Author Topic: Filipino films (Read 500686 times)

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1500 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 03:24 AM »

Good stuff about Breakwater, oggs. I think the Orpheus metaphor is on the dot (never thought about it, but it sounds good), and I think implicit in your article (you should post it on the Film and TV thread) is the idea that the sea and Paquita are one and the same--women who have been polluted and abused, but still somehow retain their healing purity.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1501 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 03:32 AM »

Good stuff on Rizal, too--you're right, actors and other talents have done much better work elswhere. Fabregas' Spanish is far better than Montano's, Mike de Leon's Paciano is much more impressive, Torre's Rizal has a mystery and enigma more compelling than Montano's smirk, Diaz was far better in Batang West Side, Gardo here is the ripest scenery-chewing ham in Philippine cinema--a far cry from his memorably monstrous yet somehow sympathetic Dave in Breakwater.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1502 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 03:33 AM »

And you should post that in Film and TV thread, too.

keating · « **Reply #1503 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 09:19 AM »

A journalist was quoted as saying after the presscon of FOSTER CHILD at Cannes.....

"its sad that the Philippines has no money but full of talent, while the other country has lots of money but no talent!"

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1504 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 10:14 AM »

Thanks Noel, I'll go post them in the main thread then...

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1505 on:** Jun 25, 2007 at 10:27 PM »

Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (My Father, My Mother, Lino Brocka, 1978)

rse · « **Reply #1506 on:** Jun 26, 2007 at 01:20 AM »

I've just come back from Manila and was able to buy some pinoy dvds and vcds. It's nice to see that there are a lot of indie titles that are available today, mostly digital films.

I also managed to catch two movies when I was there: Fantastic 4 and Silip.

The sequel to Fantastic 4 I think is better than the first one, although still it's just your typical Hollywood summer movie.

Silip is Joel Lamangan's latest. I'm still deciding whether I like it or not. It seems like he's trying to do a Celso ad Castillo in this movie.
The brilliant albeit glossy cinematography is by Romeo Vitug. And if I'm not mistaken this is written by Raquel Villavicencio.

I've seen the following films on DVD/VCD so far:

Sa North Diversion Road - I had the same reaction to this film as when I was watching A Short Film About the Indio Nacional, I admire it more than I love it. It's one of those films that you watch only once. The acting by the two leads was excellent, the filmmaking masterfull, still it didn't involve me emotionally. I think 10 variations of stories is a bit too much to take. In the end I was just waiting for it to end. It's still an excellent intellectual filmmaking exercise.

Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah - I think this is the most enjoyable and funniest Lamangan film I've seen. I really enjoyed its goofyness. It's the same kind of movie as Gagamboy which I also really liked.
The only thing that annoys me here is the inclusion of the non-funny Pops Fernandez (doing an unconvincing british accent).

Kaleldo - Visually well-made although I think the director still needs to hone his storytelling skills. Cherry Pie Picache is a must-see in this.

Wag Kang Lilingon - Another one of those Japanese-inspired horror movie. Although the twist in the end is kinda neat.

Cavite - "Phone Booth" style movie. It seems obvious in parts that this film was made by someone who´s read a lot about but hasn't lived in the Philippines for a while.

You are the One - One of those typical teenage romance movies. Although I kinda liked it. At least they had the guts to shoot in Smokey Mountains.

You Got Me - Nothing special. It didn't really get me.

I still have a few titles to see. I will post them as soon as I've finished seeing them.

ev · « **Reply #1507 on:** Jun 26, 2007 at 12:01 PM »

Recently viewed Filipino films:

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #1508 on:** Jun 26, 2007 at 03:22 PM »

I agree, Tatay Kong Nanay is politically incorrect and not quite that progressive, and still it's moving. Remarkable achievement, that.

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1509 on:** Jun 26, 2007 at 09:49 PM »

Tatarin (Summer Solstice, Tikoy Aguiluz, 2001)

ev · « **Reply #1510 on:** Jun 27, 2007 at 08:15 AM »

My Ratings of my recently viewed Filipino films:

BABAE SA BREAKWATER (2004)4

out of 4

Starring: Katherine Luna
Director: Mario O'Hara

ANDRES DE SAYA3

OUT OF 4

Starring: Gloria Diaz & Vic Vargas
Director: Angel Labra

SINO'NG PIPIGIL SA PAGPATAK NG ULAN3

OUT OF 4

Starring: Robert Arevalo, Jay Ilagan & Pilar Pilapil
Director: Angel Labra

KARIBAL KO ANG AKING INA2 1/2

out of 4

Starring: Gloria Diaz & Mark Gil
Director: Maria Saret

WARAT (1999)2 1/2

out of 4

Starring: Jomari Yllana & Joyce Jimenez
Director: Joel Lamangan

BIYAK NA MANYIKA2 1/2

out of 4

Starring: Janet Bordon, Philip Salvador & Gloria Romero
Director: Emmanuel Borlaza

