"You should review more Filipino movies from the 70's and 80's. "
Next month will be Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag. :D
Someone please delete this thread if I'm wrong, but I've been searching up and down the forum for something that would deal mainly with Filipino films, and couldn't find one. Can we at least start talking about them, now? Thanks...!
Someone please delete this thread if I'm wrong, but I've been searching up and down the forum for something that would deal mainly with Filipino films, and couldn't find one. Can we at least start talking about them, now? Thanks...!
A synopsis of Insiang? Sheesh. If they wait a few months I'll have a full blown review of the film...
I saw a post from another forum asking for help in a newly created webpage about Nora Aunor. The best part about the page are the movie reviews of HIMALA, BONA, INA KA NG ANAK MO and BAKIT BUGHAW ANG LANGIT. Click here to see the webpage and the movie reviews. (http://www.geocities.com/pinoymovies/noraaunor.html)
Wasn't "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" produced by Nora Aunor herself thru her NV Productions? I heard the movie did not make any money during its initial release. It must be too "arty and weighty" for the Noranians. Maybe she can finally make a profit from it by releasing it on DVD.
Noel, you only need to sell about 50,000 DVD's if we price it at $20 each to break even. Price it higher if you add special features. With all the praise you've been lavishing for this movie, I'm sure it will sell more. ;D
50,000 DVDs is an art film's wet dream.
In the mood for lust
SMALL VOICES
Starring Alessandra de Rossi, Dexter Doria. Directed by Gil M Portes. 109 min. Contemporary World Cinema. Sep 10, 10pm, Varsity; Sep 13, 10am, Uptown.
Gil M. Portes' tale could teach the cast of Sister Act a thing or two. When the recently graduated Melinda (a blandly benign Alessandra de Rossi) comes to a remote Filipino province to teach at a one-room schoolhouse, she enters her students in a singing competition to combat corrupt teachers and the stigma attached to attending school. While Portes never strays too far into sentimentality, the predicate that song alone can solve these kids' problems is dubious at best. Monsoons, poverty and rebel violence don't just vanish in the face of music. JAMES CRAWFORD
Well...I don't know what grates more, Portes' relentless self-promotion or this Crawford characters' condescending manner. What does HE know about rebel action, anyway?
That said, good luck to Portes. I haven't liked any of his films to date, and I'm afraid of being let down by this one too...though I will watch it.
I haven't seen 'Merika. Heard it's one of his best works, though...let's see...
I've talked to Singaporean filmmakers and that Commision they believe is a means of censoring and controlling them. ECP was a radically different entity--it actually got some unusual films made, mainly because Marcos wanted to look more liberal and because it was all slipping past his control. I don't know if you can replicate those conditions again...
Alma Moreno's launching movie was LIGAW NA BULAKLAK directed by Ishmael Bernal. She was one of the seven bold stars introduced by Jesse Ejercito during the 70's. The others were Elizabeth Oropesa, Daria Ramirez, Chanda Romero, Beth Bautista, Amy Austria and Lorna Tolentino. All bold stars that all turned out to be fine actesses. Well, except for Alma Moreno. :(Alma Moreno was also did a great job in "Basag" and Buhay ako sa ilalim ikaw sa ibabaw w/ Amalia Fuentes. ;)
Sadly, I am not familiar and have not seen any of Mario O Hara's films (though I remember him in Tinimbang). When will I ever get to see his works?
"You're a rich guy anyway"
Funny, FLIM!
"Add a commentarybetween you and Mario Hernando"
That would be too one-sided. Like that dogfighting bulldog in that Mark Twain story who liked to grab the enemy's hind legs--when he faced an opponent that had lost its hind legs, he was lost...
pinoymovies, checked out the Regal website, great database, thanks (Fantomas should see it). I noticed the VHS are more expensive. Is the picture quality better than in the VCDs?
You should change your cable provider. Cinema One is the only reason I stuck to Skycable. It has practically all the great films of the 70s, and some amazing obscure chocies. Temptation Island, Salawahan, Darna and the Giants, the ORIGINAL Tag Ulan sa Tag Init...
Hibla
It's two hours worth of excuses to peek at Rica and Maui's silicon boobs through various layers of gauze, and from various angles, is all. The psychology is ridiculous, the dialogue terrible, the acting awful (Rica and Maui sound like Assumptionistas vacationing in Antipolo). The cinematography, which is well done, only makes the bad acting and bad dialogue stand out--looks great, sounds awful!
The last twenty minutes, though, are worth the price of the ticket--that is one of the funniest endings I've ever seen--and I love that Ever-Burning Nipa Hut: can flame for twenty minutes and still have enough heat to consume Ricky Davao!
Good camp fun. Bring tomatoes.
You should change your cable provider. Cinema One is the only reason I stuck to Skycable. It has practically all the great films of the 70s, and some amazing obscure chocies. Temptation Island, Salawahan, Darna and the Giants, the ORIGINAL Tag Ulan sa Tag Init...
Bomba Star was fun.
You didn't like Mga Bilanggong Birhen, Sidney?
Are your VHS tapes still in good condition? You hav esome pretty good movies.
Bilanggong Birhen is a pretty good, maybe near great flawed film.
I got a really crazy story about the making of that movie--well, two. But if I tell them, I prolly won't live long... ;D
Do you have the following--
Bona
Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit (1981)
Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal? (1982)
Ibulong Mo Sa Puso (1983)
Uhaw na Pag-ibig (1983)
Prinsesang Gusgusin (1986)
I think Ibulong Mo sa Puso stars Gloria Romero or Amalia Fuentes. I could be wrong."Bakit Bughaw" Sayang at hindi na pala available ang movie na ito . Yong Bona kung natatandaan mo way back in the 80's noong mag karoon ng Manila International Film Festival maraming mga vintage moviea ang nai pag bili sa ibang bansa tulad ng Bona ang original print yata nito ay nasa Canada, at yong mga Dyesebel films ay naipag bili din ano pa ba someone told me yong Darna ni Gina Pareno ay nasa Indonesia pati rin yong kay Vilma na Lipad... wala na ring video o print sa Manila. Yong Burlesk Queen, nasunog daw ang original print nito. I have a friend sa Manila na may access sa Premiere na kalilipat lang ng bodega nila sa Malabon told me na marami pa ang mga itong movies at doon sya nakakuha ng Ging, ni Vilma, mahigpit na nga lang daw ang mga ito ngayon at they are converting their movies sa vhs kasi yong iba ay nasa lata pa. A long time ago i paid $50.00 sa isang movie na nasa pag iingat ng premiere na pina transfer ko pa sa vhs. Ang Sampaguita available na ulit ang mga movies nila for sale. Uhaw sa pag ibig, i dont have that one kasi. Hindi ba at si susan R. ang original na prinsesang gusgusin? By the way do you have Patayin mo sa Sindak si Barbara ni Susan?
And I believe Uhaw na PagIbig was a Claudia Zobel film.
"Bakit Bughaw"
Huwag mong i-blacklist yung friend mo. Ipapatay mo na lang, then get the tape back. That's one of the last existing copies of the film. Wala nang print, wala nang video, walang wala na...
I have visited their site at:
http://www.geocities.com/sampaguita_pictures/p3.html .
They have quite a number of old movies. I'm planning to order some videos from them but I don't know most of the titles in the list. Has any of you have any recommendations?
I inquired about their films as well but the prices were quoted in dollars!... :(I have visited their site at:
http://www.geocities.com/sampaguita_pictures/p3.html .
They have quite a number of old movies. I'm planning to order some videos from them but I don't know most of the titles in the list. Has any of you have any recommendations?
By the way I am thinking of building a web site about Vilma kaya lang wala I dont have a lot of pictures of her.
Local movie stars as movie producers...
During the collapse of the studio era, a lot of our big movie stars established their own film production outfits. FPJ, of course, set-up FPJ Productions and Jafer, Erap had JE, and Dolphy RVQ. Later on came Nora's NV, Vilma's VS Films while Nino Mulach also had his own production outfit.
...(there are other stars who established their own outfits perhaps their others who can add to this list incomplete list)
Thanks ßa®tmaniac. I tried looking for this book a while back and did not have any luck. I just placed my order so ask the Pilipino Superstore for your commission. ;)
Hey can you help me find the book THE URIAN ANTHOLOGY? I tried looking for that one too and so far no luck. Thanks again.
Here's a book on Philippine Cinema I found online. Some here might be interested:(http://store3.yimg.com/I/pilipinosuperstore_1719_462134503)
One Hundred Acclaimed Tagalog Movies (http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?pilipinosuperstore+HvacWM+100actagmov.html)
by: Mel Tobias
Some films you may not have seen or even heard about. The more familiar movies will inspire a voyage of discovery about the Philippine cinema- the directors, the stars, the stories and the intrigues. 100 Acclaimed Tagalog Movies presents poignant and entertaining reviews of classic Philippine films. Many of them have achieved cult-status. Film enthusiasts, and other readers curious about the history and growth of Asian and Philippine cinema, will find this book an excellent reference and guide.
Here's a book on Philippine Cinema I found online. Some here might be interested:(http://store3.yimg.com/I/pilipinosuperstore_1719_462134503)
One Hundred Acclaimed Tagalog Movies (http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?pilipinosuperstore+HvacWM+100actagmov.html)
by: Mel Tobias
Some films you may not have seen or even heard about. The more familiar movies will inspire a voyage of discovery about the Philippine cinema- the directors, the stars, the stories and the intrigues. 100 Acclaimed Tagalog Movies presents poignant and entertaining reviews of classic Philippine films. Many of them have achieved cult-status. Film enthusiasts, and other readers curious about the history and growth of Asian and Philippine cinema, will find this book an excellent reference and guide.
I've read this book and I don't agree with all of his selections some of which are really undeserving.
Don't know if you've discussed this before, but my no. 1 question about Filipino films is:
Why does everyone talk that way?
Ibig kong sabihin, para bang nagtatalumpati. Hindi natural. I don't think I've seen any local film (haven't seen that many though) where someone talks like a normal human talks.
I dunno if this deserves a new thread, but let's talk about it here for now:
Metro Manila Film Fest 2002 Film Entries
So far, I know only of Dekada '70 and Mano Po. Being that the book where Dekada '70 is based on is one of my favorite Pinoy books (though I don't read much anyway), I think I'm watching that.
I have to go with rmn on Tobias' book. The selection is inconsistent, the writing shallow, and he provides no insights into the films he's talking about.
"Apocalypse Now Redux" followed the original movie's 20th anniversary in 1997. Now, through FLIP Magazine's Movie Club, "OPM" will be shown on Jan. 30, 6 p.m. at Greenbelt 3 to mark the classic's 20th anniversary. "It's not everyday that we come together to toast a Filipino movie," said FLIP publisher and editor Jessica Zafra. "But OPM is clearly one film that deserves to be commemorated. It raised the standards for Filipino films and, 20 years later, the public and the industry still look to the movie for guidance and inspiration." (read more... (http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jan/27/ent_1-1.htm))[/i]
i noticed lang that most filipino film critics tend to exaggerate good filipino movies. whereas pag foreign na, masyadong mataas ang expectations.
(http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jan/27/images/ent_1-1.jpg)
'Oro, Plata, Mata' redux (http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jan/27/ent_1-1.htm)
from: http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jan/27/ent_1-1.htm
excerpt:
20th anniversary
"Apocalypse Now Redux" followed the original movie's 20th anniversary in 1997. Now, through FLIP Magazine's Movie Club, "OPM" will be shown on Jan. 30, 6 p.m. at Greenbelt 3 to mark the classic's 20th anniversary. "It's not everyday that we come together to toast a Filipino movie," said FLIP publisher and editor Jessica Zafra. "But OPM is clearly one film that deserves to be commemorated. It raised the standards for Filipino films and, 20 years later, the public and the industry still look to the movie for guidance and inspiration." (read more... (http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jan/27/ent_1-1.htm))
Batmaniac were you able to watch it? We went to Greenbelt but we were not able to watch it. It was for those who have invitations only.
What is the policy of Flip Cinema Club about their special screenings? Not open to the public?
Sayang....I considered it as the best Filipino film of all time.
Any news on the dvd release?
Batmaniac were you able to watch it? We went to Greenbelt but we were not able to watch it. It was for those who have invitations only.
What is the policy of Flip Cinema Club about their special screenings? Not open to the public?
Sayang....I considered it as the best Filipino film of all time.
Any news on the dvd release?
No I didn't.
Where was it shown exactly? I'm assuming the sceening was in GB3's MyCinema which has a small audience capacity ideal for private screenings.
To those who are lucky to watched it last Jan. 30, please share your ideas on that night about this epic masterpiece by Peque Gallaga. 8)
To those who are lucky to watched it last Jan. 30, please share your ideas on that night about this epic masterpiece by Peque Gallaga. 8)
The movie was shown chronologically, thank God! The copy they used was the last master copy that they (ABS CBN, I think) have. The color was mostly in magenta (according to JZ, I wouldn't be able to tell) and the sound was still OK. Right in the middle of the movie, the negatives got stuck and melted right before our shocked eyes. Well hello Mr. Murphy, your law stinks!
Edited to add:
Joe Dallesandro, I need to get in touch with you. I'm returning your tapes! PM me.
Bro Utoy, swerte mo naman! How did you get the invitation? Are the cast and crew complete?Long story, short version, semi-OT.
I only saw Peque Gallaga being interviewed on the t.v.
Are there discussions after the movie and what time did it start?
My only rant, it was the flip Movie Club, we loyal JZ fans who buy all her books and magazines should be given priority over those who have not bought, read or even heard of her works. Ang lumabas, sila sila rin lang. It's a movie club of the elite.
Manila By Night needs to be seen on the big screen...and even then, even with a pristine print, it can't compare to Mike De Leon's camerawork in Maynila sa Kuko (even on cable!).I guess it would probably be better on the big screen (I was watching it on a small tv set). Maybe, I would be able to finish it. However, I still feel that Maynila sa Kuko is far better movie.
I like Maynila sa Kuko better myself. But Manila by Night is a tremendous film, it can't just be dismissed out of hand...
Sorry, I wouldn't know, I just write for the rag, and I've only been paid for one article.
Don Jaime was there, didn't seem to want to greet me, whatever. Jaza was there, at least he was nice enough to say hi.
I was outside the line myself. I waited for a long time, and when they let the elite in they let the rest of us in. I sat at the aisles.
Yeah, it could have been better organized, and if they want to publicize the durn thing, they should have arranged for at least one public screening.
But you know what? It isn't worth the fuss. This is the fourth time I've sat through the entire film (the most complete print was back in the MIFF premiere screening, I saw at least two scenes cut in this one), and the film gets poorer and poorer with every viewing.
Next month is Temptation Island. Now THAT I'd like to see with an audience, on the big screen (prolly going to be video projection, but what the hey)...
I've gotten several recommendations for Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap. I've been waiting for it to be shown on TV. Anyone can comment on this film?i remember watching this one. is this the hilda koronel starrer?
I've gotten several recommendations for Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap. I've been waiting for it to be shown on TV. Anyone can comment on this film?i remember watching this one. is this the hilda koronel starrer?
I hear you get to appreciate the size of Mario O'Hara (for a brief flash of a moment) in that one. Hear he's huge... ;D
Eddie wasn't that young; he was the middle aged rich man mixed up with a young ingenue (Mario O)
The negative of Tubog sa Ginto is gone. SOFIA (Society of Film Archivists) showed one of the reels as an exhibit of what a damaged neg looked like...it was a twisted, half-melted lump of plastic.
There could be a betamax copy somewhere, I don't know...but they better transfer it to VHS or VCD before the tape starts getting moldy. Or maybe a 16 mm print or god willing, a 35 mm print in someone's basement...
I hear you get to appreciate the size of Mario O'Hara (for a brief flash of a moment) in that one. Hear he's huge... ;D
Stop teasing me .. I'm more interested to see a young Eddie Garcia in a shower scene with another man ! Saw some still photos and it looked really HOT ! :D
8)
k
Did you see the ones from Tobias' book 100 Acclaimed Tagalog Movies? I can scan it and post it somewhere if anyone wants to see it.
The people in CCP and SOFIA talk to each other. Tubog is gone, unless someone volunteers a copy. All up to them. Or you...
Forever I never saw. Really better than Maynila sa Kuko...?
Did you see the ones from Tobias' book 100 Acclaimed Tagalog Movies? I can scan it and post it somewhere if anyone wants to see it.
Please do so ... ;D ;D ;D
k
"I just bought and watched "babae sa bubungang lata"...
where'd you get it? what format? how much? :)
STAR Awards Nominees:
STAR Awards Nominees:
Anything that doesn't at least nominate or mention Hesus Rebolusyunaryo I can't take seriously at all.
Looks like I'm not following any of the awards this year.
On another topic: which Astrovision is that where Bubugnang Lata was found?
my guess is that what wcvmorasa means by ATC is Alabang Town Center.
Anita Linda's character in Bubungang Lata is based on Moody Diaz. She spent her last years living in her mausoleoum.
Many of the stories in the film are from real life. The Canadian film festival Chaning Carlos' character went to is the Toronto Film Festival. For a while there it looked as if they were promoting Filipino films as the new gay erotica.
This is why Toronto passed the film over but Vancouver snapped it up.
Anita Linda's character in Bubungang Lata is based on Moody Diaz. She spent her last years living in her mausoleoum.
Many of the stories in the film are from real life. The Canadian film festival Chaning Carlos' character went to is the Toronto Film Festival. For a while there it looked as if they were promoting Filipino films as the new gay erotica.
This is why Toronto passed the film over but Vancouver snapped it up.
I saw this film in my province in a rundown cinema which is presently already condemned. It was a double feature. Kriminal ng Bo. Concepcion d/w Babae sa Bubungang Lata. I thought Anita Linda's character was inspired by Mary Walter who also spent her last days living in the mausoleum of her husband.
i'm just curious kung ano ang kasarian ni noel vera? kung bakit ganun na lang ang kanyang pagkagusto kay mario o hara.
the true barometer of a good scriptwriter is this: pair him with a bad director, if the finish product (the film) is good, then the scriptwriter is good. this has been done with flying colors by armando lao.
i also have one concern with this message board. halos lahat ng nagpopost dito agree ng agree kay noel. bakit, takot kayo kay noel?
uy wag nyo akong aawayin...
"the true barometer of a good scriptwriter is this: pair him with a bad director, if the finish product (the film) is good, then the scriptwriter is good."
pair lao with any director and i assure you the end product is good, a mark of a true 'best scriptwriter'
"i don't also consider jose lacaba as the other best scriptwriter. all of lacaba films were just relevant and weighty. kung gumawa ba si lacaba ng hindi relevant, ano kaya ang kalalabasan?"
kaya naman, nagtataka ako kay noel vera. lahat ng mario o'hara films siguradong magaling yan, para kay noel. i wonder kung nagkarelasyon lang si noel vera at mario o'hara before? sino ba ang bading sa kanila? si noel ba? si mario ba?
it'd be interesting how Jeturian would direct those young actors. he was able to churn out something good from Gerald Madrid.
I thought Angel Aquino and Nida Blanca were very good, tho...
Is there any chances Noel or RMN that I can still find on video wherein Charo Santos was a victim and uttered the famous line to Albert Martinez "hetong P50.00 mo!",Keating, I think the best one to answer your question would be Noel, our resident film guru ;D Now, if only I've seen as many films as Noel has... ;D
also his children are played by Gina Alajar, William Martinez, her best friend is Chanda Romero who was killed by the legendary Anna MArie Gutierrez of "scorpio nights"fame? ;D
Hm. Nope, doesn't ring a bell, sorry. And I'm confused:
Charo Santos is a victim of what? Rape? Albert Martinez is the rapist? And Albert's kids are Gina Alajar and William Martinez? Maybe the film goes back and forth in time?
I suppose I could ask around. Sounds like a Danny Zialcita film...
Hm. Nope, doesn't ring a bell, sorry. And I'm confused:
Charo Santos is a victim of what? Rape? Albert Martinez is the rapist? And Albert's kids are Gina Alajar and William Martinez? Maybe the film goes back and forth in time?
I suppose I could ask around. Sounds like a Danny Zialcita film...
Noel, its like an epic story wherein Ms. Charo Santos emerged as the matriarch of a wealthy and powerful family in the present times.
Back in the Japanese occupation she was not raped by Albert Martinez but fall in love with him. She was a servant in their house.
He dumped her and later gave her P50 bucks. In retaliation, Charo Santos visit him during the present times and uttered that famous line.
Also there was a scene wherein a bomb explode in their house wherein the ones to blame are her children played by Gina Alajar, many others. The children want to get her fortune and money.
The Charo Santos movie is "Hindo Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan," directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes.
The Lino Brocka rape movie (but almost half his films are rape movies, it seems) I know, I just can't remember the title...it was really bad, I thought (Brocka's done his share of duds; O'Hara too). Shows on Cinema 1 sometimes.
Hm. Nope, doesn't ring a bell, sorry. And I'm confused:I think its one of those Via Hoffman films or Seiko films " Hindi mo ako kayang tapakan" Charo's line to Albert was something like this, " Hindi ito limos utang ito at babayaran kita, habang ako naman ang nakatayo at ikaw ang tinatapaktapakan ko" ;D
Charo Santos is a victim of what? Rape? Albert Martinez is the rapist? And Albert's kids are Gina Alajar and William Martinez? Maybe the film goes back and forth in time?
I suppose I could ask around. Sounds like a Danny Zialcita film...
Well, with Christopher de Leon there...
Lolita Rodriguez was good in Tinimbang.
What I don't understand is why Mario O'Hara's Character had to died as well.
The Lino Brocka rape movie is Kislap sa dilim ;D
Mario O'Hara had a script he wanted to do with Philip. I think it's a terrific role, about a gay impersonator who has to hide out for killing a policeman's son. Title is "Garbo" (the character is very handsome, very ma-"garbo")
I'm pretty sure O'Hara would insist on directing it. No screaming gay sterotypes for him... ;D
The Lino Brocka rape movie (but almost half his films are rape movies, it seems) I know, I just can't remember the title...it was really bad, I thought (Brocka's done his share of duds; O'Hara too). Shows on Cinema 1 sometimes.
Wasn't Viva known for ostentatious production design (mansions, flash cars, yachts etc.) and stories about the super rich and super poor?
