

I disagree but still consider it great, for several reasons, outlined here:

Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag

keating · « **Reply #1016 on:** May 02, 2006 at 06:38 PM »

If I have to tally all the votes after I asked many people, Brocka's MAYNILA SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG will be on top no doubt. Teddy Co, even Carlitos Siguion Reyna has fondness for MAYNILA.

Just read your review, Noel. The character development might be the flaw of the movie, if it had more interesting characters, its a very tough act to follow. Mike de Leon's stunning cinematography is so gorgeous to look especially at the opening scene.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1017 on:** May 03, 2006 at 06:48 AM »

It's not just the characters--the film has a one-thing-after-another plot that meanders all over the place. Tikoy much prefers the tight plotting of Insiang, and I happen to agree with him.

rse · « **Reply #1018 on:** May 13, 2006 at 04:29 PM »

Alamat ni Julian Makabayan
Celso Ad Castillo
I finally saw the VCD release. Like the VCD release of Burlesk Queen the transfer is abysmal. One added bonus for those who don’t speak Tagalog is that it contains English subtitles.

Even at the state of the transfer you can still see traces of the greatness of its cinematography. Some of the shots in the rice fields recall paintings of the great Fernando Amorsolo.

The story is also interesting albeit confusingly told. The last parts near the ending are way too confusing. I don’t know if there were some scenes missing or scenes misplaced in the movie but it’s just a mess.

I find it funny that some of the characters have noticeable accents and some don’t. Christopher’s accent comes and goes. Johnny Delgado I think is excellent. He looks so much the part in the same way he was perfect as Gina Alajar’s husband in Salome.

Perla Bautista maybe a bit too old to play the part of Christopher’s mom, especially in the early part of the movie where she played a newly wed virgin.

Eddie Garcia’s plays almost the same character that he played in Ganito Kami Noon.
For me the best scene in this movie is the staring contest between the Eddie Garcia character and Christopher’s.

A very flawed but still great Filipino movie.

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1019 on:** May 16, 2006 at 01:07 PM »

the film Cavite will start a limited theatrical run at the Cinema Village in New York on May 26th. the movie directed by first time filmmakers Ian Gamazon and Neill de la Lanna was featured at the New Directors/New Films series of the New York Film Festival last March.

www.cavitemovie.com