GABUN (AMA KO, AMA MO)3 1/2

out of 4

Starring: Eddie Rodriguez, Charito Solis & Liza Lorena
Director: Maryo J. delos Reyes

KAMPUS? (1979)2 1/2

out of 4

Starring: Vilma Santos & Bembol Roco
Director: Bernardo S. Castillo

LUMAYO KA MAN SA AKIN3

out of 4

Starring: Richard Gomez & Gretchen Baretto
Director: Laurice Guillen

rse · « **Reply #1511 on:** Jun 29, 2007 at 12:18 AM »

The Promise (DVD)
Mike Tuviera

This is another local film based on Wuthering Heights. Another notable film that comes to mind is Hihintayin Kita sa Langit. That movie I think is one of Seguin-Reyna’s better movies.

What can I say about this version? It’s very picturesque and it’s very beautiful to look at. Too bad that’s the only thing that I like about the movie.

Although the two leads look great together they simply can’t act. They’re so stiff and wooden. (From the “making-off” featurette they said that they had to go to an acting workshop before filming. LOL!)

I can’t believe that the screenplay is by Raquel Villavicencio and worse I can’t imagine that you can create a bad screenplay from a great novel.

Also from the "making-off" featurette, my wife and I were hysterical upon hearing one of the producers commenting that this movie will be a classic someday. Old, yes but, classic?

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1512 on:** Jun 29, 2007 at 04:34 PM »

You Are the One (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2006)

rse · « **Reply #1513 on:** Jun 30, 2007 at 04:47 PM »

Quote from: oggsmoggs on Jun 29, 2007 at 04:34 PM

You Are the One (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2006)

I agree. This movie pleasantly surprised me. It's one of the better pinoy teenage romance movies that i've seen so far from a bunch of dvds/vcds that I've bought from Manila.
Another one that's quite good is Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (by the prolific Jose Javier Reyes).

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1514 on:** Jul 01, 2007 at 10:34 PM »

You Got Me (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2007)

rse · « **Reply #1515 on:** Jul 03, 2007 at 12:33 AM »

Quote from: oggsmoggs on Jul 01, 2007 at 10:34 PM

You Got Me (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2007)

Agree this is a major letdown for me as well (after seeing You're the One). I didn't even know that it was made by the same team.
Still it's better than The Promise and Mano Po 5 (Gua Ai Di).

I bought my copy in Astroplus in the Phils. but I think this is available online either in www.regalfilms.com or www.kabayancentral.com.

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1516 on:** Jul 05, 2007 at 10:47 PM »

Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-asa (Paradise: Three Stories of Hope, Ricky Davao, Jun Lana & Joel Ruiz, 2007)

keating · « **Reply #1517 on:** Jul 07, 2007 at 07:16 PM »

Some clips from Lino Brocka's GUMISING KA, MARUJA. One of the outstanding achievement in this film was Mel Chionglo's flawless production design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ4VRRvj7t0

keating · « **Reply #1518 on:** Jul 07, 2007 at 09:05 PM »

The Gawad Urian nominees
STARBYTES By Butch Francisco
Saturday, July 7, 2007
It’s father and son, father and daughter, aunt and niece and boyfriend and girlfriend in the Gawad Urian’s list of nominees this year (awards presentation to be held middle of next month).

In the Best Actor race, Mark Gil (Rotonda) will be competing against his own son, Sid Lucero (Donsol) while father and daughter tandem Soliman Cruz (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo) and Tala Santos (Inang Yaya) are both nominated in the Supporting Actor/Actress categories.

Maricel Soriano (Inang Yaya) also received a nomination for Best Actress, while niece Meryll Soriano (Rotonda) is one of the nominees for Best Supporting Actress. Real-life sweethearts Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, meanwhile, also scored nominations for Best Actor/Actress in their first team-up, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo.

In the 1990 Gawad Urian, there were also interesting combinations during the awards night (held at the main theater of the CCP). Best Actor was Christopher de Leon (My Other Woman), while Best Actress was Nora Aunor (Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?) — although they were already estranged by then. In the other acting categories — Best Supporting Actor/Actress — the trophies went to husband and wife Michael de Mesa (Ikasa Mo, Ipuputok Ko) and Gina Alajar (Biktima). In their case, they were still a happy couple then. They are happily annulled now.