I was searching eBay for any Nora items and this Turkish poster for a Filipino movie starring Dan Alvaro came up. It says its probably Nora's Condemned movie directed by Mario O'Hara.
Wow, we are now marketing our pinoy movies in Turkey? :o
Here's the url for the poster, check it out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3321083970&category=2322
Showing on ABS-CBN tommorow, Good Friday: Himala and Insiang.
On Black Saturday: 'Di Nahahati ang langit.
what time is each film?
what time is each film?
Himala is 4 pm, Insiang 8:30 if I'm not mistaken.
It's interesting to note that Brocka's films with Viva aren't very interesting...
Back to Brocka and Viva Films, I was in Astrovision looking at Viva VCD's when I saw this movie by Brocka (I can't remember the title but it could be Gaano kadalas ang Minsan or Maging akin ka lamang or something else.) Anyway, while I was reading the back label, the copy said to the effect "This film marked the directorial debut of Lino Brock." I wonder who writes the copy of Viva's VCD's?
I bet the writer who wrote the blurb was either grossly misinformed, high on something, or both. ;)
I bet the writer who wrote the blurb was either grossly misinformed, high on something, or both. ;)
Maybe. Or the one who designed the whole cover thing just tried to fit in the words that would make more impact on the dvd cover for marketing purposes ... especially if the target audience are cinematic morons ... err innocents. ;D ;D ;D
I bet the writer who wrote the blurb was either grossly misinformed, high on something, or both. ;)
Maybe. Or the one who designed the whole cover thing just tried to fit in the words that would make more impact on the dvd cover for marketing purposes ... especially if the target audience are cinematic morons ... err innocents. ;D ;D ;D
I almost spat my coffee on my monitor, K! ;D You bad! ;D ;D
I bet the writer who wrote the blurb was either grossly misinformed, high on something, or both. ;)
Maybe. Or the one who designed the whole cover thing just tried to fit in the words that would make more impact on the dvd cover for marketing purposes ... especially if the target audience are cinematic morons ... err innocents. ;D ;D ;D
I almost spat my coffee on my monitor, K! ;D You bad! ;D ;D
Yeah ? Well, spank me indie boy ! Hahaha.
I bet the writer who wrote the blurb was either grossly misinformed, high on something, or both. ;)
Maybe. Or the one who designed the whole cover thing just tried to fit in the words that would make more impact on the dvd cover for marketing purposes ... especially if the target audience are cinematic morons ... err innocents. ;D ;D ;D
;D Maybe or maybe not because a cinematic moron like me knows Lino Brocka's directorial debut was Lea Production's Wanted Perfect Mother starring Boots Anson Roa, Dante Rivero and Snooky. :)
That Turkish movie poster looks cool! I should tell the SOFIA people...
Condemned is the best Filipino serial killer film I know, incidentally...great noir flick.
Just watched Till There Was You. Kudos to Bb. Joyce Bernal!
Jeez, those obscure Pinoy films you mentioned made me think of these two movies I would always catch in the afternoons of my childhood.
One was a movie that had three separate stories that all starred Ariel Ureta. I think one story had him playing the role of a Filipino Popeye.
Jeez, this just shows that the philippines needs to catalogue our local films.
I've noticed that a few Pinoy films have now been registered with IMDB, which does accept entry submissions. I have made a few entry contributions as well. Perhaps there will no longer be a need to wait for a national registry for local films, but if users will just contribute what they know to IMDB, then, at least, a workable database can be maintained.
Here's another movie that I want to find out the title. It stars Babalu who acquired faith healing powers. He knows his treatment is successful if an old hermit appears near the head of the patient. But due to his popularity and the wealth, Babalu changed into a proud man. This led to this scene where he was trying to heal a man and the hermit would always appear near the patient's feet, a sign of the hermit abandoning him.
Here's another movie that I want to find out the title. It stars Babalu who acquired faith healing powers. He knows his treatment is successful if an old hermit appears near the head of the patient. But due to his popularity and the wealth, Babalu changed into a proud man. This led to this scene where he was trying to heal a man and the hermit would always appear near the patient's feet, a sign of the hermit abandoning him.
Jeez, those obscure Pinoy films you mentioned made me think of these two movies I would always catch in the afternoons of my childhood.
One was a movie that had three separate stories that all starred Ariel Ureta. I think one story had him playing the role of a Filipino Popeye.
The other film is far more surreal. It was also a movie with three separate stories and starred this actress. I can't remember the first story anymore but the second story had three aliens appearing in the kitchen of the actress' house. Two of the aliens were women and one was a male with a big bald head and acts all bratty. The last story was the creepiest as it told of a handheld mirror that brings some sort of female monster and the only way to destroy the monster was to break the mirror. The climax had the mirror being shattered but at the final frame when we all think everything will be alright, there is a closeup of the mirror mending itself.
These are two movies that have more or less haunted my childhood because I don't know the titles for one but more importantly, the stories were surreal, and in the case of the second movie, was just too weird and malevolent for a child to watch.
No problem pare, I'll ask my friend if it's possible. I'll keep you posted.
Oops, Garp beat me to it! :)
I wonder how the Babalu movie ended? The Mexican film took a very dark turn near the end. But the Babalu movie was a practical carbon, albeit funnier, I thought. There was also a chicken-eating scene in the Babalu film, right?
Ok lang yun, X44, napabilis lang pagtype ko. ;D
I don't know why I still remember the final scene of this movie, I was like 10 years old when I saw this movie on tv. Anyway it ends when the old man took Babalu into a cave filled with lighted candles. The old man gave Babalu a candle that was about to filcker out and die. Babalu was told that all the candles in the cave represents the lives of the people. The one he's holding was his own candle. Frightened, he ran out of the the cave holding his candle, then stops and waits for the candle to die out.
Thanks for reminding me about that scene, Garp! Now I remember why that film stuck to my head. It was because of that sad ending (well, I think it was a sad ending). I think it was the first comedy I saw that ended on a sad, if enigmatic, note.
I miss the guy too gurang. It was a pleasant treat when I caught May Lamok sa Loob ng Kulambo yesterday. The lightning quick repartee was still as funny. Zialcita was well-known for his Janice de Belen movies then but I think he is the master of the sex-comedy. Too bad he had to ruin his career with drugs.
Sabi ni Noel Vera plagiarist daw si Zialcita. I hope he'd explain it though.
Paging Mr. Vera.
Ok lang yun, X44, napabilis lang pagtype ko. ;D
I don't know why I still remember the final scene of this movie, I was like 10 years old when I saw this movie on tv. Anyway it ends when the old man took Babalu into a cave filled with lighted candles. The old man gave Babalu a candle that was about to filcker out and die. Babalu was told that all the candles in the cave represents the lives of the people. The one he's holding was his own candle. Frightened, he ran out of the the cave holding his candle, then stops and waits for the candle to die out.
Since Noel Vera has not yet responded to this post, let me share what I read about the plagiarism issue with Zialcita.
In 1979, Danny Zialcita's Ikaw at ang Gabi won URIAN awards for Best Picture and Best Director. It was later found out that the movie was a blatant copy of a TV movie called Torn Between Two Lovers from Hollywood. Some sequences were copied shot by shot. Another Zialcita movie Si Malakas, Si Maganda at si Mahinhin was also a direct copy of an American film called A Different Story. Most critics do agree that Zialcita's versions were much improved compared to the originals. Danny Zialcita is best remembered for her 'malulutong' na dialogues in his movies and for turning Dindo Fernando into gay in Mahinhin series and Nora Aunor a lesbian in T-Bird at Ako (http://www.geocities.com/pinoymovies/tbirdatako.html). Other Zialcita movies are Langis at Tubig with Vilma Santos and Dindo Fernando, Tinimbang ang Langit with Christopher de Leon and Kuh Ledesma, Kabiyak with Pinky de Leon, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi with Laurice Guillen and Dear Heart with Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.
The guy who played tatang de vega's name is at the tip of my tongue. I can't seem to spit it out. He was one of the more acclaimed senior actors then. He was also a director. I can see his face in my mind but the name truly escapes me or his other works.pare baka makagat mo pa dila mo si Tony Santos Sr. ata tinutukoy mo.
I hate it when this happens. :(
I still remember Marquez's pretty awkward speech when she received the best actress award for the movie at the MMFF. Her infamous inarticulateness showed itself again that night. I can't remember everything verbatim, but she mentioned something about the Sto. Nino and then showed her son as the sto. nino or something. She must've been drunk.
Oh, and she performed a dance number. But she chose this traditional spanish dance that lulled the audience to sleep.
It was a forgettable flick...Bro Gurang.
No need to mention it. ;D ;D ;D
I hear that Eric Matti is set to direct the sequel to
Mano Po.
So Joey Gosiengfiao can beat Pedro Almodovar for TEMPTATION ISLAND, Noel? ???
Eddie Romero has just been named National Artist for Film. I wonder who'll be next???
RMN (or anyone), gotta link for this? Am very curious who else got in, especially among the Lit people. Wala pa sa Inq7 or ABS websites.
Roces left a bad taste in the mouth when he was chairman of the MTRCB; his unceremonial booting was almost karmaishly satisfying.
I agree with Jessica, it's a camp classic. Surreal camp with shocking colors before Pedro Almodovar thought to do it.
It wasn't Dina Bonnevie who had the maid...can't remember it now, but it wasn't Dina...
Help! Last night, on Cinema One, I caught the last 5 minutes of what I suspect to be a short film. (It aired between Kisapmata, which I missed, and Aangkinin kita, a Stella Strada film) What I saw was rather interesting: the film is apparently set in the 1950s. From the little that I saw, the story involved an intellectual sort of person joins the underground, and his lover, who eventually is forced to betray him to the authorities at gunpoint. Before the end, the man gets to listen to a lot of radio reports, including that of a UFO sighting, interspersed with 50s music. In the end, the couple are led away by the agents, and the final scene shows a newspaper headline. The lead headline proclaims the fall of Dien Bien Phu to the communists, while a smaller headline notes the mysterious disappearance of the couple, suspected to have been a UFO abduction.
The movie starred Rina Reyes as the lover. Have no idea though who directed this, etc. From the end credits, it seems to have been a 1992 MMFF entry. Please advise, I'm interested to know more about this film. Thanks.
I've seen this twice already. Its title is MAALINSANGAN ANG GABI and was directed by Cesar Hernando.
How about you Noel, have you been invited to appear in any movie? I will definitely watch it.
The interest in films from the 40's to the 60's is there. The problem is logistics as these films are hard to find. It's cool that you have that collection. I'd love to see it one of these days. :)
why don't we organize an eb or a club wherein we can meet regularly and talk about films and maybe do film showing every meeting. lets do something for filipino film because nobody else is doing it.What type of Pinoy film? Yung boldies? ;)
Rockabilly:
Great if you want to put up a new group, if you have the resources, but if you don't medyo mahirap. Have you tried contacting established groups? SOFIA for one?
hi noel,
i'm not putting up a new group. its just an idea na people like us who cares so much for the welfare of fil film do sometjhinhg about it. its not as formal as establishing an organization but rather a loose bonding of fil film lovers who can meet regularly discuss and enjoy each others company and contribution and maybe share the passion for films. now if something concrete comes out of this gathering then well and good, but the primary goal is to talk and enjoy fil films. maybe that's the first step.
For free web pages and ease of use, try Yahoo Geocities. I started a Nora Aunor Tribute Website and did not cost me a penny.
By the way, UP Film Center has a database of pinoymovies. It doesn't go as far back as 1950's though.
hi noel,
i'm not putting up a new group. its just an idea na people like us who cares so much for the welfare of fil film do sometjhinhg about it. its not as formal as establishing an organization but rather a loose bonding of fil film lovers who can meet regularly discuss and enjoy each others company and contribution and maybe share the passion for films. now if something concrete comes out of this gathering then well and good, but the primary goal is to talk and enjoy fil films. maybe that's the first step.
When do we start? :D
nice to hear from people who's enthusiastic about something as worthwhile as films. mabuhay tayong lahat! where can we hold it lets all vote kung saan mas convenient sa lahat. sir noel, saan ba
suggestion mo. ikaw yata ang pinaka-pro sa lahat e.
ako pwedeng makati or t.morato.
um, isn't Noel out of the country???
ganon ba sori di ko know e
I've moved. I'm now in the East Coast. I'll be with you guys in spirit...and keep me informed what happens.
I'll try help out what I can.
I've moved. I'm now in the East Coast. I'll be with you guys in spirit...and keep me informed what happens.
I'll try help out what I can.
I don't know what 'professional' means. I've been writing for various newspapers and magazines, for pay per article, since 1994. I've never been a regular staff, always contributing writer. I act as consultant and occasional programmer for a few festivals--Udine, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Delhi, Cinemanila, on occasion.
I'd say I'll be here for at least three years.
Saan ka nga sa East Coast sabi eh ? >:(
Sagutin mo na nga boss Noel... at naiinis na si kaka!
Ano kaya ang hitsura ni kaka kapag naiinis ???
"How about Babangon ako't dudurugin kita"
I had the VCD but Gumapang was so discouraging I didn't watch it. I will, eventually.
"There's this movie scene thats stuck in my mind but I can't recall the film. Dina Bonnevie and Dindo Fernando are in a bathtub (at Legaspi Towers) when Joel Torre barges in and shoots them"
That's Init sa Magdamag! That's a great film, Laurice's best, and one of my favorite erotic films...
Oh, can you put a spoiler warning on that?
Please correct me but is Gumapang the one where Charo Santos plays an Imelda like character?
Charo's a deliberate imitation. Check out Elvira Manahan's in Bagong Hari--I like that one much better.
I still like Tessie Tomas' Imelda in that foreign produced first Edsa revolution movie. She can be a good dramatic actress ...
Tomas was even nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Mrs. Marcos in that HBO mini-series. She was there at the awards ceremony but didn't win. Well being recognized was COOL enough!
Is A Dangerous Life available in DVD? The last time I saw it was in Indosiar. Naka-series siya, and I missed half of it.
Got a VHS copy of "A Dangerous Life" from one of our friends here at PinoDVD. However, it was the 'compressed' version (less than 3 hours) so I would still buy if they will release a DVD of the complete series.
Bro viper was it the original one or re-copy from the television broadcast some years back?
That figure I'm guessing isn't complete yet. Does it include cable and video sales? If not, add maybe one or two million to the figure.
Thanks for the title, Bro X44. :)
Those two Ariel Ureta's flicks were both trilogy if I'm not mistaken.
And there's hope X44 for those Pinoy flicks that we've been missing all these years...www.wwv.com!
And there's hope X44 for those Pinoy flicks that we've been missing all these years
The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino has a website with a Filmography section. Right now, they only posted the year 1980. The list includes the title of the film and a brief description and the date it opened. If they add all the other years and maintain it, this could be the pinoy version of the imdb.com. Here's the url:
http://www.manunuri.com/
I remember back in the 70s or early 80s, Ariel Ureta hosted a live show called "For the Boys". It was like a variety show for adult males. Lots of sexy girls dancing and stuff like that. One memorable incident was when Vivian Velez's top slipped down while she was dancing and her boobs were exposed. That image of her with her boobs hanging out will forever be engrained in my memory.
Was that Vivian Velez or was that the flash-in-the-pan (and not-as-hot) bold star Ellen Esguerra ,who later attended an awards show in a see-through dress and practically no undies?was it Ellen Esguerra? I always thought it was Vivian Velez. Whoever it was, those were nice boobs :)
Saw this poster at the Megamall Cinema's:
Ang Hiwaga and Prinsipe at Sirena. Handog ng Legacy Films. The tagline went like this:Tuklasin ang kangyarihan sa daigdig ng kababalaghan
It had no mention of the stars nor the director, just photos of the characters ( couldn't make out the faces of the actors). At the bottom corner of the poster, it ahd the DTS logo!!! :o
Saw this poster at the Megamall Cinema's:doesn't look like a Pinoy film to me. looks like Thai or some other Southeast Asian production.
Ang Hiwaga and Prinsipe at Sirena. Handog ng Legacy Films. The tagline went like this:Tuklasin ang kangyarihan sa daigdig ng kababalaghan
It had no mention of the stars nor the director, just photos of the characters ( couldn't make out the faces of the actors). At the bottom corner of the poster, it ahd the DTS logo!!! :o
I heard that Maui Taylor accepted the project with the condition that she have no kissing scene with Jordan Hererra. A strange stipulation for a bold flick. Makes one wonder what really happened and how bad it really is between these two. :-\
This Joyce Jimenez starrer was shown on GMA 7 last night. I cant recall the title but it featured b-movie American actors but it was shot here...
"Are you too young to have watched the late Lino Brocka's very memorable film Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag? It was shown in the seventies and it seems With Brocka gone, all the more likely it can never be shown on TV."
Who ever wrote the article does not watch Cinema One.
While channel surfing this afternoon I chanced upon Pinoy Box Office's screening of Emmanuel Borlaza's campy 60's vampire movie "Dugo ng Vampira". It was silly, it was hilarious (especially the flying effects in which Charlie Davao, Gina Pareno and Bella Flores merely raising their arms with the camera leaning slightly to the right), it was kitschy (the fake bats that fly sideways and the weird looking puppet dog), and it was fun.
Viva -- who owns PBO -- is sitting on a goldmine. They should release these campy black and white movies on DVD.
Sensual had a look...Abaya poured a lot of visual intelligence into this film. But I found it airless and enervating; you get this feeling that Abaya doesn't really enjoy sex or sensuality, and she probably did this film to join the softcore porn bandwagon. It doesn't have the explosive energy of the greats: Boatman, Scorpio Nights, even Laurice Guillen's no-nudity erotic masterpiece Init sa Magdamag.
That should be "Init" (1979), with Rio Locsin as Charito Solis' hot hot hot daughter. Philip services both mother and daughter. It had trouble with the censors.
What's the one again with Cherie Gil who plays the daughter of a rich family? There's a pool scene at the end. Does anyone have an original copy on tape?I think that was called "Problem Child". I remember because I saw that in the theater when I was in high school. I will never forget the sight of Cherie Gil in a brown bikini coming out of the pool
I think that was called "Problem Child". I remember because I saw that in the theater when I was in high school. I will never forget the sight of Cherie Gil in a brown bikini coming out of the pool
Bed Sins starred Sarsi Emmanuelle and Liza Lorena, among others, directed by Mario O'Hara. The porn was inserted without O'Hara's consent by Robbie Tan. O'Hara pretty much disowns the film.
Bed Sins starred Sarsi Emmanuelle and Liza Lorena, among others, directed by Mario O'Hara. The porn was inserted without O'Hara's consent by Robbie Tan. O'Hara pretty much disowns the film.Who was doing the oral sex?? Liza Lorena? or sarsi???
I chanced upon this movie in PBO. It starred Charo Santos, Janet Bordon, Lorna Tolentino and this other actress. They played four sisters, and the ending of the movie was they all got married at the same time. Their parents were played by Mario Montenegro and Gloria Sevilla.
Would anyone here know the title of the movie, it's director and the scriptwriter?
Title is Apat na Maria, Director- Maryo J., scriptwriter-Tom Adrales
Hey, guys, am trying to do an article on the state of the industry 2003, and I need help. I'm seeing some of the films shown this year--Tanging Ina, Magnifico, am going to see Huling Birhen soon, but obviously I can't see everything (HEY QUARK, HOW BOUT THAT COPY OF KEKA YOU PROMISED?!), so I'm asking all of youse:
2. What were the worse Filipino films this year? WHY?
Thanks, acyl. But didn't you catch anything you liked?
Probably Ed Cabagnot. Why, have you heard anything new about them?
Oh, they finally came around? After finally acknowledging they have a gay genius recluse in their family and that they have no earthly use for the prickeless stuff Hammi stored away in his room?
So to whom did his videotape of Dyesebel go to?
The original vhs tape of Gallaga's...Oro plata mata was available before on some video stores in L.A.
It was selling for only $50 bucks, I wonder who was the lucky one who bought it?
It was complete with its original artwork showing the burning of the plantation fields.
Okay, this movies does not compare to a classic like Oro Plata Mata but just a few days ago, someone posted Darna and the Giants VHS copy up for bid on eBay starting bid of $3.99. When the bidding ended the movie was sold for a whopping price of $63.00. :o
what a sad interviewer, in that mother lily article. some decently interesting topics come up, but no follow-up questions.It looked like the interviewer never really interviewed the subject but instead gave her a questionnaire -- which most writers do when they want to cut corners.
It looked like the interviewer never really interviewed the subject but instead gave her a questionnaire -- which most writers do when they want to cut corners.
It's like a Ricky Lee interview.
You must mean Ricky Lo...
Yup, its true. The Starzan series did save Regal Films from bankruptcy.
And did you know that Viva Films was also on the verge of bankruptcy? The reason? Titanic! really.
If any of you guys happen to be home this Friday, Studio 23 will be showing Bernal's Broken Marriage for their "Lunch Box Office". Not exactly sure of the time though.
Jeffrey Jeturian is really going places no doubt about this talented man.
Saw him during the director's cut screening of Tuhog in U.P. Film Center a few years back.
I still prefer his domestic drama SANA PAG-IBIG NA over PILA BALDE & TUHOG.
well i agree in watching other countries offering of movies but for us filipinos to be watched in other countries thats what i want.
Will Batang Westside have a regular theater run?
It seems theater distributors are not keen to this 5 hour movie.
I believe it was shown a few years back at Cinemanila (m not so sure, though).
And from what I heard, someone's (dunno who) planning to release this on DVD, and Mike de Leon's producing the 2-disc set.
As I've said it's not certain...is there someone who can confirm this and kill the rumor? ???
Uunahan ko na si Ricky Lo....hehehhe!
MAGNIFICO wins GRAND PRIX BERLIN KINDERFILMFEST
The International Jury of the Kinderfilmfest 2004 award the Deutsches Kinderhilswerk Grand Prix to the film "Magnifico".
The International Jury awards a total of Euro 10,000.
Award ceremonies will be held this Saturday, 14th of February at 4pm.
Here's a link to an article about Sampaguita Picture's efforts in finding and preserving their old movies. Click here to read the article. (http://www.inq7.net/ent/2004/feb/15/ent_1-1.htm)
I doubt if Batang West Side will have a commercial release. First, movie distributors will not get it, second, it's a five-hour movie with no special effects, gratuitous violence or excessive sex -- at most you can only fit in three sceenings of the movie every day -- not a good financial proposition.
I hope to be proven wrong though.
Speaking of Mike de Leon, caught up Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising last Friday during Cinema Paraiso Film Fest at NCCA in Intramuros. It's a nice film, semi-bittersweet, but I was disappointed at the resolution. More of anticlimactic, but somehow resolved, anyway. I was hoping a confrontation between Boyet's character and Hilda's hubby--a typical ending to a Filipino romance movie.
Who stars in Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?
And from what I heard, someone's (dunno who) planning to release this on DVD.
As I've said it's not certain...is there someone who can confirm this and kill the rumor?
noel, anyone, what do you think of tatlo, dalawa, isa?
Out of nowhere, just like that! ;D
That Nora Aunor vehicle could be Hocloban, or Hangang Dito Na Lang at Maraming Salamat Po (I think Jojo tells me that), where she will play a man, perhaps a gay man. Or it could be Javellana's Without Seeing the Dawn.
Whatever it is, that's a very exciting prospect...
i believe it's Javellana's Without Seeing The Dawn... although Ate Guy still hasn't read the script, but what she's really looking forward to doing is Hanggang Dito Na Lamang at Maraming Salamat Po.
Hi, Brod Jo!
I've read the book "Without Seeing The Dawn" when I was in high school. Hit me like a hurricane, that Javellana masterpiece. But as far as I remember, the two main characters in the novel were lovers whose lives were irrevocably ruined in the wake of the Japanese war. Pero parang hindi yata babagay sa edad ni Ms. Nora yung role ng babae kasi sa natantandaan ko mukhang in her 20s yong character. In fact, years later after reading the book, I thought that it would make a classic film at bagay na bagay si Dawn Zulueta, Sharmaine Arnaiz or Chin-Chin Gutierrez for the female protagonist. Sa panahon ngayon, feel ko mas swak yong role kay Katherine Luna, lalo na't siya ang flavor of the season ni Mario.
Mas feel ko na gawin ni Ms. Nora at Mario either "Hocloban" or "Hanggang Dito Na Lamang At Maraming Salamat Po." Palagay ko ang mga roles niya in these two scripts would showcase the best in her. Pardon me for being too nosy, but when you talked to Ms. Nora the last time, did you ask her perchance if there's gonna be any chances of her doing "Hocloban" soon? Atat na atat talaga ako na gawin niya itong pelikulang ito after Noel Vera shared a few tidbits about the script which he was lucky enough to read.
Thanks. God bless.
Myke
O--Naglalayag done by O'Hara? I would have loved to see that. Anything with O'Hara and Nora together again, I would love to seee.
Jojo, La Loba Negra IS Hocloban. He changed the title because someone's claiming the rights to it.
It sure is.
Maybe Without Seeing the Dawn has a good supporting role for her.
Palagay ko "HOCLOBAN" (La Loba Negra) nga itong project na ino-offer ni Mario to Boyet and Ms. Nora. The role of the sorceress is perfect for her while the object of her hatred and affection, (si Gen. Bustamante ba yon, Noel?) will suit Boyet just fine, although I would have preferred Ronaldo Valdez or Michael de Mesa in that role. The role of Nora's son would be nice for Ian de Leon, or Jericho Rosales, or Romnick Sarmenta.
Miscast sina Ms. Nora at Boyet for either "Without Seeing The Dawn." In "Hanggang Dito Na Lamang...," hindi din babagay si Boyet doon kasi yong character ng lalaki is supposed to be a younger than the gay lover (which would be Ms. Nora's role).
Myke
what i would really love to see is Supergirl with Pinky Montilla... talk about over the top fantasy movies. i vividly remember Odette Khan playing a mad scientist with Enrico Villa playing her sidekick. she then creates a giant bull frog that wreaks havoc in their small village killing Nick Romano, Mildred Ortega and Ike Lozada and of course who could forget Walter Navarro and Djoanna Garcia playing zombies. ;D
i just caught mario j.'s forgotten epic masterpiece: hindi mo ako kayang tapakan.
Oh, the lavish production design! the ensamble cast! the powehouse performances! (check-out charo santos as dona anastacia vda. de tuason! gina alajar as her daughter!) the riveting plot twists! the masterful direction!
the film btw, was produced by VH films, owned by joey marquez' sister via hoffman who also gave us kaya kong abutin ang langit.
Pretty good.
Minor complaint: Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos was the other significant 1976 film, y'know (along with Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo, come to think of it), and where's Celso Ad. Castillo? But yeah, pretty good.
What was Celso Ad Castillo smoking when he wrote the script of, and directed Tag Ulan sa Tag Araw? ;D
Mario O'Hara has two films lined-up for production next year:
Sumakay tayo sa buwan (?) to be written by Lualhati Bautista and hopefully starring Nora
Without Seeing the Dawn starring Robin Padilla
Hocloban he's been trying to buy out from the producer that owns it but to no avail.
ricol ilarde who?
Lemme see--is this the Dina Gary romance, or the incest movie with Vilma and Boyet?
Either way, well, storytelling was never his strong suit (cocaine, I suspect ;D). It's the filmmaking that's so beautiful.
I just saw Lino Brocka's PALIPAT-LIPAT, PAPALIT-PALIT. Dina Bonnevie and Christopher de Leon are excellent as a couple trying to save their relationship. I thought I was watching a Bernal flick with those witty lines thrown in!
And perhaps the movie created the most sympathetic gay character in Philippine cinema played by Mark Gil as the best friend of Dina Bonnevie.
I wonder how Eddie Garcia will fare in the upcoming Gallaga flick....PINOY BLONDE? ???
Oooh, I know the names of the people that movie is based on...but I can't tell... ;D
Who wrote the sceenplay of that movie, Noel? Can you share the people behind it thru pm? ;D ;)
Who wrote the sceenplay of that movie, Noel? Can you share the people behind it thru pm? ;D ;)
are you talking about the screenplay for Palipat-lipat? it was written by Bibeth Orteza. Noel... share it naman. ;D
yeah Jojo. BTW thanks again for the copy.... :).....Noel there's pm if you dont want to discuss it here man...... ;)
for one, Bakit Bughaw came out first... it was released in 1981 while Saan Nagtatago if i'm not mistaken was shown in 1987. O'Hara is a much better filmmaker than Garcia... i must say that Alicia Vergel gave one her most memorable performances in the film as the domineering partriarch although not in the same league as Anita Linda's portrayal of Nora's mother in Bakit Bughaw.Watching Eddie Garcia's Saan Nagtatago ang Pagibig? for the second
time last saturday, one can't help but compare it to Mario O' Hara's Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? for the reason that both films have,
as a major character, a mentally disabled person among othersimilarities. Without starting a Nora-Vilma debate here, I would have to say that O'Hara's work is better. To me, its more heartfelt and more real; you could really relate with the characters and situtations that are atypical of the Philippine setting. You laugh, you cry, along with them...when Nora got fed up and raised hell, you sympathized and sided with her.
Eddie Garcia's work, on the other hand, thought not entirely bad,( I liked his directing style here as well as the cinematography) suffers because, alas, it is a Viva
movie. And like most Viva releases it about the rich and the not-so-
rich. And the story, well, was too commercial. I was in fact surprised that it was written by Bing Lao. (but to be fair the story wasn't his)
Eddie Garcia's IMORTAL has a slick cinematography which I think is always present in a Viva movie. Glossy, taken from a painted postcard album.
Being an actor and a filmmaker at the same time helps a lot in cultivating a movie. Garcia can also deliver the goods.
So what are the better films of 2004 that I should see? Sigaw?
I was able to catch a circa 1980's documentary on Philippine cinema by Tony Rayns which he did for a British tv network. The said docu had a feature on Gerardo de Leon as well as interviews with Manuel Conde, Bernal, Brocka, Marilou Diaz, Hammi Sotto and Doy del Mundo who stood in for Mike de Leon. It was fairly interesting, despite the picture quality and it's short length.
It's a compilation of my articles, from 1994 to 2004, and it's coming out in April, to be printed by the Singapore-based Big O Magazine.
The book launching will be at the 18th Singapore International Film Festival. Filmmaker Lav Diaz will be there.
Here's a link to an excerpt (an article on Tikoy Aguiluz's "Segurista" (Dead Sure, 1996)):
http://journals.aol.com/noelbotevera/MyJournal/entries/686
The book will be available online. I'll post links as soon as they are available.
Where did you catch that RMN and how might I see it?
Someone mentioned something round here--it's been delayed.
Speaking of Mike de Leon, caught up Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising last Friday during Cinema Paraiso Film Fest at NCCA in Intramuros.
For this years Cannes Film Festival, participating countries will not only be sending a delegation to France, but also films that they feel best represent the film industry from their home country. You won't believe the list of Filipino movies that they've drawn up. Shocking. :o
Far as I remember Manila By Night has a perfectly good print.
I'd like to see that list, RMN.
Would anyone know who directed Julian Makabayan? I can't remember who it is.
The great Celso Ad. Castillo.
Mind you, Celso's Patayin is silly and doesn't make sense...but it was the one Filipino horror film that came closest to actually scaring me.
Much better than Chito Rono's remake, Noel? GUMISING KA MARUJA is another one on my wish lists.
Like night and day, the difference.
The Maruja remake would be funny, if it wasn't so boring.
CRITIC AFTER DARK: A REVIEW OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA is now available in Singapore
How to order (http://www.bigo.com.sg/theshop/books/NVcritic.html)
Nice cover art, congrats Noel on your new endeavor!
BTW is your article about the late Ishmael Bernal included there?
Yeah, it is. Thanks!
I'll buy it man once it hit the bookstores here.
CRITIC AFTER DARK: A REVIEW OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA is now available in SingaporeVery nice. :)
How to order (http://www.bigo.com.sg/theshop/books/NVcritic.html)
i had the rare privilege of viewing clips from two filipino films that have hitherto been considered lost: the first darna produced and directed by fernando po sr. and a costume drama by gerry de leon. both works have been stored in an archive in bangkok, thailand.
SOFIA should rescue these two films if not get the masterprint of these two rare lost masterpieces of Philippine cinema.
Not to worry. These two films, on 16mm, are in good shape and hands and will surely be brought home.
Which costumed drama by Gerry de Leon?
Lav Diaz has spotted copies on display at the Datelines Bookshop and Old Pop--two great arthouses at the Marikina Shoe Expo in Cubao, Quezon City.
Powerbooks?
I wish!
I say: go to Cubao while you can. It's the new IT place, a burgeoning center for arts and culture, according to Lav and Tino Tejeros. And while you're there, there's a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with terrible service and fantastic food that might make your visit worthwhile...
Mrs. Pilar Ortiz Brocka, Lino's mom, just passed away at the age of 94. She was laid to rest last Monday.
Wow, Noel, your book is selling like bibingkas back here.
When I bought one for a friend last Saturday in Cubao, there were only two copies left. The lady I spoke to sisd that it has been flying of the shelves ever since Lav Diaz brought over copies.
While I don't agree with you 100% (hence my hesistation to get a copy), I must say congrats just the same.
You're probably thinking of some other woman filmmaker, with no feeling for eroticism or sensuality in any of her films. ;D
Moral is one of her best. There are those that argue, I'm not necessarily one of them, that the auteur in both Moral and Brutal isn't she of whom we do not speak, but Ricky Lee. His sensibilities are so strong any lesser filmmaker--or relatively new one--can be dominated. It takes a Brocak or Bernal to keep him in his place.
Karnal I'm not fond of. Feel it's a Kisapmata rethread, down to Vic Silayan playing yet another rapacious father. Plus towards the end it starts to become unintentionally funny.
Brutal despite some felicities, has weaknesses. For one, the early rape sequences don't resonate, or have much sexuality to them (I know the old line--rape is all about power--but check out the rape scenes in Straw Dogs, A Day in the Countryside, and Last Tango in Paris, and Init sa Magdamag among others and tell me they don't have any sexuality to them). Another thing is that Charo Santos' story is more interesting, or seems livelier than Amy Austria's--seems to me she who we will not name has trouble relating to the lower classes than to the middle class. Otherwise, yep--it's a pretty good Ricky Lee film. ;D
Thanks! ;D
You love Karnal? Seen it lately?
I'm thinking Brocka's politicization (Jaguar, Bayan Ko, Orapronobis)may have been hugely flavored by Pete Lacaba as well (he practically is the auteur of de Leon's Sister Stella L). Those are two of the strongest pair of voices in Philippine cinema, I think, writerwise.
Actually, I liked Karnal because, aside from Itim, we never really had a film with a strong gothic flavor.
You're right, Brocka's most overtly political films were written by Lacaba. Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang comes close but it's more of a social commentary.
God, I don't know if I can watch a Kris Aquino movie even if O'Hara directed it, hehe.
How about the first Dyesebel & Darna movies, Noel? Both created by the late Mars Ravelo.
I've heard that the first Darna movie which was found in Thailand was actually excised and not the complete one? How could it be? My friend who taped the Eyewitness program on channel 7 said it.
Even Nick de Ocampo and the other people who just came from Thailand was quite disappointed. They brought the vhs tape of the movie not the masterprint.
Jojo the Darna vs. Babaing Tuod was the one that was found in Thailand restored and preserved through the years. I believe this is the Rosa del Rosario flick.
I don't know how it was found in Thailand, I have to borrow the tape (Eyewitness) first from my friend.
Since we are talking of fantasy flicks, Jo, what's the title of the Ariel Ureta movie wherein he was being chase by a vampire......very surreal...very weird also like Elektrika.
how can we survive?
As for filmmakers: whoever wants to do good work will do good work, no matter what happens; O'Hara did five films in seven years, all of which cost well under ten million (except maybe Sindak), Lav Diaz did some of his most ambitious projects in the same period of time, and Khavn de La Cruz and many other independents are working. So it isn't as if Filipino filmmakers--the ones that count, anyway--are sitting on their butts doing nothing.
Hi there Jojo! Yup, I'll join better not to waste my time and effort to some movies like FANTASTIC CRAP. ;D
I joined...
pasali rin ako, i've been lurking the filipino films threads but couldn't contribute much since my knowledge on filipino films is quite limited...
Just read this. I'll definitely be joining. Thanks Jojo!
Speaking also of substance, its so sad that even koreanovelas are robbing us right in our very eyes. The way i see it, we are over putting intrigues and controversies in the story or most often we are over creating people with abnormal personalities in the story that are normally unbelievable in normal life.
I'd say the popularity of Korean telenovelas goes to show that people don't watch exclusively for SFX and explosions...
Ha? Sorry, I didn't quite get what you're saying.
Speaking of Korean Telenovelas, I observed that their stories mirror our old movies - the likes of Luis Gonzales-Gloria Romero-Lolita Rodriguez, or the Eddie Rodriguez-Marlene Dauden-Lolita Rodriguez love triangles of the sixties. They just lenghtened it, updated it, added more subplots to come up with a 20 episode mini-series.
If this is the thing they stole from us, I beg to disagree. Sadly, we abandoned this genre in favor of more Hollywood type romance, they just picked it up and molded it on their own.
As an aside, a Filipino ex-pat friend worked in Korea for seven years (let's say most of the 90's) and their TV is full of telenovelas from morning to around 6pm. Their variety shows ala Eat Bulaga does not come in the morning but early at night, from around 6pm.
Example of a 60's movie plot I vaguely remember and tell me if it's not something you'll see at a typical korean telenovela.
Luis Gonzales met an accident and needed an operation to save his eyesight. He had a falling out with his girlfriend Gloria Romero because of the evil scheming of Luis's mother and siblings. Gloria begged the family to let her see him and take care of him in his time of need. The family agreed on the condition that Gloria will not speak and introduce herself to Luis, that she will just be represented as a live in nurse needed for the situation.
Luis is still mad at Gloria, and in his darkness vents out his anger to the delight of the family because it is done in front of Gloria, unknowingly, of course.
The day came that the doctor had to remove the bandage on his eyes. The family asked Gloria to leave before that happens. When the bandaged were removed, Luis is blind, the operation was unsuccessful. Upon learning this, Gloria again begged the family for her to take care of Luis in the same capacity.
Luis continues his angry outburst against Gloria, Gloria suffers silently, and the family rejoices over her misfortunes.
Then suddenly Luis made it known to everybody that the operation was really successful and he is just faking it to confirm for himself what he suspect all along. And Luis and Gloria lived happily ever after. ;D
I apologize if the plot as I remember it is not entirely accurate. But does that sound something you'll see in a Korean Telenovela? It's sad that we abandoned that genre.
If Lav Diaz followed every bit of Torre's advice he'd be another Joey Reyes.
Isah Red's article "Who Killed the Tagalog Movies?" and my reply (http://journals.aol.com/noelbotevera/MyJournal/entries/818)
CRITIC AFTER DARK: A REVIEW OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA now available at Datelines Bookstore, Cubao (http://www.bigomagazine.com/theshop/books/NVcritic.html)
Example of a 60's movie plot I vaguely remember and tell me if it's not something you'll see at a typical korean telenovela.
Luis Gonzales met an accident and needed an operation to save his eyesight. He had a falling out with his girlfriend Gloria Romero because of the evil scheming of Luis's mother and siblings. Gloria begged the family to let her see him and take care of him in his time of need. The family agreed on the condition that Gloria will not speak and introduce herself to Luis, that she will just be represented as a live in nurse needed for the situation.
Luis is still mad at Gloria, and in his darkness vents out his anger to the delight of the family because it is done in front of Gloria, unknowingly, of course.
The day came that the doctor had to remove the bandage on his eyes. The family asked Gloria to leave before that happens. When the bandaged were removed, Luis is blind, the operation was unsuccessful. Upon learning this, Gloria again begged the family for her to take care of Luis in the same capacity.
Luis continues his angry outburst against Gloria, Gloria suffers silently, and the family rejoices over her misfortunes.
Then suddenly Luis made it known to everybody that the operation was really successful and he is just faking it to confirm for himself what he suspect all along. And Luis and Gloria lived happily ever after. ;D
I apologize if the plot as I remember it is not entirely accurate. But does that sound something you'll see in a Korean Telenovela? It's sad that we abandoned that genre.
it was made in the 80's... another film i bought was Kidlat Tahimik's Perfumed Nightmare. i actually carried two big boxes of old films from the video store and i took them all back with me here to the East Coast hehehe...
Man, you made me laugh! LOL! That was Odette Khan, Odette Quesada was not yet a singer during those times. ;D
And remember those big eyes of Odette and the sequence wherein Montilla went inside the church and let one of the zombies do the sign of the cross? Very creepy indeed! :o
What films have been released under this "label"?
Can someone, anyone, please explain to me why whenever there's an office scene in Filipino movies it almost alwas has to be in a friggin advertising agency with an ongoing storyboard presentation!!? >:(this is so true! parang wala nang ibang trabaho sa pinas kungdi yun! maybe because it's the job most writers are familiar with (naglalagare as copy writers?) or maybe because it's the easiest to show on the screen as a sosi job.
Aga also worked in an ad agency in Sana Maulit Muli... i'm not quite sure about this one but didn't Vilma work in the same field in Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga? ( i haven't seen the film in years)
Oh, so ABS-CBN, which operates the only real film archive in the country, has acquired the film library of LVN Pictures, consisting of some 100 titles. Whilst this is surely a positive development—it would assure that the films will be properly preserved and archived for coming generations to enjoy—the main drawback is that the they will be made available solely on Cinema One, which means that if you’re not hooked-up to Sky/Home Cable or is not a cable subscriber such as myself, then you’re out of luck. One can only wish they could be released fully on DVD; though Mike de Leon has already given out some “test” copies to friends. (but that is another story)
Should I be calling 631-0000 now? ;D
Here you go, keating...
http://twistedbyjessicazafra.blogspot.com/
Oh, so ABS-CBN, which operates the only real film archive in the country, has acquired the film library of LVN Pictures, consisting of some 100 titles. Whilst this is surely a positive development—it would assure that the films will be properly preserved and archived for coming generations to enjoy—the main drawback is that the they will be made available solely on Cinema One, which means that if you’re not hooked-up to Sky/Home Cable or is not a cable subscriber such as myself, then you’re out of luck. One can only wish they could be released fully on DVD; though Mike de Leon has already given out some “test” copies to friends. (but that is another story)
Should I be calling 631-0000 now? ;D
Not a big fan of Karnal. I agree that Solis' narration is the best thing in the picture, but the picture itself...eh.
Can someone, anyone, please explain to me why whenever there's an office scene in Filipino movies it almost alwas has to be in a friggin advertising agency with an ongoing storyboard presentation!!? >:(
May I know who designs the god awful posters/tarps of Star Cinema as of late? I'm sure they have some sort of advertising/promotions department there. But who conceptualizes and, more importantly, actually approves them?
Problem is that scriptwriters don't seem to take the effort to research other jobs; they just take what they know already, which is the ad campaign, the pitch towards corporate sponsors, onset struggles and infighting, etc.
Some articles on Rotterdam's Critic After Dark programme (http://journals.aol.com/noelbotevera/MyJournal/entries/973)
Some articles on Rotterdam's Critic After Dark programme (http://journals.aol.com/noelbotevera/MyJournal/entries/973)
When did you buy the book at Datelines? Far as I know, they sent 70 copies to Datelines back during Cinemanila in Manila time...
Agrix Films under Sofronio Blando went bankrupt in the early 80's if I'm not mistaken. His daughter, was one of my cousin's closest friends in Provident Village in Marikina City. We don't know what happened na with their family.
They produced mostly commercial films during the 70's.
This is the only time that I was re-discovering the gems of the great Lino Brocka. Better late than never!
luckily you have some of his films on video to savor over & over again... ;D
Yeah, man. I will re-visit MAYNILA SA KUKO NG LIWANAG, INSIANG, BAYAN KO: KAPIT SA PATALIM & PX. :)
Pelikula at Lipunan will be showing many classics. Keep haunting this forum, and you'll find a sked.