Below is the list of Gawad Urian nominees in the major categories:

Best Picture: Huling Balyan, Kaleldo, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, Kubrador, Manoro, Rome & Juliet and Todo, Todos, Teros.

Best Director: Jeffrey Jeturian (Kubrador), Joel Lamangan (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah), Connie Macatuno (Romeo & Juliet), Brillante Mendoza (Kaleldo and Manoro), Jose Javier Reyes (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Huling Balyan) and John Torres (Todo, Todos, Teros).

Best Actor: Ryan Agoncillo (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), Alcris Galura (Batad), Mark Gil (Rotonda), Sid Lucero (Donsol), Mario Magallona (Rekados), Rustom Padilla (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah) and Jett Pangan (Tulad ng Dati).

Best Actress: Jonalyn Ablong (Manoro), Angel Aquino (Kaleldo), Mylene Dizon (Romeo & Juliet), Gina Pareño (Kubrador), Cherry Pie Picache (Kaleldo), Judy Ann Santos (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo) and Maricel Soriano (Inang Yaya).

Best Supporting Actor: Archie Adamos (Raket ni Nanay), Soliman Cruz (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), Domingo Landicho (Kubrador), Ping Medina (Tulad ng Dati), Lauren Novero (Kaleldo), Allan Paule (Kaleldo), Jeffrey Quizon (Rotonda) and Rafael Rosel (Romeo & Juliet).

Best Supporting Actress: Gloria Diaz (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), Pops Fernandez (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah), Agot Isidro (Tulad ng Dati), Liza Lorena (Inang Yaya), Gina Pareño (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), Tala Santos (Inang Yaya), Meryll Soriano (Rotonda) and Tessie Tomas (Romeo & Juliet).

Recipient of the Natatanging Gawad Urian is Ms. Marichu Vera Perez Maceda for her contributions as producer and one of the pillars of the local movie industry.

sosy_high · « **Reply #1519 on:** Jul 15, 2007 at 12:47 PM »

I hope mag tie si Ms. Gina and Ms. MAricel for best actress!

Offtopic: Ang cute mo pala Keating!

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1520 on:** Jul 15, 2007 at 04:55 PM »

please watch the New York Independent Film & Video Festival screening of Connie Macatuno's Rome & Juliet on July 24 at the Village East Cinema 7 181 2nd Avenue at 12th St. NY, NY at 10pm....

see you all there!

keating · « **Reply #1521 on:** Jul 15, 2007 at 07:37 PM »

Did they screen BLACKOUT already, Jo?

jdv1229 · « **Reply #1522 on:** Jul 15, 2007 at 07:40 PM »

not yet... it will be screened at the Asian American film Festival this month...

sosy_high · « **Reply #1523 on:** Jul 16, 2007 at 03:50 PM »

Quote from: oggsmoggs on Jul 05, 2007 at 10:47 PM

Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-asa (Paradise: Three Stories of Hope, Ricky Davao, Jun Lana & Joel Ruiz, 2007)

The Maricel segment was the best...the rest was just ok.

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1524 on:** Jul 17, 2007 at 06:45 PM »

Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa (The Last Virgin, Joel Lamangan, 2003)

halvert · « **Reply #1525 on:** Jul 17, 2007 at 08:13 PM »

oggs, sana gawa ka ng review ng Minsan Pa

oggsmoggs · « **Reply #1526 on:** Jul 18, 2007 at 01:06 PM »

Will do so soon, halvert.

Boatman (Tikoy Aguiluz, 1984)

sosy_high · « **Reply #1527 on:** Jul 19, 2007 at 08:41 PM »

Quote from: gurang on May 24, 2003 at 11:50 AM

Stupid question: what was the name of that Gladys Reyes movie which was a rip-off of Carrie?

Tagal na nito! pro sagutin ko naren...hahahahaa

its Anak ng Dilim....hahahahaha

rse · « **Reply #1528 on:** Jul 20, 2007 at 01:14 AM »

Quote from: oggsmoggs on Jul 18, 2007 at 01:06 PM

Will do so soon, halvert.

Boatman (Tikoy Aguiluz, 1984)

I rented this once a long time ago in Blockbuster near our place (in VHS format). As far as I can remember it didn't look cut at all. They'll probably release this on vcd/dvd sometime in the future.
This is Tikoy's best film in my opinion.

rse · « **Reply #1529 on:** Jul 20, 2007 at 01:21 AM »

Ligalig (Cesar Montano)

Movie studios should not let Cesar near their latest film equipment. It looks like Cesar got overly excited and used all the available functions. He also got trigger-happy with the editing and camera work.
What he forgot is to tell a story that makes sense, coherent, and believable.