Also, I believe Relasyon and Manila by Night are on dvd...?
hi keating, will it be ok if you make me a copy of maynila sa kuko? or upload it to the web for me to see...
and hello to all! it's my first time here, i got into filipino films when i heard that lino brocka's movies were
cannes festival material, now i wanted to see his movies with no luck. they don't have them in manila anymore (and the young clerks i asked in any video store doesn't seem to know lino brocka... just the old people and middle aged people i "interviewed" knew of the classic filipino films. it's sad).
so yes, i'm desperate to see even just one of the classics you guys already savored over these years.
thanks again :)
just finished watching the digital film Ang Anak Ni Brocka by first time director Siegfried Barros-Sanchez. the film had an intersting premise, what if the late National Artist Lino Brocka had a son? this was the question that plagued the main characters in this fascinating first feature. the film of course was not perfect. Nonie Buencamino in the male lead did the best he could with his role even if his character wasn't entirely fleshed out. one could understand his dilemma but there wasn't enough scenes to sympathize with the plight of Tony, his character. the best scenes in the movie were the interviews with Brocka's friends and colleagues in showbiz. interestingly though some key characters in the movie were played by some of Brocka's regular stable of actors like Gina Alajar, Phillip Salvador, Bembol Roco & Jaclyn Jose. too bad they weren't able to include Hilda Koronel & Christopher de Leon but even without them the film stood on its own. one thing i noticed is the lack of footage from Lino's early films. although there were some clips from Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Insiang, Bona, Tatlo Dalawa Isa, Ang Tatay Kong Nanay, Ano Ang Kulay Ng Mukha Ng Diyos, Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag & Macho Dancer. still photos form Santiago, Wanted Perfect Mother & Stardoom were also included. inspite of the poor quality of the videos shown in the movie, they still added life to the story. it would've had more impact if they included his other noteworthy films due to lack of resources or even copyright laws. that aside Ang Anak Ni Brocka still managed to keep my interest for almost three hours! did the film answer the question? does Lino Brocka have a son? you have to watch the movie to find out.
i remember when i would go the theaters to watch a Lino Brocka film and i always looked forward to seeing not just a movie with a social message but a film that had great acting in it. unfortunately the acting in this movie leaves so much to be desired, aside form Nonie Buencamino, nobody else really stood out. even Gina, Phillip, Bembol & Jaclyn who displayed such brilliance in Brocka movies didn't give the performances expected of them in this film. the film's most moving performance if i could call it one was the archived interview of William Lorenzo at the hospital after the accident. it was probably his best and surpasses even the ones he essayed on screen in the movies he did with Brocka. he was sincere and the emotions were real, it was affecting. nevertheless this movie still deserves to be seen not just by regular moviegoers but Filipino film enthusiasts as well. it saddened me when they asked 20 year olds if they knew who Lino Brocka was and most of them said no, what a pity. i think now is the perfect time for a Lino Brocka Film Retrospective.
When Takaw Tukso came out, everyone was surprised Pascual made a film that good. I think you should be looking at Armando Lao's script.
His collaobrations with both Jeturian and Rono (La Vida Rosa) are pretty good. Right now, I like his work better than Ricky Lee's.
Lacaba, Lao, and Lee early in his career are pretty much what I'd consider writer-auteurs. Writers whose voices are are so strong they impose their mark on the film, not the director.
Among these great writers, only Pete Lacaba didn't join the softcore bandwagon. Lee has the exploitative SILIP. Lao has the classic TAKAW TUKSO. But Pete has the great voice in the political arena.
Everyone was a wonder in that movie, especially the kid and Osang. Besides Eskapo, I think it's one of his best works.
It was the only time Osang and I ever had a kind word for each other. ;D
Everyone was a wonder in that movie, especially the kid and Osang. Besides Eskapo, I think it's one of his best works.
It was the only time Osang and I ever had a kind word for each other. ;D
I just saw...
Could say that Raymond Red is still better than his bro.
what do you think of Rono's early works like Private Show & Itanong Mo Sa Buwan?
what do you think of Rono's early works like Private Show & Itanong Mo Sa Buwan?
On PERSONA last night, Jaclyn Jose speaks fondly of Rono's PRIVATE SHOW. I don't know why Rono had to change his name to Sixto Kayko for his first directorial debut.
Only saw this now. Private Show was decently done, but it looked too much like a Boatman ripoff (Ricky Lee did uncredited work on Boatman). Itanong was also okay, but it didn't impress me somehow. Something off about it.
i guess you could say that, but Jaclyn Jose & even Gino Antonio gave commendable performances in Private Show...
the reason why Chito Rono opted to use a pseudonym for his directorial debut is to protect his father's name (remember Minister Jose Rono?)
Insiang with brand-new titles? I hope it isn't in that psuedo-literate style they used on Tinimbang. These are slum dwellers, for Christ's sake...
She was also very good, if not better, in Itanong and Macho Dancer. Heck, she's good in almost anything she's in...
yeah Noel brand new subtitles & a newly restored print. those were the conditions of the New York Film Festival committee. it's one great opportunity. Insiang has been screened here in NY before the couple of screenings i attended were all filled with filmgoers who admire Lino Brocka's work.
Would you know who masterminded the whole thing? The Insiang screening, I mean?
Geez. Layo. And is Insiang the only Filipino film to be shown? Is it a part of a director retrospective?
Yeah, I think so according to Jojo's post. If I have enough dough, I'll go there in September. ;)
yeah... Vincent Nebrida & Richard Pena (Executive Director of the Film Society Of Lincoln Center)
Pena's Filipino, I assume? Or at least Vincent's friend? Then we should be seeing more films there, hopefully...
They should do Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos! I'm wiling to translate--at least we can avoid that literary stuffiness that pervades Tinimbang's subtitles...
you should... ako'ng bahala sa 'yo pagdating mo dito ;)
I would've said that too, bro. Pero knowing Noel, he probably has a perfect rebuttal to that hehe. ;D
Thanks, jo! I'll sneak out also on your hundreds and massive film collection. :)
puwede din hehehe.... pero hiram lang ha?
Hahaha! Give me cash muna for my ticket airfare. ;)
Was INSIANG the only Brocka film that will be screen?
Jo did you see the flaw in HIMALA? Noel posted it already on the yahoo board regarding the character of Spanky Manikan. What's your comment about that? Only Noel saw that flaw.
yeah Insiang lang... ususally kasi they only feature one masterwork ng isang filmmaker like kay Kurosawa years ago, Kagemusha ang ipinalabas nila at kay Murnau naman Sunrise ngayon Insiang naman from Brocka...
Wedge... it's a part of the New York Film Festival Retrospective...
Jojo was that the trailer on your link? ??? Charo Santos Concio one of the executive producers of ECP was so fond also of this movie as she narrates her experience on the retrospective documentary.
Is it true that Nora only miss one point for the prestigious Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Fest? And she was not around also when the ceremony was being conducted that's why she didn't bag the award. But she wowed most of the jurors at the Berlin Film Fest for her portrayal of Elsa in Bernal's HIMALA.
Jojo--kept expecting O'Hara's Uhaw na Pag-ibig to be a mediocre melodrama, but it's actually terrific. Hard to get into at first, but it gets to you, and finally owns you in the end.
I'm not too clear on the cast--that's Lito Pimentel as Bong, the bad guy, right? And I think Toby Alejar plays one of her boyfriends, the third one? And who is Toby's former--is that Laurice?!
The mother--Perla, right? is wonderful, and of course Bella Flores is magnificent; she even has a memorable last shot (literally) that makes you feel for her.
And correct me if I'm wrong, but this has to be Claudia's single best performance. She's amazing here.
Yeah, I saw the Manila By Night opening. I suppose this is O'Hara's reply--both are more different than they are similar, I think. Or, O'Hara is responding to Bernal's cynicism--and Manila By Night is the most complete expression of Bernal's cynicism--by showing characters that, however depraved or corrupt or perverse, still have his (O'Hara's) sympathies.
Mely Tagasa--suddenly I'm in awe of her. Kastilyong Buhangin, this pic--she does melodramas better than Ricky Lee can, at least when O'Hara directs them. Have they done anything else together?
And I can't believe Sergio Lobo and O'Hara worked together! The shadows here are velvety; you could almost sink into them. The lighting is harsh, when it's not seductively soft, and there's a real look to this picture that owes nothing to either Romy Vitug or Carding Baltazar. Have they done anything else together?!
And that beautiful ambiguity--I'm talking about Mande's eventual departure. It's foreshadowed by his ex-girlfriend's visit (Laurice Guillen?), then Claudia's full confession of love (which he never hears, being asleep), and finally his scene with the American. We're all ready for the rejection, but what's that pause he does before he comes in and gives it to her straight? Is he trying to steel himself for the task? Because he finds it too difficult, or because he still loves her? Or is he thinking this is the best way to break things off, by being such a bastard? Maybe not the third, but O'Hara teases us with these throwaway moments, so fleeting you can miss them if you blink...
Looking at O'Hara's filmography. He did this film after Ibulong Mo sa Puso (seen that, Jojo?) and before the great Condemned. Seems to me he's been making variations on Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag all throughout the first half of the '80s, and many of them can stand, well, not side-by-side, but at least in the same room as that film...
i have seen Ibulong Mo Sa Puso which was O'Hara's only teen angst movie with the exception of Pangarap Ng Puso or even Takot Ako Eh! the O'Hara touch was so evident but it was ruined by uninspired performances from Liezel, Albert Martinez and even Amalia Fuentes. O'Hara gave the film a different approach, if it starred maybe the likes of Snooky & Gabby it would've been a much better film but O'Hara's lesser movies are still much better than your average Filipino film.
how was his first meeting with Bernal?
I liked Maricel and Janice in To Mama. I think I liked the mother too--Anita Linda, or Lolita Rodriguez? I really need to see all of them again.
Bernal tried to screw him.
Honest.
really? oh my gosh!
I got it. But sem break is here and I'm confined to anime, horror, and action films.
I had introduced film critic Max Tessier to O'Hara. He was asking him questions. I mentioned Bernal. O'Hara laughed, and said "Gusto niya 'kong kantutin!" Max wanted to know what O'Hara said. O'Hara replied "He wanted to make love to me!"
Ishma has the habit of kissing everyone on the set whenever shooting wraps up. ;)
Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos
Mario O’ Hara
Finally I am able to see this O Hara’s acclaimed classic. What can I say? Firstly, in my opinion this is one of his most visually striking movies. It has an epic feel to it even though it’s basically a very intimate story of a young woman caught in-between the two sides of war. The acting is uniformly excellent, especially Nora’s. I like her quiet intensity which is so typical with her early movies.
One thing that I do not buy in this movie is Christopher De Leon’s character. I just can’t make myself believe that such a person exists during those times. It would have been perfect if the character is 100% Japanese (or a half-Japanese but played by a Japanese actor or even by a Japanese-looking actor). I know that the reason for this is budgetary but it does greatly affect my appreciation of the movie. Maybe if the character is played by a lesser known actor it would have worked better for me.
What I admire the most about the movie is its economy. I’ve mentioned above that it has an epic scale to it -- but that’s achieved without the use of expensive sets and effects, but by using real WWII footage and by choosing a great location and clever camera tricks.
And also, O Hara has employed some of his trademark “magic-realism” in this movie, but this time it blended well with the rest of the picture. He is yet successful in achieving the same balance since (in my opinion).
Although I am a little bit disappointed I still consider this film a truly great Filipino classic.
i worked with him in an episode of Isip Pinoy but he never kissed me. ;D
Whoa, what episode Jo of ISIP PINOY? The one which Morato banned........MARALITANG TAGA-LUNGSOD?
You are so lucky Jo. You were able to work with Bernal. Is he cooler than Peque? Last time I saw Ishma was during the screening of MANILA BY NIGHT at the Shang where he gave some info, and he was so fat. Too bad he will passed away that same year.
One thing that I do not buy in this movie is Christopher De Leon’s character. I just can’t make myself believe that such a person exists during those times. It would have been perfect if the character is 100% Japanese (or a half-Japanese but played by a Japanese actor or even by a Japanese-looking actor).
well couldn't compare him with Peque... Bernal is loud but it was while editing our Isip Pinoy episode when i asked him the proverbial question of who deserved to win Best Actress in 1982 since he directed both Himala and Relasyon...and what was his answer?
Salome
Laurice Guillen
I didn’t know that Laurice Guillen is capable of making a movie that is this visual.
The sex scenes in this movie are no where near explicit but they are very well executed and has real heat in them.
You could see her talent as early as Kasal? (her first) and in what I think is her best work, Init sa Magdamag.
That sounds very annoying, almost as if you'd rather see the Cinema One broadcast, or tape it. Wonder why they did that.
Hey, pinoymovies can you post the link for the poster of Celso Ad's PATAYIN MO SA SINDAK SI BARBARA? Thanks!
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? ???
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.
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? ;D), but up there. I think it's her finest collaboration with Brocka, at least.
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? ;D
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.
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.
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.
What if Vilma played Bona? ;D
I like it too, rse, and a lot more, apparently, than the Manunuris ever did.
But why did you think the filmmaker just kept filming (SPOILERS) while Elsa was being raped? Always wondered about that and never got a satisfactory answer.
I was looking at Raya Martin's Indo Nacional, being quite impressed. Anyone seen this? What are your impressions?
Posted by: "Michael E. Kerpan, Jr." [email protected] michaelkerpan
Fri Jun 9, 2006 7:05 am (PST)
--- In [email protected], "Noel Vera" <noelbotevera@...> wrote:
> Dan, that's a damned shame--Manila By Night is his masterpiece, and
> one of the great films of Philippine cinema. I think the print they
> have should be excellent too.
If there is an excellent restored print in existence, it doesn't SEEM
to have been used for the DVD!
The film itself was impressive -- but might be a bit too "over the
top" for my generally somber tastes. ;~}
I had a hard time trying to think what this may have been influenced
by. the closest match I came up was Ann Hui's "Story of Woo Viet"
(which came out a year later -- and was partly set in the
Philippines). Could late 70s avant-garde HK films have been an influence?
MEK
and:
I just got (and watched) my DVD of "Manila at Night". I don't know
what to think of this yet.
Was this aimed at the standard (non-arty?) audience? It seems far too
chaotic and elliptical to ever have worked for an "ordinary" audience
in the US.
The DVD claims that the film was restored -- if so, I hate to think
how bad of shape it was in prior to restoration. Visually (and
sonically) this fairly recent film is quite deteriorated.
MEK
It's not my favorite Brocka, but its vision of Manila is unmatched, thanks to Mike de Leon's photography.
More educated Filipinos seeing local films (http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainment/entertainment/view_article.php?article_id=15836)
So what do you think? Is this true, or wishful thinking?
Anyone seen the DVD of Manila By Night? Is this the censored version? According to the CCP encyclopedia, the censored version was used in film retrospectives abroad--anyone remember when the uncensored version was finally screened?
And did Ina, Kapatid, Anak experience censorship problems? Or is that Insiang I'm thinking of? Thanks.
Here's the funny thing: Dave Kehr emailed me and said he didn't notice any epilogue! Is that a brand new release? A different DVD maybe?
Here's the funny thing: Dave Kehr emailed me and said he didn't notice any epilogue! Is that a brand new release? A different DVD maybe?
The New York Times' film critic Dave Kehr on Manila By Night (Ishmael Bernal, 1980), and Ina, Kapatid, Anak (Mother, Sister, Daughter, Lino Brocka, 1979) (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/10/movies/10dvd.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)
He also mentions all the Filipino films being shown in New York this October. (http://journals.aol.com/noelbotevera/MyJournal/entries/2006/10/03/filipino-films-in-new-york-and-in-vienna/1109)
The Departed (Martin Scorsese, 2006) (http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/noelmoviereviews/message/605)
Yeah, keats, and knowing that hypocrite (he used to hire out Far East Bank security guards at the Morato Branch, the uglier the better, squeeze orange slices all over their bodies, and lick it up with his tongue, did you know that?) but the epilogue I know of was done almost immediately after the movie was finished. Not all prints had the epilogue, pahabol lang for some. Now if the Aquino administration added a brand new epilogue, that's news to me.
rse, Dave also got the CineFilipino disc. Maybe I'll ask him again to be sure if he didn't get the epilogue. It was titles inserted into the ending, right?
rse, Dave also got the CineFilipino disc. Maybe I'll ask him again to be sure if he didn't get the epilogue. It was titles inserted into the ending, right?
the turnout was unexpected. i mentioned to Noel that the NYFF retrospectives attract a bigger crowd mostly film enthusiasts which really didn't surprise me. what's amazing is that most of the people who attended the screening of Insiang were mostly caucasians. there were very few Filipinos. Ruby Tiong Tan, the films' producer was present there along with Fiel Zabat who did the films' production design work. it was like watching the film all over again. the print, courtesy of the CCP had brand-new subtitles. Conrado Baltazar's camerawork captured the stench of the Tondo slums. Mona Lisa's performace is one for the books. i personally think that she's way better than Hilda Koronel. Vincent Nebrida who was responsible for everything did all this for his good friend Manunuri Hammy Sotto who passed away five years ago. it's also been fifteen years since Lino Brocka's death, Insiang's inclusion in the festival is a testament to his genius.
I've recently bought the DVD of Sister Stella L. The transfer is disappointing and there are no English subtitles. There are previews of forthcoming movies before the main feature and the most annoying thing is that you can't skip them.
Surprisingly I liked Sister Stella L better this time around. I remember watching it from a tape from Cinema One and I wasn't that impressed. I really like the soundtrack. I don't know if it's available somewhere.
BTW I have a question about the Scorpio Nights DVD. I already have the VCD. How's the video quality of the DVD version? Is it uncut? Is it worth buying to replace my VCD-version?
it's the same as the VCD version. unfortunately regalfilms.com got rid of all the VHS tapes they had in stock, so there's no chance of obtaining the full version of Scorpio Nights, it was exactly the same one that Trigon Home Video released in the late 80's.
Hi Jojo,
I have the VHS copy of Scorpio Nights as well but the copy that I have is a re-released version that I bought fairly recently (3-5 years ago I think) when I was on vacation there. I haven't seen that VHS though because that same year I was able to buy the VCD version so I brought the VCD here instead and left the VHS in Manila. So you think that version is uncut? I should bring that her then the next time I go on vacation ;D
BTW I can't post anonymously to your blog now. ;)
Cheers,
RSE
Excellent, oggs--and you made me eat my words regarding the film's atmosphere. I suppose I should have said Itim makes more marked use of light and shadow, as befits a gothic drama, while Kisapmata creates the horror-film feel out of more everyday lighting and settings.
the regal vhs release was uncut... better bring your copy kasi the existing master they used to transfer the movie to VCD & DVD are the ones na may cuts during it's regular run at the Film Center. it was only during the first two days of showing ipinalabas ang full version ng Scorpio Nights...
don't post annonymously, they don't allow it sa beta blogger... nami-miss ko ang mga comments mo...
Where's Kisapmata?
What's (and Mike might ask the same question) Sister Stella L doing there?
Where's Kastilyong Buhangin, Bakit Bughaw, Condemned, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Bagong Hari, Init sa Magdamag Salome and Ang Magpakailanman on that list? Are they implying that Marilou is a better filmmaker than Laurice Guuillen?
Feh. This is why I don't respect lists by committees.
Being a Filipino film critic (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2006/12/being-filipino-film-critic.html)
Lav Diaz on Castillo, Gallaga & O'Hara:
CELSO AD CASTILLO- experimental
MARIO O'HARA- careless but deep
Good one, oggs. You should try his other genre benders--Babaing Putik, uh, El Kapitan (or it may be under another title), and Z Man.
HAYOP SA HAYOP (Lino Brocka)
Three Brocka proteges in one film, Salvador, Koronel and Roco. The result is just your average Filipino film but still manage to raise the standard but not on the league of Brocka's best (MAYNILA SA KUKO NG LIWANAG, ORAPRONOBIS, INSIANG, BONA).
Philip Salvador after robbing a bank trek to the countryside in the forest to hide with him half a million worth of cash together with his fiancee prostitute, Hilda Koronel, and best friend Bembol Roco. Don't be fooled by the title, Conrado Baltazar's stunning cinematography is still worth to look at!
It was Hilda's sexiest movie, more skin exposure than she did in INSIANG. Did they shot near Mt. Banahaw?
CineFilipino DVD Release of Manila By Night
Ishmael Bernal
(This is a review of the DVD release, not the movie since we all know how great this movie is anyway.)
I’ve seen Manila By Night before on a taped TV broadcast from Cinema One. When I heard that it will finally be released on DVD I got very excited. Wow! Finally they’re releasing (real) Filipino classics on DVD! Kudos to CineFilipino for doing this. I can’t wait for it to become the Philippine version of Criterion Selection.
Anyway back to the DVD. The DVD contains I think the most complete version of the movie. All the profanity and sex scenes are all intact. The transfer disappointingly is almost the same quality as the one they show in Cinema One. I don’t think this has been remastered at all. It’s in 1.33:1 aspect ratio but I guess it might be its original aspect ratio. A major plus is the inclusion of English subtitles. The special features are nothing to talk about: just upcoming releases and a short text about the movie.
The major thing that disappointed me with this release is the inclusion of a weird ending where there was a voiceover explaining what happened to each of the characters of the movie. It was very lame and cheapens the movie (I guess this is the censored-version of the ending). While watching it I thought that heck they changed the ending of the movie. Immediately after this ending, the real ending follows (the same ending they had in Cinema One). The guys from CineFilipino should have cut that and put in the special feature as an alternate ending.
It's a coldish film, and that monologue about war doesn't seem to connect to anything (what do we have to do witht the Iraq war?). But it's beautifully photographed and hypnotically paced. The INS officer, of course, is the death figure in Seventh Seal.
Joel Lamangan remember fondly how the great Lino Brocka helped him when he has no dough during PETA days.
Lino was known for his generosity for his colleagues, so when he bumped with Joel one day borrowing P250.00, with his last money he gave Joel P500.00.
Weeks later, it was Brocka hysterically frantic calling Lamangan over the phone....."Joel kailangan ko ng pera, ako naman ang mapuputulan ng kuryente!"
;D
What happened with Dexter Doria's character? Did Lino booted her out? The Cinema One copy with French subs was the same that they shown at the Cannes filmfest and 1980 MMFF?
What was the relevance of the Black Nazarene procession in the beginning of the film? I loved that scene then it focus on Nora's face, just plain face amidst the thousands of people in that procession.
Unfortunately all of the titles you mentioned sosy_high are not available locally and not yet released on dvd or vcd format, you can catch it on Cinema One. Kindly check their sked.
ORAPRONOBIS on vhs format was available before on amazon.com.
Did you like her in HINDI MO AKO KAYANG TAPAKAN?
i didn't like her and the movie as well... it was a tagalog version of the mini series A Woman Of Substance...
here's a rundown of Brocka films screened at the Cannes Film Festival
Insiang
Jaguar
Bona
Kapit Sa Patalim
Orapronobis
Himala ranked number 2 at the 1982 MMFF immediately after it won most of the awards... Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig wasn't a hit even with the critics...
When Charito opened the envelope and announced the Best Actress award she said....."hay salamat Gelli de Belen!" ;D
Anyone here who know where Gigi Duenas might be? ??? Thanks!
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m132/keating_01/burgis.jpg)
BURGIS (Lino Brocka, 1981)
A monumental flop during its time, one that Brocka accepted to feed his stomach and the result is a mix bag of a teen-angst flick that you can sleep after the opening credits. Gabby Concepcion lives in North Forbes in Makati and personified the typical cono with his mestizo looks, breeding and personality. A college drop-out, he mingles with the middle and lower class in the new university to continue his studies. The differences between the two social class were not fleshed out, we only see Gabby treating his buddies to free lunch by using his credit card, malling and even inviting them to his home. Amy Austria plays the main squeeze of Gabby and Isabel Rivas as the other lass. More interesting to see though are the supporting cast like the late Elvira Manahan as the mother of Gabby, Maya Valdez as one of the teachers and comedienne Louella. Teen-angst are not Brocka's cup of tea, having not experience the real life of being in the upper-class but I'm not maltreating the master filmmaker, Bernal and Gosiengfiao could have infuse more characterization in Juni Locsin's character. But hey, there's still a saving grace in the film. Brocka's veteran cinematographer Conrado Baltazar lensed the film to give it a kinetic and high energy visuals. I was expecting more since the movie was written by Butch Dalisay. Its the life of a cono but it deviates sometimes from the life of being rich, affluent and upper-class.
Anyone here who know where Gigi Duenas might be? ??? Thanks!
Burgis wasn't really a bad film maybe not great in terms of Brocka standards but still better than your average Filipino film...
BTW, Batch '81 and Sister Stella L and Oro, Plata, mata will have a remake on ABS-CBN's Sineserye Presents...
There are rumours that John Lloyd Cruz will play the role of Sid Lucero...
Holy !@#$%%!
Who'll direct? this is absurd! :o
Sussane Gonzales??? :D
Figures. I don't know if Gil is talking to Tikoy. He certainly wasn't talking to me, last time we saw each other.
Elwood talks to everyone. Him I like very much.
Guys, what's this website?
http://www.bahaybahayan.com/DVDstore.html
It says na meron silang tintindang Maynila, Tinimbang, Lucia at Bukas Madilim Bukas...
totoo kaya?
You Are the One (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2006) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/06/you-are-one-2006.html)
You Got Me (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2007) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/07/you-got-me-2007.html)
Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-asa (Paradise: Three Stories of Hope, Ricky Davao, Jun Lana & Joel Ruiz, 2007) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/07/paraiso-tatlong-kwento-ng-pag-asa-2007.html)
Stupid question: what was the name of that Gladys Reyes movie which was a rip-off of Carrie?
Will do so soon, halvert.
Boatman (Tikoy Aguiluz, 1984) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/07/boatman-1984.html)
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.
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.
Agreed! Especially the driving scenes. Annoying. Hehe. ;D
...and totally pointless. Why would someone use special effects for those scenes? I must admit, the film had one good performance, which made the massacre sequence quite watchable. Other than that, it's a stupid, stupid film.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/jojodevera/024.jpg)
Vincent Nebrida gave me complimentary advanced copies of Cine Filipino's soon to be released DVD's...
just finished watching Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa, next is Insiang which was mastered from the same print screened at last year's New York Film Festival then tomorrow it's Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/jojodevera/024.jpg)
Vincent Nebrida gave me complimentary advanced copies of Cine Filipino's soon to be released DVD's...
just finished watching Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa, next is Insiang which was mastered from the same print screened at last year's New York Film Festival then tomorrow it's Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/jojodevera/024.jpg)
Vincent Nebrida gave me complimentary advanced copies of Cine Filipino's soon to be released DVD's...
just finished watching Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa, next is Insiang which was mastered from the same print screened at last year's New York Film Festival then tomorrow it's Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.
hi Ron!
the transfer as expected of Unitel DVD's is on par with their other releases with Insiang being the best in the lot. they used the same 35mm print which was screened at the New York Film Festival last year with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio in the best quality available. they are going to update their website very soon.
i believe they will be available at your local video stores as well...
Aliwan Paradise
http://sari-saringsinengpinoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/maynila-sa-mga-kuko-ng-aliw.html (http://sari-saringsinengpinoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/maynila-sa-mga-kuko-ng-aliw.html)ftp://
subject to change kasi ang release dates nila... most of the time delayed but it's worth the wait naman...
thanks a lot! since you mentioned the screencaps, over dinner last Saturday screenwriter Gil Quito told me how much he loved the screencaps and asked how do i choose the scenes included in the collage. i simply told him that they are 15 of my most favorite scenes from the movie...
Is Gil staying in overseas for good? Aside from ITIM & MERIKA, what other films did he wrote?
the quality of Tinimbang is excellent! it was mastered from the 35mm print from the CCP's permanent collection...
Aliwan Paradise
http://sari-saringsinengpinoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/maynila-sa-mga-kuko-ng-aliw.html (http://sari-saringsinengpinoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/maynila-sa-mga-kuko-ng-aliw.html)ftp://
thanks a lot! i already have a VHS copy of Tinimbang but the DVD was quite refreshing to watch... i will post a review of the movie very soon i just have to gather my thougts...
thanks a lot sossy!
although my blog is all about pinoy films of the 70's & 80's i felt that Aliwan Paradise should be included since it was closely related to Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag. can you tell which one i prefer? Maynila or Manila By Night? what do you think?
it's obvious right? don't get me wrong, both are great films it's just that at the time Manila By Night was the grittier film...
Maynila is a lot more haunting... the last frame of Bembol roco was unforgettable. Batch '81 is also my favorite Mike de Leon... you should get the VCD of Manila By Night, it's one movie every film lover should have in their video collection...
any of the classics are worth collectimg so if you still don't have any of the aforementioned titles, grab then while you can..
there's still a lot more out there like Ikaw Ay Akin, some Danny Zialcita movies as well. great way to start building your own video collection...
Who among the tres-marias, the better filmmaker? Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, Mel Chionglo? We bumped into these three people during the Cinemalaya at the CCP. ;D
i wouldn't consider Bakit May Kahapon Pa? as Lamangan's best, he hasn't come up with one yet... as for Gil Portes, he did 'Merika which benefited from an excellent screenplay while Miss X was less convoluted than Carnival Queen both films were just unbearable to watch and Mulanay's biggest failure was characterization or lack thereof.
Forgot MERIKA as one of Portes' best definitely. MULANAY's biggest asset was the casting of Gina Alajar and Jaclyn Jose.
you have to experience life in the US to undesrtand 'Merika
Just my two cents...its been a long time since Ive seen the flick (yung VCD q nga nyan may seal pa, d ko pa pinapanood, hehehehe) maybe cguro ngaung mature na ako magugustuhan ko naren siya...
Hello to everyone...
Gusto ko ang usaping ito, sali ako..First time ko na magpost...
Para sa akin, si Gil Portes among the 3 ang pipiliin ko. Nagustuhan ko ang 'Merika, Andrea, at Mga Munting Tinig. Si Lamangan, para sa akin ay overrated. Paulit-ulit lang ang napapanood ko sa mga ginawa niya. Si Chionglo, ang nagustuhan ko lang ay Sinner or Saint. Sumakit ang ulo ko sa Twilight Dancers (tapos nandoon pa si Lamangan who was soooo annoying) ,Sibak, Burlesk King, Lahar, Babaing Hampaslupa.
Hi Jojo. This is Nino from San Francisco
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/jojodevera/klasiks.jpg)
Nice one,oggs.
My own take (http://pelikula.blogspot.com/2006/11/squatterpunk-iskwaterpangk.html) .
Did you see this during the live screening last Saturday? Wanted to go but had an opening to attend to. Sayang.
No no band when I saw it. And I used to listen to Bobby Balingit's band the Wuds,too.Too bad.
Yeah those klasiks look fun. Plus Cinemanila's coming up. I hate that I missed Cinemalaya this year. I'm hoping I eventually see some of these. I haven't seen any from last year's entries. Work is a four letter word. :)
Good luck with the bar, oggs. ;D
Another question to answer.....who among the three enfant terrible of Philippine Cinema is the better filmmaker? Celso Ad Castillo, Peque Gallaga, Mario O'Hara?
I'll abstain from answering my question. ;D
Another question to answer.....who among the three enfant terrible of Philippine Cinema is the better filmmaker? Celso Ad Castillo, Peque Gallaga, Mario O'Hara?
I'll abstain from answering my question. ;D
Are they on the same age group, Jojo?
O'Hara, above all. But for sheer visual talent, Castillo is one of the best, as O'Hara himself admitted.
Another question to answer.....who among the three enfant terrible of Philippine Cinema is the better filmmaker? Celso Ad Castillo, Peque Gallaga, Mario O'Hara?
I'll abstain from answering my question. ;D
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j63/jojodevera/klasiks.jpg)
Classics, Blocksbusters and Indie Gems Run in Cinema One’s KOOL PINOY KLASSIKS
Premiere Pinoy Movie Cable Channel Cinema One continues its bid for cinematic domination with the 2nd Annual Kool Pinoy Klassiks Celebration kicking off starting August 1 to August 5 at the Cinema 1 of the SM Megamall.
With the success of Cinema One's Anniversary Classic Film Festival last year, Cinema One this time features a combination of hit independent, digital and mainstream films. Select films to run also feature stars that initially stratosphered them to celebrity prominence. An added feature will be a sentimental tribute to Regal's beloved director Joey Gosiengfiao whereby the audience is afforded the opportunity to get into the persona of a filmmaker whose perspectives reflect through his playful movies and their distinct appeal. The festival also salutes the best of LVN Pictures, the hilarious humor of Dolphy in his comedy films and the best horror movies of Philippine cinema.
Kool Pinoy Klassiks will kick off on August 1 Wednesday, starting with Captain Barbell starring Comedy King Dolphy and Lotis Key in one of their more popular hits together. Dolphy stars in the title role, with Ting-Ting as his alter ego because of his rid-thinness. Little did anybody know he has the superpowers that could save mankind. The beautiful classic Malvarosa is programmed at mid-afternoon. This 1958 LVN classic stars Charito Solis who portrays a character whose strength of spirit made her a triumphant survivor amidst life’s burdens. In the evening will be the Cinema One Originals' Pandanggo. This digifilm stars Chin Chin Gutierrez and Raymond Bagatsing who get entangled in the interspersing of three different stories. Finally closing the day will be La Paloma - a drama that sets Celia Rodriguez against her sister who is her greatest rival in everything.
August 2, Thursday will be opened by Da Best in the West with Dolphy, Weng Weng and Lito Lapid in their first and last successful screen trio by RVQ Productions in 1981. After that will be the Cinema One 2006 digifilm Raket Ni Nanay starring Mark Gil, Sarsi Emmanuel and Archie Adamos who are connected by their struggles and compromises they give into. This will be followed by Mutya ng Pasig, the 1950 LVN classic starring Jose Padilla, Jr. and Rebecca Gonzales. Next in the lineup is Rekados, the Cinema One Original 2006 finalist by director Paolo Herras starring Meryl Soriano, Eula Valdez and Boots Anson Roa whose stories are intertwined by their romantic lives. Final film for the day is Regal Film’s 1980 sensual classic Bedspacers starring Alma Moreno and Rio Locsin.
Friday August 3 starts with the RVQ comic hit Fefita Fofongay starring Dolphy and Rosanna Ortiz. One of Star Cinema’s highest grossing films Feng Shui follows after, headed by Kris Aquino, who accidentally picks up a lone bagua mirror unknown initially and causes compromising advents of good and bad lucks. Shortly after will be the classic Kundiman ng Lahi. This 1959 LVN classic of director Lamberto Avellana stars Charito Solis, Eddie Rodriguez, Joseph de Cordova and Rosa Aguirre in a tale of difficult lives meeting difficult choices for the redemption of oneself. At 5:30 pm will be Sa North Diversion Road, a Cinema One 2006 digifilm starring Irma Adlawan and John Arcilla in a tale of infidelity of many different ways, through many different roads. The next will be Biyaya ng Lupa starring Rosa Rosal, Tony Santos, Leroy Salvador, Joseph de Cordova and Marita Zobel. This classic is one of the Filipino gems exhibited in an international film festival and won acclaims and awards and noticed for its cast. The night will be capped by the amusing Nights of Serafinastarring Georgia Ortega, John Apacible, Mike Magat and a young Angelika dela Cruz. This 1996 Regal Films camp is where the trademark gay-ish line ‘walang nangyari sa barko!’ marked to pop consciousness.
Earliest for Saturday August 4 will be Katorse. This 1980 Regal Film classic gem placed Dina Bonnevie to stardom with a raw yet effective performance of a rich girl gone wild who pays a horrifying price for it in the end. This is followed by the action comedy Dolphy’s Angels with Carmi Martin and Yellen Catral. This 1980 RVQ Productions hit sets the John & Marsha popularity to another dimension when Dolphy becomes a secret agent to solve a crime alongside his lovely consorts. Huk Sa Bagong Pamumuhay follows right after. It stars Jose Padilla, Jr. and Celia Flor. Next will be the digifilm The Woven Stories of the Other. The 1980 great Lino Brocka film Bona is next, starring Nora Aunor and Philip Salvador. Here’s where idolatry and blind romance lead to a horrifying crime by the so-called weak. Finale film of the day is Tempatation Island. This Joey Gosengfiao masterpiece which stars Dina Bonnevie, Azenith Briones, Jennifer Cortez, Deborah Sun and Bambi Arambulo revolves around these women whose personal idiosyncrasies set the story’s amusing pace when they get lost in an isolated island.
The last day of Kool Pinoy Klassiks, August 5, Sunday will be lead by La Paloma and followed by Kakabakaba Ka Ba?with Christopher de Leon and Charo Santos in 1980. Badjao, an LVN gem in 1957 stars Rosa Rosal and Tony Santos follows right after. The event will be culminated by no less than the classic film, Mutya ng Pasig.
The 2nd Annual Kool Pinoy Klassiks is helmed and produced by Cinema One in its fervent support for local entertainment. It is one of the strongest channels of CPI (Creative Programs, Incorporated), a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, which prides itself as a content company.
I probably can't visit all that often. But I'm sure ya'll recognize my voice when I'm in the room. ;D
Its good to see that they use the print of LVN classics. It was stored in a gold-plated circle tin case at the lobby ready to view before the screening starts.
I'll catch Mike de Leon's KAKABA KA BA, and Gosiengfiao's LA PALOMA & NYMPHA tomorrow. If my time permits me, I'll catch TEMPTATION ISLAND tonight at 9:30 pm.
You're in some kind of project-that-demands-attention,
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m132/keating_01/Gabi_Ng_Lagim_Ngayon.jpg)
GABI NG LAGIM NGAYON (Cirio Santiago/Cesar Gallardo, 1980)
The recent visit of renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino at Cinemanila dig my interests on the films of Cirio Santiago. I only know him as one of the brains behind Premiere Productions and I'm not really sure also if he helmed one of the best horror flick that came out in the 70's, the Perla Bautista starrer PAGSAPIT NG DILIM wherein she wreaks havoc in a barrio as the manananggal.
GABI NG LAGIM NGAYON based on a radio serial brought me goosebumps during the 80's opens to a scene where breathtaking winds blast the windows and furnitures inside the room of the late Charito Solis. Solis is one great actress whether screaming and emoting which comes to my mind also her outing in the PRIDYEDER episode of the ist SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL. The mansion where she lives adds a horrifying atmosphere guided by the excellent production design by Fiel Zabat. We are introduced to her son played by Mark Gil and his wife Chanda Romero. A series of strange things occur in the house and Solis is being haunted by her traumatic past. The movie succeeds as a creepy ghost story, Santiago carved some shock value with the help of Gallardo in infusing some of the supernatural elements in the movie without going to omnibus, twin biller or a trilogy. There's the kulam and barang in a barrio, the unforgettable espiritista who doesn't get old played by Rosemarie Gil and daughter Cherie Gil and bombshell Rio Locsin wreaks havoc as a ghost before the finale of the movie. The ending is a blast in supernatural elements. Watch it at night with lights off and prepared for a scream.
GABI NG LAGIM NGAYON can be seen on the archive of Cinema One.
i still think Charo Santos delivered her finest performance ever in this film.
I don't know. Is Charo playing herself?
Joking. I'll try ask around.
I don't know. Is Charo playing herself?
Joking. I'll try ask around.
Nope....when they separate ways, the former went up north while the other one is in the south who will later make his solo debut at ECP. ;D
They collaborated on the film which stars Dondon Nakar which earned him a Famas best child actor. The other cast include Rosemarie Sonora, Dindo Fernando, Ronaldo Valdez and Divina Valencia.
Didn't Zamora have a TV show with his Bruce Lee persona? Something like Kung Fu?
as far as i know Dondon Nakar never won the FAMAS for Best Child Actor...
Marlon Bautista won in 1973 and Angelo in 1974...
Are you sure, man? BTW did you know now the brains behind SUPER LAUGH INN?
I can't forget Ramon Zamora in PEDRO PENDUKO & of course in the horror-comedy flick KARUNUNGANG ITIM in which he fight with a creature who ate babies of pregnant women and use his elongated tongue.
Filipino actor Ramon Zamora died last August 26 of a heart attack at age 72. he was best known for being the pinoy Bruce Lee but there was more to this martial arts master. he originated the role of Pedro Penduko in Celso Ad Castillo's Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig Ni Pedro Penduko and starred opposite Nino Muhlach in the Regal Films fantasy Peter Pandesal. he will surely be missed!
A Ramon Revilla movie called KILLING OF SATAN (1983) directed by Efren C. Pinon will be released internationally on DVD come Sept. 18 to be distributed by Music Video Distribution. No dvd cover yet. I come across this while browsing dvd titles online. I wonder if there be will other tagalog movies to come out of obscurity by this distributor.
This is the actual synopsis posted on dvdempire.com site:
Starring Ramon Revilla. Life is not easy for an ex-convict, and Lando San Miguel knew it would take courage and perseverance to rebuild his family and start a new life. An island where Lando's uncle was living seemed to be the perfect place to start again. Frightening events and strange coincidences prove that this is no ordinary island. Lando is soon to find his destiny on this island of fear. He is about to come face-to-face with the terror of darkness. It is Lando's horrifying fate to battle the Devil himself!
Does anyone know its tagalog title?
KAMPON NI SATANAS?
Amalia Fuentes, a guest on The Sweet Life show this afternoon considered IBULONG MO SA HANGIN (BLOOD/CURSE OF THE VAMPIRES) as one of her memorable movies she has done. She didn't mentioned the other title (KULAY DUGO ANG GABI a.k.a. BLOOD DRINKERS) although she was referring to that other horror she had done with Gerry De Leon. She also said in an interview that she even bought those two DVDs through amazon and lent it to her friends. I wonder if she happened to know that BIG BROADCAST, AMY, SUSIE, TESSIE and BILANGGONG BIRHEN were available in cinefilipino.com?
If you are a Netflix subscriber, The Blood Drinkers is now available in the "Watch Instantly" section.
http://www.netflix.com/WatchNowMovie?dmode=ATAGLANCE&lnkctr=mdp-tab-aag&n=1&movieid=60024492&trkid=203104
the ultimate Nora Aunor performance in a classic film from 1982....
http://cdn-ll-static.viddler.com/flash/publisher.swf?key=5b2ea865&viewToken=41a1403c&openURL=103146939
Hi Jojo,
Please, please upload Bona next.
Many thanks,
RSE
go to youtube and search for Bona...
Found it there but it's not complete, it ends in part 15 :(
continuation:thanks ;D
pelikulangpilipino.multiply.com
Insiang and Tinimbang available in September (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2007/08/insiang-tinimbang-on-cinefilipinos-pre.html)
I wish I had the influence for tomorrow's Gawad Urian so that Maricel could finally be recognized by the critics. It seems a long shot!
Rse, I've checked the vcd of SCORPIO NIGHTS. The newest release by Regal Home Video in 2006 is the uncut one.Hi Keating..I think the DVD that I just bought was released on 2006 also. I don't get it, they released the VCD uncut and the DVD cut? Where's the logic in that...?
Mind-boggling really, rse. Its 2006 at the back of the vcd. Maybe we should email Regal Home Video to clarify the matter.I can't do much anyways, I'm not based in the U.S, I can't just return it, he, he he..! ;D
Snake Sisters (Celso Ad. Castillo, 1984) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/10/snake-sisters-1984.html)Great review oggsmoggs, btw do you have the VCD? How's the quality? Is it uncut? I'm planning to buy it. Thanks.. ;D
Great review oggsmoggs, btw do you have the VCD? How's the quality? Is it uncut? I'm planning to buy it. Thanks.. ;D
Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness?
Nannette Inventor and Rex Cortez are delightful to watch in this musical. The cinematography is colorful and the slums in Tondo hadn’t looked this pretty. Aside from that this is pretty standard pinoy fare with a musical twist. The little girl who played Nene has a unique look although most of her scenes involve crying –a lot of crying! The guy who played Tikyo is a bit too boring to watch. The songs and dance numbers are ok. They’re not bad but they’re not memorable. Caridad Sanchez' character didn’t work for me at all….
Jojo, or anyone else out there--can you remember a memorable use of the close-up in a Filipino film? I guess there aren't many--or none--of the kind of gaint closeups Bergman uses, but there should be something. I have one in mind, I was hoping to get more (extra points to whoever can guess what I have in mind).
Right film, wrong moment. Actually, I'm not sure about that--wasn't that more of a medium shot? If the face doesn't fill the screen, it's kind of iffy...
As far as I can remember, the scene wherein Julio Madiaga was cornered in a sidestreet was a closeup...
Susanna Love? Yep, that's the way she talks. Actually, she's very hot in person, but even Tikoy admits, she's not a very good actress.Yeps that's her! ;D
Are you referring to Jackie Lou Blanco, Noel?
you should see FPJ in Santiago... it's definitely one of his best screen performances ever! i thought Daria Ramirez was also great as the mistress in Aguila...Yes, she's great too in such a small role..and quite good looking too. ;D
Just watched Manoro and Foster Child. Interesting contrast--I agree with oggs, I like Manoro better, but the beginning titles kind of offended me--suggested that Aeta culture is so inferior that their lack of familiarity with the dominant language, Tagalog, is considered 'ignorance.' Things are more complicated than that, I think.
That said, the film itself is excellently ambivalent. Same with Foster Child--it starts out coming off as a propaganda piece on foster care, then moves on to be something a little more.
They're not bad. Mendoza's a welcome new voice--a kind of Kiarostami/Herzog filmmaker/storyteller.
Doesn't that intro in Manoro bother you, tho? The rest of the film seems so much smarter than that intro.
Insiang was transferred using the newly subtitled 35mm print screened at the last year's New York Film Festival. as for the special features, there's no other existing behind the scenes documetary footage available. there wasn't any end credit sequence at all. THE END was flashed on the screen for a short while and that was it. if you'll notice, the opening credit sequence was quite long which included all the names of the people who worked on the film. you cannot compare the digital remastering made for Hollywood films... all they do is to make the quality comparable to DVD standards depending on the master copy...
And Dolphy totally deserved the win. Omen Satanasia is great, and he's the element that holds the entire thing together.
I see you've discovered Video 48's blog as well. It's great seeing all those posters and ads for films we can no longer see, even if it's just for visualizing their moving images in our minds.
Not to mention--is there this level of teen violence in Binondo and Sta. Cruz area?
I remember what Danton Remoto said: it emphasized physical pain, which is really the least interesting pain there is. A basically shallow movie.
Sigaw (The Echo, Yam Laranas, 2004) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/11/sigaw-2004.html)
Going back to Gangland, I'd say a more accurate view of street crime in Manila is Auraeus' Maximo Oliveros. Barely a trace of fantasy, and yet it's far more complex and moving.
Have you seen Auraeus' first short animated film, rse? I like Maximo a lot--heck, I like it better than Brokeback--but that short film I thought was breathtaking, a real original, and most intriguing of all, a fragment of some great vision.
Actually, Tuli, haven't seen it, but I caught a few frames, looks like his way of returning to the territory of that first film. Some of the images are similar.
haven't seen this, wouldja believe? Been waiting for jeffrey forever to send me something.
It's still not available on dVD here. What's the delay?
Celso works without production designer and editor on most of his films, and that's a good treat already. I still wish The Kid would go back to the kind of films he used to churn out in the 70's and 80's.
I forget Manolo Abaya lensed this one. He along with Vitug and Lacap and Baltazar pretty much defined the look of '70s Philippine cinema.
The box-office ranking as of Jan. 3 in the current Metro Manila Film Festival.
1. Sakal Sakali Saklolo - 97 Million
2. Enteng Kabisote 4 - 91 Million
3. Shake Rattle and Roll 9 - 57 Million
4. Resiklo - 20 Million
5. Desperadas - 17 Million
6. Bahay Kubo - 16 Million
7. Katas ng Saudi - 3.1 Million
8. Anak ng Kumander - 1.5 Million
9. Banal - 1.4 Million
complaint ko lang sa DVD: Bat mas malinaw yung TRAILER kesa sa FEATURE FILM? ??? STrange
:D You made me laugh with your comment!
totoo naman kasi kaasar nga eh I really love the movie tapos ganun! Mas nagenjoy pa akong ulit ulitin tuloy yung trailer kasi malinaw!
regardless of the DVD's shortcomings, it's still reason for Filipino film enthusiasts to rejoice. before all we did was whine that none of the classics are available on video, now that an important film like Himala is available, all we hear are complaints. from what I understand Himala was transferred from the existing video master with burned in subtitles. even the CCP's archival copy is in betacam-SP format since the 35mm print is in bad condition. we should just all be thankful for this release. who knows maybe someday STAR Video will re-release the movie with special features.
Just finished watching another Cinemanila Productions film. This one stars Dindo Fernando as a mental patient, with Lolita Rodriguez as a demon-like creature of his imagination. It also had Rosanna Ortiz, Anita Linda and a very young Julie Vega. Anyone know the title of this movie and who directed it? This movie's like an LSD trip. I actually found it cool -- especially the midget minions of Lolita Rodriguez who goad Fernando to do evil things.
Ahhh! So that was Mortal! Thanks Jojo. I loved it. Dindo Fernando was really good here along with Lolita Rodriguez.
Slightly OT: Whatever happened to Rosanna Ortiz?
Just finished watching another Cinemanila Productions film. This one stars Dindo Fernando as a mental patient, with Lolita Rodriguez as a demon-like creature of his imagination. It also had Rosanna Ortiz, Anita Linda and a very young Julie Vega. Anyone know the title of this movie and who directed it? This movie's like an LSD trip. I actually found it cool -- especially the midget minions of Lolita Rodriguez who goad Fernando to do evil things.
I'm tired of threads bashing Philippine cinema.
Anyone seen Altar? Think it's Rico Ilarde's best to date. I think Dodo disagrees...?
Good stuff, oggs. I asked Teddy Co once which parts de Leon directed and Romero, and he said all the memorably visual stuff was probably de Leon's.
There's a scene where a group of Filipinos under guard are rescued that's particularly riveting.
This, incidentally, makes an interesting contrast with Monte Hellman's Back Door to Hell.
That and Two Lane Blacktop are great, among many others.
Is that available online, oggs? I swear, I've waited years (four to be exact) for Tikoy to mail me a copy...
Saw Jose Javier Reyes' Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo. Not as good as the original but still very entertaining. Gina Pareno is still hilarious...Some gripes...I usually like Freddy Webb (especially in the long-running sitcom Chicks-to-chicks) but here, he's just awful. And I pity the non-actor who played Judy-Ann's young step-brother who's used mainly for comic relief. I'm still very much recommending it, it's a lot better than your usual Pinoy comedies.
How's Ariel Ureta in this film? He was so comically brilliant in the omnibus trilogy ZOOM ZOOM SUPERMAN & SI POPEYE ATBP back in the early 70's.
GULONG will be a future classic, its MAGNIFICO meets STAND BY ME in more light-hearted manner. Its the kind of film that you'll revisit more often to remember the good old days of your childhood life.
Some great news. Saw this at Kabayan Central today.
Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit?
http://www.kabayancentral.com/video/others/cpotbbal.html
I've seen this and this is one of Mario O Haras' best. Also one of Nora's.
Kastilyong Buhangin
http://www.kabayancentral.com/video/others/cpotkbuhangin.html
I haven't seen this one but I've heard good things about it.
I like Salome--Guillen's directing is fluid and lyrical here--but it still feels to me like Ricky Lee's umpteenth remake of Rashomon.
Init should properly be sung to you in a karaoke bar by the tres beautiful writer of the film, Racquel Villavicencio. Terrific singer, and sexy as hell. I swear, I stood at full attention during the performance. Literally. ;D
Lorna was well-endowed in this film because she was pregnant when shooting.
And it isn't quite a 'multiple character' film. The theme is something more basic--goes to the very nature of women, and man-woman relations. Hint: she's not meant to be seen as psychologically abnormal. And it's not too different from The Story of O.
If I may, does anyone know where I can acquire proper copies of "Kakabakaba Ka Ba?" and "Itim"? I saw the UP Videotheque advertise for a screening of the latter last May 07 but I wasn't able to watch. I've been dying to watch those two movies but I never could catch them on television. :-[
I'm only just beginning to build a collection of Filipino movie DVDs but have only so far gotten "Ang Tatay Kong Nanay" and I'm planning on getting "Insiang", "Mumbaki" and "Tulad Ng Dati" once I can afford them. That said, are there any great Filipino movies (DVD format) you guys can recommend (comedies very welcome!)?
If I may, does anyone know where I can acquire proper copies of "Kakabakaba Ka Ba?" and "Itim"? I saw the UP Videotheque advertise for a screening of the latter last May 07 but I wasn't able to watch. I've been dying to watch those two movies but I never could catch them on television. :-[
I'm only just beginning to build a collection of Filipino movie DVDs but have only so far gotten "Ang Tatay Kong Nanay" and I'm planning on getting "Insiang", "Mumbaki" and "Tulad Ng Dati" once I can afford them. That said, are there any great Filipino movies (DVD format) you guys can recommend (comedies very welcome!)?
Peque Gallaga's masterpiece and best film is now available on dvd.....ORO PLATA MATA.
Kakabakaba ka ba DVD is available from Kabayan Central @ USD 29.99 + shippingYes! I followed your link and I do believe I'll be making that purchase next. Thanks!
http://kabayancentral.com/video/lvn/cplvnkkkb.html
Peque Gallaga's masterpiece and best film is now available on dvd.....ORO PLATA MATA.
Yes! I followed your link and I do believe I'll be making that purchase next. Thanks!
That one definitely looks interesting. I saw it at Astrovision today. :) Thanks for the suggestion.
Now where to find Itim and several not quite so serious films like Pepe En Pilar, Pik Pak Boom, Dear Diary, and Halimaw Sa Banga? I know there's talk of searching for and archiving the 'great films' like the Brockas, Bernals and De Leons (to name a few) but what about the *others*? Surely they're also part of Philippine Film History at the very least to gauge the tastes of people during certain periods in time.
yes they are uncut (at least the ones I sampled; e.g., Oro Plata Mata clocks at 3 hours and 14 minutes) and no commercial, and the videos are clear. you can either stream or download them. the screen size is quite small @ 320 X 240.
the only negative thing is that the videos are DRM'ed so you won't be able to play them once your subscription has expired. ;D
So it's downloaded and not cable? We get to see great films through a mail slot?
Kakabakaba ka ba DVD is available from Kabayan Central @ USD 29.99 + shipping
http://kabayancentral.com/video/lvn/cplvnkkkb.html
John Torres' latest film (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2008/06/taon-noong-akoy-anak-sa-labas-years.html)
Quiz on Philippine cinema (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2008/06/quiz-answered-exclusively-with-titles.html)
Summer movies (Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda, Paranoid Park) (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-movies-iron-man-kung-fu-panda.html)
Rottentomatoes has an article about Dolphy's movie: James Batman
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/further_reading_by_kim_newman/news/1743648/further_reading_dark_knight_is_unforgettable_but_who_remembers_james_batman (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/further_reading_by_kim_newman/news/1743648/further_reading_dark_knight_is_unforgettable_but_who_remembers_james_batman)
Kuya Oggs, how was Mylene Dizon's performance in that movie? Is she better than Anita Linda?
----
I'm glad that Eugene Domingo is getting some recognition. She was superb in Pisay ;)
My Top 10 Filipino Films of the Decade:
1. Pisay (2007)
2. Kubrador (2006)
3. Tuhog (2002)
4. Endo (2007)
5. Hesus rebolusyonaryo (2002)
6. Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006)
7. Pepot Artista (2005)
8. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005)
9. Milan (2003)
10. Anak (2000)
and the love scenes are quite good, even with very limited nudity.
Interesting choices sosy_high. :)
Genghis Khan (Manuel Conde & Lou Salvador, 1950) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/genghis-khan-1950.html)Dang, you're lucky dude. I've always wanted to watch Genghis.
Kuh Ledesma's character in ORO was longer in the 5-hour cut but it was left already in the cutting floor. She would appear to signal a bad omen and impending doom.
Batang West Side (West Side Avenue, Lav Diaz, 2001) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/09/batang-west-side-2001.html)
Really? Pity. The guy's starving enough as it is. Maybe bootleg downloaders should donate to him some amount, out of gratitude (maybe Lav should put up a paypal account--?).
Saw this Boyet-Vilma starrer with Anthony Costello, Subas Herrero, and--was that him?--Christian Espiritu among others. Anyone the title and the director?
a private mansion where sluts roam around
Probably not. I found Nunal pretentious, incoherent, trippy. That said, it's miles better than the Marilou remake.
hi oggs! musta na? :)
Escapist films only breed ignorance. And we need to destroy that culture of ignorance.
Agree with BATANG WEST SIDE. My personal fave of all his films.
I saw Serbis last night at the New York Film Festival. It's the most repulsive piece of trash I've ever seen. What a waste of talent!
trashy films are the ones made by Cloyd Robinson in the 80's like Tambay Sa Disco, Rizza Jones Showgirl, Wild Animals or Pick-Up Girls. Serbis makes these films seem a lot better.
Jojo, I'll be in NY on the 28th to Nov 20, any tips on where to go?
I'm sorry, but I really think that Lav Diaz is overrated. I found him to be very pretentious, I mean what's the point of making your movies very long? I try to finish Batang West Side but I just can't.
PS: The nomination of his short film, "Nang matapos ang Ulan" in Gawad Urian is a joke if you ask me. Over "Talahib". Nah ah.
That's just my opinion. Peace ;)
On Lav--understand the reaction, and there is something pretentious about parts of his films and what he's going for. But he does something no other Filipino filmmaker does (actually few other filmmakers do, period), and for that I value him highly.
But put it in perspective; Lav is actually a middling length filmmaker, and hardly alone. Bela Tarr's Satantango is seven hours; The Human Condition is nine hours; the Chinese Burning of the Red Lotus Temple is twenty-seven hours, and silent to boot.
Longest film ever made is arguably John Henry Timmis' The Cure for Insomnia, at 87 hours. I'll actually want to try sit through that if I can, but only once.
I also wasn't able to see Batang West Side in its entirety. Fell asleep in middle part of the film. Wasn't prepared then to spend five hours in a theater.
But, after surviving (and adoring) Heremias: Book One, I began to love Diaz's films. Give his films another try. Melancholia seems to be a good one.
Was also rooting for Talahib to win at the Gawad Urian but it fell short.
This one kinda makes me laugh hahaha :D (magkatunog kasi...Lav Love hahaha)
Anyway, I haven't seen Heremias. I've only seen 2 Lav Diaz films (yung natapos ko)
Hesus Rebolusyonaryo-Hindi ko na masyadong matandaan to. Starring Donita Rose right?
Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion-This one was very good. Electrifying performance by Bagatsing!
Yeah. Talahib was the best short film in Imahe Nasyon but it wasn't even nominated.
Dances with Wolves isn't very long. I agree, it's terrible. And Gone with the Wind's overrated.
Jeturian's good, with a more lighthearted storytelling style in the Brocka vein--realistic, but with a sharper use of humor (I can't see Brocka doing a decent comedy--even Tatay Kong Nanay is more drama than otherwise). Jeturian and Diaz are pracittioners in vastly different realms.
Nope. Is it available on DVD yet? I've herad good things about it.
BILANGGO SA DILIM (Mike de Leon, 1986)
Can't help but to shout in raves and cheers after watching this videofilm last night. Marketed as a videomovie back in 1986 which opened the first Independent Film & Video Festival in Wave Cinema in Cubao, BILANGGO SA DILIM can qualify though as a mainstream art house flick with the talents of Joel Torre, Rio Locsin and Cherie Gil combined in an ensemble acting plus Rody Lacap and Ely Cruz as part of the production team, Jun Latonio for the haunting musical score. Based on a John Fowles novel, THE COLLECTOR.....a man locked in the world of obsession and paranoia refused to confront his past amidst the guilt of murdering his kidnap victim and kidnapping another one. Joel Torre shines in his characterization as Lito/Eddie..... beyond doubt is even much better than Anthony Perkins in PSYCHO, Jack Nicholson in THE SHINING. Cherie Gil's sensuality and bravura performance exudes throughout the film especially in the climactic chase scene where Mike de Leon cuts to a high-angle slow motion shot of the protagonists worthy enough to keep you at the edge-of-your-seat!
With only less than 15 films tucked in his filmography, no one never questions the man's technical competence. Since his films have always been polished and flawless in terms of technical craftmanship. The limitation of the video medium that he demonstrated in BILANGGO SA DILIM declares his return to art form after dabbling in the box-office hit komiks melodrama HINDI NAHAHATI ANG LANGIT, high artistry inspite of the limitation of the medium. If this videofilm will be released now, it might be the best among all the indies combined. And with such a small resources, you can always count on the genius of Mike de Leon.
Woah. I've been dying to see this. San mo po ito napanuod?
^where is manoro available? any other recent films i should look for on dvd? thanks!
Some other minor works I've seen on DVDs recently:
Special Kind of Love
The saving grace of this movie is Sarah Geronimo. I'm not familiar with her aside that she's supposed to be a winner of a famous singing contest. She's actually very charming and I think, very funny...
When Love Begins
Watchable albeit forgettable and by-the-number romance movie. And Anne Cortiz (?) is way too young for Aga. Their kissing scenes made me cringe.
Loving You
It's nice that they've started making movies about the lives of the call center employees. Still this is your typical teenage romance movie. Although it echoes some bits of Bagets...
I just finished reading an article from Observer Mag, Sunday Magazine of Times Journal dated Nov. 28, 1982. If they will release SALOME on dvd it will be an interesting one-hell of a docu the big fight that transpired between Armida Siguion-Reyna the producer and its director Laurice Guillen during and after the making of the movie. From their warpath on the schedule at Paracale, Camarines Norte down to the shoving match during the post production of the film at LVN Studios where Armida asked for a bodyguard from Juan Ponce-Enrile after firing her asst. director but not to let Laurice go on with the post-prod up to the fight between choosing the musical director between Max Jocson & Ryan Cayabyab......that was really one-hell of a movie!
Panis ang docu from HEARTS OF DARKNESS. Move on Francis Ford Coppola! If during the shooting of SALOME the music that filled the air down at Paracale already grated the ear, little that everyone realize that the concerto was just building up to a crashing crescendo loud enough to shatter anybody's eardrums. The war's final and fiercest battle was waged over the film's musical score. When it finally ended....there were two versions of the film:
The Laurice version and The Armida version!
ooh! interesting! which version was shown at the theaters? and is the other version still out there somewhere? and which was better?
Bagong Buwan (http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/noelmoviereviews/message/283) I'm not really a fan of. Lav, who grew up in Mindanao, points out a lot of mistakes with regards to how Muslims are depicted in that movie.
The article is too long, rse. But i'll try to post it soon. The feisty Armida really ram down Laurice's throat. ;D
She was even quoted she will offer the film to Demet Velasquez just to oppose to Laurice choice for Max Jocson. It came to a point that Ryan doesn't want to do the film anymore that's why Ernani Cuenco ended up for Armida's choice.
sana star cinema would release these "rewind" classics on dvd! maraming film buffs here and abroad ang matutuwa! is it very expensive to put them on dvd?
sana star cinema would release these "rewind" classics on dvd! maraming film buffs here and abroad ang matutuwa! is it very expensive to put them on dvd?
Just bought Ang Tatay Kong Nanay a few days ago on DVD.
based from the pictures behind the cover, I thought the picture quality was improved.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of scratches in the film.
Since they have transferred the film to DVD and it's "digitized"
can't they clean up the scratches and sort of edit/improve the colors?
It's good that they are bringing back the classics,
it's just sad that they can't go for an extra mile in really improving the picture quality.
I was looking forward to buy Jack en Jill (Black n white, Dolphy version)
but now I'm a bit hesitant to buy those other old films.
So these all happened before filming? And Armida even appeared in the movie. That would have been a fun shoot!
Yung mga iniidolo kong posters dito sa Pinoy Entertaiment, Sir Noel Vera, Sir Keating and Sir Jojo, ano po ba tingin niyo kina Sharon Cuneta. Maricel Soriano and Lolita Rodriguez bilang mga artista? Salamat po ;)
Yung mga iniidolo kong posters dito sa Pinoy Entertaiment, Sir Noel Vera, Sir Keating and Sir Jojo, ano po ba tingin niyo kina Sharon Cuneta. Maricel Soriano and Lolita Rodriguez bilang mga artista? Salamat po ;)
"Youre nothing but a 2nd rate trying hard copycat!"
I saw Serbis last night at the New York Film Festival. It's the most repulsive piece of trash I've ever seen. What a waste of talent!
Oro, Plata, Mata (Peque Gallaga) **** - This sprawling over-3-hour epic concerns two upper-class families and the trial, tribulations and horrors they faced during World War II. I can best describe the film as being Gone With The Wind meets Apocalypse Now as family dramas, youth coming-of-age and romance meets the horrors of war. It's a near-flawless piece of work.
Endoi saw this in an almost empty theater in glorietta...i loved it! is it already available on dvd?
Great indie film. Excellently acted, directed, and effectively written. I think that this will be a future Pinoy classic.
That really needs Cherie Gil's incomparable delivery to complete it. Even with emphasis provided I can only sketch what she accomplished:
"You're nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copy cat!"
Big Time (Mario Cornejo, 2005) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-time-2005.html)
Just saw Ishmael Bernal's Lumapit Lumayo ang Umaga. This is a great movie. A great melodrama, but without the usual hysterics, it's very quiet. Excellently acted, written and directed. One of Bernal's bests.
Which one is that again?
Which one is that again? I forget.
When I saw SAKADA again recently, it loss its power to me. I don't know but time is really the main measurement/arbiter in watching films.
The casting was so impressive, though. I'm currently tracking Cervantes' pito-pito film......MASIKIP, MASAKIT, MAHAPDI which was a trilogy based on a play.
When I saw SAKADA again recently, it loss its power to me. I don't know but time is really the main measurement/arbiter in watching films.
The casting was so impressive, though. I'm currently tracking Cervantes' pito-pito film......MASIKIP, MASAKIT, MAHAPDI which was a trilogy based on a play.
I missed that one during the filmfest at Sm Megamall, rse. I was able to caught Jeturian's SANA PAG-IBIG NA & Lav's KRIMINAL NG BARYO CONCEPCION.
Thanks for the info also, marj.
Working Girl has nothing to do with Working Girls. And I much prefer Bernal's film
Help...where can I get a copy of Jaguar ?
(any format but prefebly DVD)
I think it's one of the not so mentioned Lino Brocka Films.
Thanks to anyone who will respond.
Just finished watching Paul Morales' CONCERTO. I was quite impressed on the execution of the bombing scenes, the aerial shots and the much-talked about exodus scene. Yes its powerful but only time will tell 10 years from now if it will be on the league of Gallaga's ORO PLATA MATA & O'hara's TATLONG TAONG WALANG DIYOS.is it available on dvd? i'd heard good things about this and regretted not watching it.
I'm wondering also why it didn't get any single award from last year's Cinemalaya. Its the underdog and demands to be seen again on the big screen. With only a modest resources, Michael Bay's PEARL HARBOR will really look stupid compared to this one.
just watched Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap.
Are there other strong combinations of great Pinoy movie + great Pinoy theme song out there?
How does it compare to Almodovar, tho?
Just finished watching Luis Nepomuceno's IGOROTA last weekend. I can conclude now that the late Charito Solis is the most versatile among her contemporaries. Her topless scenes were not the exploitative type. More thoughts later.......
in one of her last interviews, the late charito solis mentioned that "igorota" was screened at the berlin filmfest. can anyone verify this?
I'm still confirming about this.
her excellent histrionics topped by her daring topless scene was quite justified.
Agree.....I even let my niece and nephew watch the film in its full integral version. There's nothing to cut a about those scenes. It was artistically and tastefully done.
anyway, i wonder why luis nepomuceno stopped producing and directing films?
Mother Lily Monteverde produces honest results in "Don't Lie to Me"
Author: Elyas Isabelo Salanga
Regal Films producer and matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde is probably John Lapus's biggest guest so far to get strapped in a lie detector seat in an attempt to keep a perfect score on Showbiz Central's "Don't Lie to Me" segment.
Accompanying Mother Lily-though of course sitting on a more comfortable seat-are some of her younger Regal Babies: Mart Escudero, Kris Bernal, TJ Trinidad, and Dennis Trillo.
Without further ado, John proceeded on asking the juicy questions for Mother Lily. The first question was this: Rio Locsin, Dina Bonnevie, and Snooky Serna have all wore a "magic kamison." Many people are asking now if Mother Lily owned that iconic kamison that she had her leading ladies wear in their movies.
"No," Mother Lily smiled. As it turned out, the machine churned out a "Truth." After the result, the boggled John couldn't help but ask why Mother Lily always lets her actresses wear a kamison.
"It's very lucky, that kamison," Mother Lily said. When asked if she has her own magic kamison, she laughed and answered, "Yes!"
The next question came from one of Mother Lily's Regal babies, William Martinez. He asked through video feed, "Totoo nga ba na kami raw ni Maricel Soriano ang favorite mo noon as a love team?"
"No," Mother Lily quickly answered. As the result to Mother's answer showed a "Lie," John exclaimes and dances to the beat while Mother laughed, clearly enjoying John's dance moves. When asked to explain her side, Mother simply admitted that she lied on purpose. It seems like Mother Lily lied on purpose just to see John dance. The Maricel-William love team was in fact, her favorite.
The moderate level of John's questioning lived up to its name as John gave out a rather sensitive yet funny question. "Mother," John said, "tuwing nag-aaway daw kayo ni Alfie Lorenzo ay nagbabatuhan daw kayo ng sandok. At kapag nagagalit ka daw ay mahilig ka na magbato naman ng cellphone. Mahilig ka ba mangbato ng gamit tuwing magagalit ka?"
"No," Mother Liliy answered.
The lie detector seemed to trace a wee bit of pressure on Mother Lily's part as it gave out a "Lie." Mother could only laugh as John once again danced to the beat. This time, Mother didn't look as amused as before. When asked on what she had thrown so far, Mother just said, "I'm very sweet, wala."
"Sa mga Regal babies," John asked, looking at Dennis' direction, "kayo ba ay nabato na ni Mother?"
"Ako, hindi pa ako nakakakita ng ganoon," Dennis said. "May naririnig ako pero ayoko maniwala hangga't 'di ko nakikita, siyempre."
Mart agreed. "Sa akin, wala pa. Sa tagal ng pinagsamahan namin, e, wala pa."
"Wala rin. Mabait si Mother," Kris added. "'Pag sa taping namin patient si Mother."
Since John got good feedback from the Regal Babies, he turned to Mother Lily and asked if she threw stuff on her staff. "No," answered Mother Lily.
The next question was quite an easy one for Mother Lily. John asked, "Was there ever a time na naging sakit ng ulo mo si Snooky Serna?"
"Yes," Mother said without hesitation. As it turned out, the machine agreed. When asked why, she explained by saying that Snooky had many problems during her time. When asked if Mother would still cast Snooky on future films, Mother again without hesitation, answered a "Yes."
Moving on to the difficult part of the question, John asked, "Mother, binabayaran mo daw sina Tito Alfie Lorenzo at Manay Lolit Solis ng 100 pesos noong araw para sundan ang iyong mister at tignan kung nangbababae ito. Don't lie to me, yes or no?"
There was short pause before Mother could give out a "No." That short pause may have given her away as the lie detector once again gave out a "Lie." Mother could only smile and laugh as John once again dance to the beat of Mother's blunder. When John asked on whether Lolit and Alfie found anything on their "investigation", Mother again slipped by saying, "Wala naman."
The next question came from Judy Ann Santos via video feed. She asked, "Mother, mayroon na po ba kayong nakasamaan ng loob na talent manager?"
"Yes," Mother calmly answered.
As the lie detector gave out a "Truth," Mother proceeded to share on who that manager was.
It turned out to be Becky Aguila.
Why was she mad at Becky?
"I got hurt," Mother explained. "She lied. I am inviting her to have this lie detector."
Next question was, "Totoo ba na laging postdated or delayed ang binabayad mong tseke sa artista mo?"
"Yes," the honest Mother Lily said. As the machine agreed, Mother explained that the times are hard. "I try to move the industry alive. That is the reason why after the shooting, that's the time I pay them."
The Now or Never question came from Alfie Lorenzo. He asked, "Mother, mas galante ka daw sa mga artista kaysa sa mga anak mo? Yes or no?"
"Yes," a teary-eyed Mother said. When the machine agreed to her answer, she added, "Of course, when I produce a movie, I have to sacrifice my family. The priority is the stars."
Overcome with emotion, she paused for a few moments to regain her composure. After sensing that she was ready again to speak, John asked, "Na-explain mo na sa kanila kung bakit kailangang mas maging galante sa artista kaysa sa kanila?"
"Of course now they realize that I give the stars priority," Mother said. As it turned out, her children grew up to be producers as well. For a mother, she was proud for her children. She added, "I am proud of them because they followed my footsteps. I always teach them to be honest and accept things."
HURT OVER Becky Aguila. After the segment was done, Mother Lily wished to give some advice to managers out there. She said, "Well in my entire life, for the past 48 years that I have experienced so many things in my life. Na-feel ko na sometimes I get hurt and sometimes I also have differences with others but my stars are with me. It's not forever because I want them to grow far, far, farther like Angel Locsin."
As she mentioned the name Angel Locsin, silence followed as everyone, including John, waited for Mother's speech to progress.
"I don't want to sue her anymore," Mother calmly said. "Because she is very innocent in this issue. But the only thing I advise to all managers is to be honest."
As Mother again became emotional with her words, she added, "Honesty is the best policy in life. Ever since in my life-I am seventy-I've been working very hard. But one thing I really get hurt is a manager who tells a lie. Even the lawyer tells a lie because she was with me talking about the schedule with Angel. All of the sudden she [Becky] turned her back and said that she is not exclusive with me."
As John moved in to politely cut-off Mother Lily's words with a praise, Mother gave a metaphorical last message. She said, "Deep in my heart, the father of Gabby [Concepcion] gave me a diamond ring."
"And he said to me, 'Diamonds are forever.'"
;D
Have you seen Welles' adaptation of Kafka? Shoulda thrown that in in my own article, that courthouse looks like the Gare d'Orsay, smaller and more Malay of course.
Gay men as oppressed? I'd agree with the filmmakers this much, that it's not quite tired or irrelevant yet. Was Winston gay? That could be another factor.
Good stuff, especially the last part. Law touches all of us in all kinds of ways--oggs studied law (are you practicing?), I was in prelaw, and had seen (or sat through) many a Filipino movie court drama, and you had your mom.
Have you seen Welles' adaptation of Kafka? Shoulda thrown that in in my own article, that courthouse looks like the Gare d'Orsay, smaller and more Malay of course.
Gay men as oppressed? I'd agree with the filmmakers this much, that it's not quite tired or irrelevant yet. Was Winston gay? That could be another factor.
Good stuff, especially the last part. Law touches all of us in all kinds of ways--oggs studied law (are you practicing?), I was in prelaw, and had seen (or sat through) many a Filipino movie court drama, and you had your mom.
I practice, Noel... and I've seen enough Last Supper moments to get callous about it (saw a tricycle driver forced to admit to acts of lasciviousness because he has been rotting in jail for 2 and a half years, which is the minimum for his felony, but in his explanation, he just touched the butt of the girl to get her out of her tricycle; heard the trial of a man who is charged with robbery of some towels and slippers, etc.). I'm impressed with your mom. I know most fiscals won't even find time to rehearse their witnesses.
Go Adela for Best Sound! ;D
The Arrival (Erik Matti, 2009) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2009/12/arrival-2009.html)
Erik Matti's THE ARRIVAL was shown at the CCP last December for invitation only.
Too bad I was not able to catch it. Some of my friends are already gushing on the film.
I see, thanks for this info. So that's why I did not hear about it being shown already. Hope it soon gets a wider release. Looks promising...
Jas...THE ARRIVAL will be shown tomorrow at the CCP, Feb 18 at 9pm as part of Cinema Rehiyon. Prior to that my fellow Negrense Bacolod short films will be shown also at 7 pm. If you have time catch both screenings!
I think Cathy Garcia-Molina is underrated just because she works well within the studio system. Her films for Star Cinema, all of which are technically and narratively accomplished, represent what we love and loathe about the mainstream.Agree.
Tonyong Bayawak
Lino Brocka in San Francisco; Paul Morales' Concerto (2008)
(http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/lino-brocka-in-glasses-on-set-of.html)
Miss You Like Crazy (Cathy Garcia-Molina, 2010) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2010/03/miss-you-like-crazy-2010.html)Cathy Garcia Molina is one of the better mainstream directors in Star Cinema's camp. As I wrote before I like her more than Joyce Bernal.
I was going to say Gabby did good in Manila By Night, but I remembered that was William Martinez, another pretty boy but far more talented. For some reason I keep confusing the two.I haven't seen a lot of William Martinez' films, but i agree with you that he was quite good in City After Dark. It was a daring role (there was that kissing scene), given his matinee idol status at the time. As for Gabby, he was very bankable and critically-acclaimed during the early 90s (he received an Urian Best Actor for Laurice Guillen's Tayong Dalawa). And then that film festival fiasco happened...
T2 (Chito Rono)I had a problem with the part of the movie when Maricel brought the kid to T2 and the new guardian wasn't there. That should have made alarm bells ring for Maricel. How can a person be a good adoptive parent if one can't even show up to meet her on time? Also, Maricel should have the guardian's cell number. It's practically impossible to not have a cellphone now in the Philippines.
Very watchable, albeit thoroughly disposable horror-suspense movie. And please stop using CGI if it's not going to be done properly. It's just waste of money.
how does it compare to say Spirit Warriors 2? Which I liked, for the record.
I had a problem with the part of the movie when Maricel brought the kid to T2 and the new guardian wasn't there. That should have made alarm bells ring for Maricel. How can a person be a good adoptive parent if one can't even show up to meet her on time? Also, Maricel should have the guardian's cell number. It's practically impossible to not have a cellphone now in the Philippines.
And yes, CGI was rushed, sloppy. The enchanted world looked like HK disneyland.
Lino Brocka and other Filipino films at the 2010 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
(http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/filipino-films-at-2010-san-francisco.html)
The Ghost Writer (Roman Polanski, 2010)
(http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/ghost-writer-roman-polanski-2010.html)
The Green Zone (Paul Greengrass, 2010) (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/green-zone-paul-greengrass-2010.html)
Up in the Air (Jason Reitman, 2009)
(http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/up-in-air-jason-reitman-2009.html)
The Road (John Hillcoat, 2009) (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/road-john-hillcoat-2009.html)
The Box (Richard Kelly, 2009) (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/03/box-richard-kelly-2009.html)
Sorry, I don't have a link. I actually read the article on the mag itself. I was hoping you had it stashed somewhere online. :(
The PDVD guys really should read it, it will give pause to the people who worship at Cameron's, ehem, Altar. :)
Mario O'Hara's Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos is available on DVD (with a blurb from you, Noel, I saw). Is it worth a blind-buy?
How does the new Working Girls compare with the Ishmael Bernal original? (Which is available on DVD now, I'm considering buying it.)I have the VCD of the original Working Girls. They've just released a subtitled DVD version. I'm also thinking about upgrading to it, but I just want to know if the transfer is better than the VCD.
Juan Tamad Goes to Congress (Manuel Conde, 1960) (http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2010/05/long-live-juan-tamad.html)
Holy crap. Where is this available?
I wish.;D Hehe...
I don't know about best Filipino film ever but it has to be hands down the best thing Romero ever did. And it looks a lot handsomer than Ganito.
AGUILA
Eddie Romero, 1980
Arguably one of the best Filipino films ever produced, Romero's epic tried to tell snippets of our nation's history as seen through the life and times of a family patriarch. Played by no less than FPJ himself, the part required him to age from a young orphaned child into an octogenarian recluse, and offered him one of the richest roles in his distinguished career. Playing alongside him is an equally big-name cast,the likes of Christopher De Leon,Amalia Fuentes,Eddie Garcia,to name a few.
The story and screenplay,like most of Romero's oeuvres,is it's main draw: quite profound and compelling, despite a long running time,and touched on many subjects that remains relevant to this day: greed and corruption,immorality and religious hypocrisy,heroism and star-crossed loves,naive idealism and sexual liberation,the search for the true meaning of life. I haven't seen enough of Poe's large catalogue of films, but I'm sure not one of them features the highly-esteemed actor as,at one point in this film,a philandering husband.
The project's big budget also showed in its very good production values,and with credits like Mike De Leon as cinematographer and musical score by Ryan Cayabyab, it won't be suprising.
Personally I had problems with Tirador. Much prefer his earlier work.
I can't wait to see Manoro, Lola and Foster Child. No interest to see Kinatay.
LOLA just blew me away. Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio both gave memorable and hypnotic performances from start to finish especially Anita Linda.
In KINATAY you feel the tension and suspense on the edge. Next on my watch lists...Aureaus Solito's BOY.
How did you find the ending of LOLA? Did you like it RSE? I thought Anita Linda will still stick to her principles. I was disappointed.
The rain shots were all remarkable and add to the poignant touch of the movie.
How did you find the ending of LOLA? Did you like it RSE? I thought Anita Linda will still stick to her principles. I was disappointed.
So the sound glitches were not intentional?
So the sound glitches were not intentional?
Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio (The Trial of Andres Bonifacio, Mario O'Hara, 2010): (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2010/08/ang-paglilitis-ni-andres-bonifacio.html)
I can't imagine any other actress playing Lea's role; her team-up with Aga (in this film, as well as in the earlier Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal?), is one of the handsome actor's most successful. I also like his pairings with Aiko Melendez, Mikee Cojuangco, and Regine Velasquez.
I also like his pairings with Aiko Melendez, Mikee Cojuangco, and Regine Velasquez.
Is the book going to be available commercially? Baka kasi like the second volume of Nick De Ocampo's history of the Philippine Cinema, only the first one was released eh.
You've seen his other kilometric works?
It will be available commercially but depends on the stock, I think.
The size of the book is 9x12 and has 584 pages with more than 500 photographs in duotone. According to UP Press, it may cost P2,400. on the launching date only and discounted. There are only 500 copies printed,
according to Kuya Cesar Hernando.
Expect wedge that this will be OOP like the first Gawad Urian Anthology.
Hi cicconeguy. We went finally last time at broadcast city in Capitol Hills. Most of the umatic tapes were stored just below the stairs in channel 13.
If you look at the subtext--Chris de Leon trying to control Lorna Tolentino--it's really of a piece with de Leon's main themes, that of people attempting to manipulate other people.
Sa Yo Lamang
A technically well made cousin to Tanging Yaman. All the melodrama cliches are present including a number of over extended breakdown scenes. It's just too much for me.
Laurice lost it already. She was at her peak during the 80's. Still I want many people to see KUNG AKO'Y IIWAN MO her 2nd gig after KASAL. She may be overrated now but I'm lobbying for that film to be included on next year's screening of SOFIA.
Speaking of SOFIA had a blast with Teddy Co, RMN, Kuya Cesar Hernando and Sir Doy del Mundo last Saturday night at the CCP while they plan for the future screenings of SOFIA next year. Two long lost Elwood Perez flicks, one Mario O'hara...more obscure films from the 40's to the 80's are on the line-up. This is not to count the inventory of umatic tapes that will be turn over soon from IBC-13!
I commend these people and give them my highest respect for their love for classics of Philippine Cinema.
And that future Valentine screening....so cute and sweet. ;D
Laurice lost it already. She was at her peak during the 80's. Still I want many people to see KUNG AKO'Y IIWAN MO her 2nd gig after KASAL. She may be overrated now but I'm lobbying for that film to be included on next year's screening of SOFIA.
Interesting to note that UNFAITHFUL WIFE remains Direk Peque's most personal favorite over his magnum opus Oro Plata Mata. Even among his circle of friends attest that Unfaithful Wife is underrated. People were expecting a lot of sex scenes but he's done with Scorpio Nights when it came out. And its not a bold film.Unfaithful Wife was a sort of bonus from Mother Lily.
There are enough sex scenes in Unfaithful Wife courtesy of Lala Montelibano. Anna Marie though has a few but very tamed compared to Scorpio nights.
The sex scenes of Lala Montelibano was directed by the late Abbo dela Cruz.
Unfaithful Wife wasn't intended as a sex film... Lala Montelibano's sex scenes were added solely for exhibition in the provinces.
That's 'Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos"
Haven't seen Kisapmata ye?
Send me the DVD, I'll see it ASAP.
To end 2010, my updated Top 10 favorite Filipino films of all time:There's a separate thread for this topic. How about coming up with the best Filipino films of 2010 (which needs to be an annual poll here on pinoydvd), instead?
01. Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (Lino Brocka)
02. Batch '81 (Mike de Leon)
03. Himala (Ishmael Bernal)
04. Tatlong Taon, Walang Diyos (Mario O'Hara)
05. Maynila sa Kuko Ng Liwanag (Lino Brocka)
06. Oro, Plata, Mata (Peque Gallaga)
07. Bayaning Third World (Mike de Leon)
08. Scorpio Nights (Peque Gallaga)
09. Insiang (Lino Brocka)
10. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (Aureus Solito)
Apparently given full control of the project by an otherwise profit-oriented Mother Lily
Saw Babaeng Putik. A well made pinoy erotic horror movie. The monster though is reminiscent of the Predator. Check it out:
http://tfcnow.abs-cbn.com/moviedetails.aspx?showid=753&eid=16569&rid=ce766acb-d5fa-4d52-bc57-d89ed1deae1d
Was this, by any chance, the uncensored version? :)
Was this, by any chance, the uncensored version? :)
This maybe the Holy Grail of the Scorpio Nights release (or at least the closest I've seen):
http://tfcnow.abs-cbn.com/moviedetails.aspx?showid=818&eid=19279
I haven't seen the whole movie yet but I sampled it and all the sex scenes seem to be intact and the video quality is quite good. There was one abrupt cut at around 46:58 minute marker that I've noticed though, maybe a problem in the source material. Too bad it's a bit of a crucial scene. It's the part where Anne Marie stopped Daniel Fernando from leaving. This version didn't show her grasping his hand and inviting him back into the "kulambo". Also the video of the last bits are a bit noisy.
Is there an uncensored one?
yup there is.
Bagong Hari (The New King, Mario O'Hara, 1986) Special screening of U-matic copy. (http://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2011/03/bagong-hari-mario-ohara-1986.html)
SOFIA's screening of the rare film by Mario O'Hara, BAGONG HARI will push through next Saturday, March 12 same time 2pm at the CCP.
There was an electrical power problem yesterday all the shows for that day were cancelled.
Nice to know that. I could barely see anything in the VCD.Also maybe it's my memory failing but the DVD seems to be more explicit than the VCD. I don't remember the VCD having a lot of love scenes. The DVD has a few including a montage of Maria Isabel Lopez'.
MOTHER LILY TODO SUPORTA SA FILM PRESERVATION
Ipinahayag ni Mother Lily ng Regal Films kamakailan ang kanyang suporta sa pagtataguyod ng film preservation sa Pilipinas. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng SOFIA (Samahan Ng Mga Filipinong Arkivista Para Sa Pelikula, Inc.) na pinamumunuan ni Dr. Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr., nais ipahatid ni Mother Lily ang kahalagahan nito sa pamamagitan ng isang natatanging pagtatanghal ng pelikulang Summer Love ni direktor Elwood Perez sa darating na Hunyo 11 ika-6 ng gabi sa Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Ayon kay Mother Lily, “Bilang prodyuser, nauunawaan ko ang kahalagahan ng film preservation sa dahilang nakagawa ng pelikula sa Regal ang ilan sa mga pinakamahusay na direktor ng bansa tulad nina Ishmael Bernal at Joey Gosiengfiao, gayundin sina Lino Brocka at Peque Gallaga hanggang kina Mike de Leon at Elwood Perez. Nakakalungkot isiping hindi na muling mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang bagong henerasyong mapanood ang mga pelikulang ginawa namin noong dekada ’70 at ’80.”
Si Mother Lily ang kauna-unahang prodyuser ng pelikula sa bansa ang nagpaabot ng suporta sa adhikain ng SOFIA upang maitaguyod ang film preservation.
Personal din nitong pinamamahalaan ang archive ng kanyang mga pelikula samantalang ang anak na si Roselle naman ang namumuno sa pagsasalin ng mga ito sa digital format.
Ang Summer Love ay kaisa-isang pelikulang nawawala sa Regal library nang masunog ang istudyo noong huling bahagi ng dekada ’80 hanggang sa matagpuan ng SOFIA ang kopya ng pelikula sa U-matic format noong nakaraang taon. Ngayon ay muling mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang manonood na masaksihan ang pelikulang kinunan sa makasaysayang lungsod ng Taal, Batangas na siyang nagbigay daan sa mga pelikulang pang-kabataan at nagpasimuno sa pinakamainit na tambalan ng dekada ’80: Sina Snooky at Gabby Concepcion at sina Maricel Soriano at William Martinez. Nang minsang bumisita si Mother Lily sa set ng pelikula ay nagustuhan niya ang lugar na siyang nagtulak sa kanya upang bumili ng ari-arian hanggang sa maitayo ang Imperial Resort. Itinanghal siyang anak ng Taal at nitong nagdaang Abril ay pinamunuan ang kauna-unahang pista ng El Pasuba. Maliban sa Taal, itinampok din sa pelikulang Summer Love ang La Union at Baguio na madalas pasyalan sa tuwing sisbol ang tag-araw.
Ang pagsasanib puwersang ito ng Regal Films at SOFIA ang magbibigay daan upang maipaabot ang importansiya ng film preservation sa bansa na magsisilbing salamin sa yaman ng kulturang Pilipino.
Where do you get these movies?
The Woman in the Septic Tank ("Ang Babae sa Septic Tank") (Marlon Rivera) ***1/2 - I saw this today in Cinemalaya. An ambitious director, his producing partner and a production assistant set out to make an indie film about a widowed woman so desperate and poor, she sells one of her children for sex with a pedophile. They bicker on the script and argue about casting then meet up with their prospective lead actress, Eugene Domingo, playing herself. This is an often very funny and biting film that both spoofs and satirizes indie flicks (specifically the "poverty porn" subgenre of Filipino film) as well as certain aspects of Filipino cinema and the entertainment industry. I have to give it to Ms. Domingo for being willing to mock herself with such delight. I highly recommend you guys try to catch this one.
Is this still being shown? Will this film be released in Robinson's MovieWorld or SM Cinemas?
It's CineMalaya screenings. It's being shown in CCP and Greenbelt 3. Here's the remaining sked of that particular film (I have the sked with me):
July 18 Greenbelt 3 6:30 PM
July 19 CCP MKP Hall 12:45 PM.
July 19 CCP Main Theater 6:15 PM
July 20 CCP Studio Theater 9:00 PM
July 21 Greenbelt 3 1:30 PM
July 22 CCP Main Theater 3:30 PM
July 23 CCP MKP Hall 6:30 PM
Hope this helps.
Translates to either Blink of an Eye or In the Blink of an Eye.
BAYAN KO: KAPIT SA PATALIM is not yet release on dvd. Your last resort is Cinema One or a copy of the film from vhs and beta.
Have you seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuKmwGSb4Ko
do you think this had a better shot at the oscars best foreign film than what we sent? (was it Noy starring coco martin or ded na si lolo?)
I find also the narrator the weakest point in the film. Was that Mailes Kanapi? She's a great character actress but distracting on PAGLILITIS NI BONIFACIO.
The finale still has some magic realism which is a trademark on most O'Hara films.
One of Regal's upcoming film...
"PRIDYIDER" starring: Carla Abellana, and Janice De Belen, kasama sina Tom Rodriguez, Daniel Matsunaga, at Venus Raj, Directed by: Rico Ilarde...
I wonder if this is a spin-off of Janice De Belen's "Shake, Rattle and Roll 1" episode?
No narrative Ron, for THE GREAT CINEMA PARTY?!
I've only seen Mananabas. Which I didn't like. Judging from that alone (fair or unfair), he's no Ben Affleck.
I saw Ang Sayaw... And I wadn't impressed. Much prefer Nino. And paulo avelino as best actor? No. Give it to the guy in Amok. I felt chills and pity for his character all at the same time. And hello, Fides Cuyugan Ascencio in Nino gave the best performance last year!
I concur....the ensemble cast of AMOK deserves a standing ovation for their great performance. No left over!
Had to see NINO first, but yes, was not impressed with SAYAW NG DALAWANG KALIWANG PAA.
Kudos to Star Cinema for releasing two versions of Vilma Santos‘ much-anticipated first-ever suspense-horror film titled “The Healing”. I hope PIONEER FILMS and VIVA FILMS will follow Star Cinema's lead, rather than butchering a film.
Aparisyon (Apparition) (Vincent Sandoval) **** - An exquisitely directed and acted Filipino independent film about nuns in a convent during the early '70s, just before Marcos declared martial law. The film is almost shot like a slow-burn horror film in a way and I can see the heavy influence of Black Narcissus which is probably the best nun movie ever made and I must say, *this* film is within striking distance of that which is, for me, VERY high praise. Yet another Filipino filmmaker to watch out for. It goes to show that Philippine cinema is still vibrant in the independent scene.
Will it be commercially available?
Will it be commercially available?
what i didn't get was how the poor couple was able to come up with was 200,000 pesos from selling their boat and the banig mats? They could have gone to the mainland and adopted a baby with that money and the parents wouldn't even be able to find them if they decide to take the child back.
I didn't like the ending because a lot of the times the movie was sooooo slow and then when bembol is about to marry , it's like the film suddenly rushes to the delivery then- the end.
Warning: This review might contain spoilers.
Thy Womb. It's nice to see Nora doing what she does best. The rest of the cast, even the nonprofessional actors were also very effective, except for Lovi Poe which I think was miscast (too young, too pretty). It would have been better if she's swapped roles with Mercedes Cabral. The movie tend to meander too much & some scenes just go on forever, but the exotic location & culture help keep one's interest. It's also distracting that the main cast were speaking Tagalog while the rest of the locals were speaking the local dialect. It takes away from the realism that it tries to achieve. Also, I don't know if it needs to show an explicit birthing scene twice. It would have been more effective if it was saved until the very end. Showing it twice made it lose its power to shock which I think is the intended effect than anything. A couple of scenes involving a cow leave a bad taste in one's mouth. I like the abrupt ending; it jolts you and leaves you unease.
Aparisyon already had it's theatrical run last month. Not sure if they will release it on DVD.
APARISYON is already available on DVD.
Mentor? A seminar or was he a professor?
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Na Kayon Ngayon? (Eddie Romero) ***1/2 - The title is roughly translated as "This Is How It Was Then, What's It Like Today?" It's about poor Filipino country boy whose mom just passed away and being a bit of a dumbass, he accidentally burns down his house. And so begins his journey. One thing that surprised me about this film is that it is a COMEDY. Well, at least it starts out as a comedy but slowly becomes more and more serious as it goes along without you noticing. It's a very Filipino film from the get-go, very Filipiniana. However, the structure is kind of Fellini-esque in a way. Sometimes I find myself thinking, had Fellini been Filipino, it would probably be like this. Overall, it's an imperfect film (a bit overlong) but its message is still shockingly relevant today and imparts it without being preachy.
How was the restoration?
Aw face it, rse--you're a Noranian!
MANILA, Philippines—True to its commitment to bring the best of television to every Filipino home around the world, TV5 takes a groundbreaking leap in producing STUDIO5 ORIGINAL MOVIES, a precious collection of quality-produced made-for-TV movies featuring Philippine cinema’s biggest stars and created by the country’s highly acclaimed filmmakers. (http://entertainment.inquirer.net/133662/the-best-of-cinema-comes-to-free-tv-via-studio5-original-movies)
Ekstra. Jeffrey Jeturian directs Vilma's first indie movie. Interesting look at a days work of a bit player. Good, but missing something to be memorable.yup, saw this ,too... kulang ng real darkness or pain, di ko ma-explain.
yup, saw this ,too... kulang ng real darkness or pain, di ko ma-explain.
or baka rin dahil masyadong star ang dating pa rin ni vilma, hindi mukhang extra. mas maganda yung 6 degrees of separation of lilia crapapay, that part where her interview was cut was more moving and sad.
and yes, maybe nora would have been more credible as an extra
Locsin makes Vilma look like a girl scout. I don't think Butch did Vilma any favors putting her in the same film as Rio.Agree, she seemed out of place in the movie. I heard somewhere that the original screenplay is a lot better than the finished movie. Also, the location, especially the river area reminded me of Apocalypse Now. Was it filmed in the same area?
Meanwhile, can anyone see the Vertigo influence here?
Where's jojo de vera? I'm sure he knows the original ending of Haplos...He's really missed here.
Metro Manila. The heist aspect is more interesting than the milieu since there are glaring inaccurate details which are quite telling that this movie was done by someone who hasn't lived in Manila. There's an interesting sub-plot in this film that recalls a recent Raymond Red film.
Bakit lahat ng bad character ay parang laging galit at nang-aapi magsalita? That can't be realistic.
The accent of the main couple does not match with the role they are portraying, no disrespect.
I truly felt guilty thinking of my family's food spending while watching this movie.
My favorite film of 2013, Lav Diaz's 4-hour NORTE, THE END OF HISTORY is gonna screen every weekend of March in selected Ayala cinemas. I highly, highly recommend it.
NORTE, END OF HISTORY SPECIAL SCREENINGS!
--------S C H E D U L E---------
All screenings begin at 6:30 PM
March 11 (Trinoma)
March 18 (Cebu)
March 25 (Greenbelt 3)
March 31 (Glorietta 4)
Just saw OTJ (torrent/BD copy). Ganda! highly recommended! :D 8)
Fifty, sixty dollars? Well, they aren't Transformers. But it still hurts. And I suspect I need a region free player.
we'd never hear from you again!
I hear good things about Hindi Sila Tatanda and That Thing Called Tadhana, and Lorna; seen those?
Not this year, apparently. Pity.
That Thing Called Tadhana - With a simple plot that never outstretches, characters that remain grounded in reality and a style that does not superficially exaggerate the romance, this excellent romantic-comedy avoids the standard cliches of the genre.+1 on the views of jas and Klaus. Well worth watching.
That Thing Called Tadhana is now available for download sa favorite torrent site hehe. Yun nga lang mas maraming leechers kesa sa seeders kaya bagal ng DL.I think posts like this shouldn't be allowed in this forum.
^ That Thing Called Tadhana is still showing in theaters, so it's highly recommended to go the legit way. We should support quality Filipino films. Many people vocally complain at the lack of quality local movies & yet do not actually support a good production when it gets made & released.
^hahaha! love the hashgtagsThanks.
Apocalypse Child (Mario Cornejo) **** - A young man named Ford works as a surf instructor in his provincial town of Baler where he is believed to be the love child of director Francis Ford Coppola who impregnated his mom when she was a teenage while shooting Apocalypse Now. With his Filipino-American girlfriend and his childhood best friend, he confronts his past, present and future. I finally caught this acclaimed film after missing it in the film festivals last year. It is fantastic. Though the film tackles some serious themes, it is heavily peppered by humor and is shot beautifully. The film's narrative feels loose and breezy but as the film goes on and certain revelations are revealed, the film does not resort to cheap emotions and still keeps things subtle and humorous. It's held together by natural performances by the cast and great direction. It feels like if Baumbach, or Linklater or Truffaut made a surfing film.Finally saw this in Gateway last night. The film didn't feel indie at all and the acting was very natural. The plot didn't seem organic, though, but thank goodness the Deus Ex Machina I was expecting didn't happen. Probably the best pinoy film I've seen this year.
Metro Manila - is this considered as filipino films? dba american ang gumawa nito? one of the best tong napanood ko na filipino.
Insiang is being released by the Criterion Collection as part of the second volume of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project box-set.
Insiang is being released by the Criterion Collection as one of the six films in Martin Scorcese's World Cinema Project No. 2.
https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/1258-martin-scorsese-s-world-cinema-project-no-2
I heard Sleepless (Prime Cruz, 2015) had another theatrical run recently. Hope I can still catch it this weekend.
https://www.facebook.com/filmsleepless/
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmNRjgOTcZM/WYSoJmMlO6I/AAAAAAAAKEs/coxhdJTrwJQG3VVE7Z-OmTWsLGICd7e0QCLcBGAs/s640/kung%2Bmangarap%2Bka%2527t%2Bmagising.jpg)
Thoughts (https://criticafterdark.blogspot.com/2017/08/kung-mangarap-kat-magising-moments-in.html) on the restored version of Mike De Leon's only romantic comedy
(Shown as part of the CineLokal initiative of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and SM Cinema. It is being screened daily until Aug. 10, with shows at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. at SM Cinemas at SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Cebu, SM Bacoor, and SM Mall of Asia.)
QCinema International Film Festival Website
http://qcinema.ph
QCinema FB Page
Good stuff. Thanks for the heads up!
https://www.facebook.com/QuezonCityFilmFest/
All the Films You Shouldn't Miss in the Upcoming QCinema International Film Festival
https://www.clickthecity.com/movies/a/33293/dont-miss-these-films-in-the-upcoming-qcinema-international-film-festival
Balangiga: Howling Wilderness (Khavn de la Cruz) ***1/2 - Set during the 1901 American occupation of Samar during the infamous Balangiga massacre in which American troops executed hundreds of civilians, including children. This focuses on a little boy and his grandfather who's trying to get to safety going on a long, arduous journey. Boy, this film really puts its viewers through ringer along with its characters (which includes two small children who bore the brunt of the abuse, I might add). In many ways, this is Khavn's most conventional film in the narrative sense and quite possibly his masterpiece. It's an extraordinary film filled with images that will forever etch into your psyche. It is also pretty bleak. It's horrifying to know that this film isn't a complete fiction and that what's depicted in the film could've conceivably happen. Yes, this is a "White Men are Awful" and "War is Horrible" movie but it's completely worth your time.
Balangiga: Howling Wilderness (Khavn de la Cruz) ***1/2 - Set during the 1901 American occupation of Samar during the infamous Balangiga massacre in which American troops executed hundreds of civilians, including children. This focuses on a little boy and his grandfather who's trying to get to safety going on a long, arduous journey. Boy, this film really puts its viewers through ringer along with its characters (which includes two small children who bore the brunt of the abuse, I might add). In many ways, this is Khavn's most conventional film in the narrative sense and quite possibly his masterpiece. It's an extraordinary film filled with images that will forever etch into your psyche. It is also pretty bleak. It's horrifying to know that this film isn't a complete fiction and that what's depicted in the film could've conceivably happen. Yes, this is a "White Men are Awful" and "War is Horrible" movie but it's completely worth your time.
Moral (Marilou Diaz-Abaya) ***1/2 - This film focuses on four young women who happen to be best friends in the same college class: One is a promiscuous drug addict, another one is an aspiring singer with more ambition than talent, the other is a single mom whose ex-husband left her for another man and the last one is a newlywed whose husband wants to keep her barefoot and pregnant. With a screenplay by my mentor, Ricky Lee, this film is a super progressive and feminist look into the lives of young women and though it was made and set in the 1980's, it doesn't feel old at all. These stories still remain largely relevant today. Even though it brings up and talks about a lot of issues, it doesn't feel at all preachy and even manages to sprinkle humor despite some of the dead serious issues brought up[. The performances of the entire cast are fantastic as well. It's one of the classics of Filipino cinema.
I saw the restored version screened during Cinema One Originals Festival. I think you can purchase the DVD's in ABS-CBN stores.
I may be wrong, but I don't think the restored Moral is available already on DVD. It's not yet listed on ABS-CBN's Online Store.
Just watched working girls the other night in PBO.. Took me awhile to realized that it was Maria Isabel Lopez the one in recent Asian summit fiasco. she was hot there :)
Check Out Brandon Vera And Anne Curtis In Training For Erik Matti's Filipino Action Film BUY BUST:
http://screenanarchy.com/2016/08/check-out-brandon-vera-and-anne-curtis-in-training-for-erik-mattis-filipino-action-film-buy-bust.html
BUY BUST - First Full Trailer:
https://youtu.be/33XZIrH2Hk8
Citizen jake whoa, walang takot sa libel. Talagang tinira ang mga Marcos, no holds barred. Well-made film that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema. Medyo nakulangan lang ako kay atom. But everyone was amazing.
Liway (Kip Oebanda) ***1/2 - This is an autobiographical film about a young boy whose parents were political activists who were imprisoned during the Martial Law era. He was born and grew up in the detention compound where his mother tells him stories of an enchantress called "Liway". This film came at the right time with dictatorship and historical revisionism creeping into government. This is a sobering reminder of the truth. The film can be harrowing but it is tempered by a sense of goodness and innocence which I found quite moving and the thing that sets it apart from other Martial Law films. Again, this is essential viewing for all Filipinos at the this day and age.
Hintayan sa Langit (Dan Villegas) *** - An elderly man dies and goes to a Purgatory type place. While there, he meets up with a former flame and rekindle their romance. Finally caught up with this one after missing it at the QCinema Film Festival. Personally, I wasn't a complete fan of the pay off/ending. However, the film works primarily because of the chemistry between veteran Filipino actors Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareno who are simply funny and lovely together. The film's concept of the afterlife is also pretty unique and the film does tackle some heady existential issues on death and grieving and it's also refreshingly ecumenical.
HINTAYAN NG LANGIT is now streaming on Netflix.
EERIE
Directed by Mikhail Red
Starring Bea Alonzo and Charo Santos
In cinemas starting March 27, 2019
TRAILER:
https://youtu.be/XHHtvCft9IU
Hello, Love, Goodbye (Cathy Garcia-Molina) *** - A young Filipino woman working in Hong Kong meets a young bartender. She's about to complete her contract and go to greener pastures in Canada. Normally, I wouldn't go for this type of film. And it's by Cathy Garcia-Molina, so seeing her name normally makes me go to the opposite direction, having seen a few of her past films. But this one, to her credit, has a bit more substance. There's a compelling drama here about the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW's) but blended with the formulaic romantic-dramedy that is her bread and butter. They do the usual "hugot" emotional romantic scene in the end where they telegraph every emotion through overly written emotional speeches each trying to out-romance each other. But it's still a solid drama before that.
^its probably because libre silang mga seniors thats why
given na yun, matic.
buti naman pinoy film ang pinanood.
dati lionking, spiderman, avengers etc di napupuno, wala pila ng seniors, eto ang haba.
how i wish maglagay ng mga upuan kesa nakatayo sa pila mga tanders. di daw nila expected ganun kadami tanders, tas kambio, mag 20% disc na lang, hiwalay kase pila. ...sa huli inaccomodate na rin tanders sa paying lane. tsk
5 days pa lan yun pinoy film.
lion fastnfurios9 kasabayan ata. usually next week after opening pwede na tanders.
ganun din kaya sa susunod un indak? baon na lang ng flanax hehe
tanders free rock !
tanders libre bato!... ay
mga fanboys,
payag ba kayo sa bagong love team?
just watched hello ,nice movie
Did you like it?
DEAD KIDS
Directed by Mikhail Red
Written by Red’s younger brother Nikolas, Dead Kids marks the 27-year-old’s first foray into dark comedy. It tells the story of a gang of beat-down high schoolers who plot to kidnap the class jock, who happens to be the son of a corrupt politician, and hold him to ransom.
Produced by Globe Studios, and boasting a cast that includes Khalil Ramos, Vance Larena, Kelvin Miranda, Jan Silverio, Gabby Padilla, Sue Ramirez and Markus Paterson.
TEASER TRAILER:
https://youtu.be/OFKnelgh12I
BLOCK Z
Directed by Mikhail Red
Block Z is an upcoming Philippine zombie film starring Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ian Veneracion, Maris Racal, Dimples Romana, McCoy de Leon, Yves Flores, and Ina Raymundo.
It follows a group of university students who try to survive the undead during a deadly viral outbreak.
TEASER TRAILER:
https://youtu.be/xYhTiwXDCs0
CNN's The 25 Best Filipino Films of the Decade
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/2019/12/23/best-films-of-the-2010s-decade.html
TBA just uploaded some of their movies for free on YouTube
It seems everyone is willing to pitch in as Metro Manila and several other provinces in the country are under "community quarantine" in an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Philippine film production studio, TBA, is uploading several of its full-length films on YouTube. Yup, that's right – free of charge.
Titles now available to stream for free include Bliss, Gayuma, Iisa, Dormitoryo, Patintero, Matangtubig, and Water Lemon.
https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/254606-tba-studios-full-movie-youtube
Saan kaya mapapanuod yang A Thousand Cuts? I missed out on the streaming the other day.
Ramona Diaz says she and the producers are working on allowing it to be available again. I'll post the link when that happens.
Viva to launch VIVAMAX, the country’s biggest Filipino streaming platform
https://www.pikapika.ph/pikadaily/viva-to-launch-vivamax-the-countrys-biggest-filipino-streaming-platform
Babae at Baril (The Woman and The Gun) (Rae Red) ***1/2 - After being sexually assaulted, a mild-mannered young woman finds a gun and starts standing up for herself. But that's only about half the film, the other half goes into a wildly different direction that's both thrilling and something I wasn't expecting. It stuck the landing with the ending too. It features great performances from its ensemble headed by Janine Gutierrez. This is from Rae Red from the talented filmmaking Red family which also includes Mikhail Red and Raymond Red. This is yet another example of a talented filmmaker from that family. It's one of the best Filipino films of 2019. I'm glad I caught up with it.
Where can you catch this? Is it streaming anywhere?
QCinema. It's streaming for PhP 150 in GMovies.ph (along with a dozen other titles). Hurry, I think it's only available for a few more days!
Dayao is a vital filmmaking voice and one of Philippine cinema's best genre filmmakers.
I missed this. Any chance of it streaming again soon? Thanks.
Saw Babae at Baril on Netflix.
Katips (Vince Tanada) *** - This is a dramatic musical about a group of student activists during the Martial Law era. Released as counter-programming to a certain propaganda film disguised as historical drama, this isn't exactly a masterpiece either. It's way too long, there are weird directing and editing choices, some of the acting is mediocre, it delivers its message with the subtlety of a sledgehammer and the script could have used another pass or two. Too bad, because there's actually a great film there. However, when it's good, it's REALLY good. When it hits the right notes, it really hits. A lot of the songs are genuinely good. This is a film with a lot of good intentions and I agree with its message. It could have been a lot better but considering the current political situation here in the Philippines, we need more films like this now more than ever.
^ nasa Netflix ba yan?
Cinephiles will be treated to gems like LVN’s “Giliw Ko” (1939), “Sa Init ng Apoy” (1980), “Captain Barbell” (1973), “Tisoy!” (1977) , “Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara” (1995), and “Omeng Satanasia” (1977).
The highlight of the weekend event is the scanned and digitally enhanced “Ibong Adarna” film that was released back in 1941 by LVN Pictures, Inc.