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Entertainment => Film & TV Talk => Pinoy Entertainment => Topic started by: keating on Nov 27, 2005 at 11:31 AM
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It's a season of famine. The line up so far: EXODUS- Tale of the Enchanted Kingdom, MULAWIN, ENTENG KABISOTE 2, KUTOB, AKO LEGAL WIFE, SHAKE RATTLE & ROLE 7. I'm still hoping that the committee will include on the final line-up a Jeffrey Jeturian film.
Gone where the days when you can watch INSIANG, KUNG MANGARAP KA'T MAGISING, GANITO KAMI NOON, PAANO KAYO NGAYON, BULAKLAK SA CITY JAIL, ALAPAAP, BRUTAL, MORAL & HIMALA.
As Behn Cervantes calls it......PESTE BAL! ;D
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There's also Joel Lamangan's Blue Moon, the only drama in the line-up. I'm hoping that the festival will have some gems, Shake, Rattle, and Roll has an episode directed by Rico Ilarde (Aquarium, i think), and reportedly, Maryo delos Reyes. My friend saw the final cut (without the music) for Exodus and he said its quality family entertainment (though we have differing tastes in films). We'll see. The festival of recent years has produced some surprising quality entertainment (which are not even in the drama genre) such as Erik Matti's Gagamboy and Yam Laranas' Sigaw, so let's not lose hope that this year's festival might churn out a pleasant surprise.
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Is BLUE MOON included oggs? I thought they disqualified this one because its from Regal Entertainment again. SRR 7 might pull some surprises and could even beat the original 1984 entry.
Same with EXODUS because its from Erik Matti.
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Is BLUE MOON included oggs? I thought they disqualified this one because its from Regal Entertainment again. SRR 7 might pull some surprises and could even beat the original 1984 entry.
Same with EXODUS because its from Erik Matti.
I think it's still included. Nothing's for sure though until the actual festival.
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Thanks for the info, oggs. Lamangan will have two filmfest entries, again.
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It makes me want to boycott MMFF more. Why can't they just show them all together? If they want Pinoys to patronize local films, then let local studios create quality films.
Yeah I totally agree! This MMFF is really annoying esp those foreigners that can't understand tagalog left with no movies to watch esp during the holiday Xmas season when one wants to bring the whole family for a fun movie viewing pleasure...what a bumper :-[
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It's a season of famine. The line up so far: EXODUS- Tale of the Enchanted Kingdom,
Do I smell BLATANT PRODUCT PLACEMENT here....
MULAWIN, ENTENG KABISOTE 2, KUTOB, AKO LEGAL WIFE, SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL 7. I'm still hoping that the committee will include on the final line-up a Jeffrey Jeturian film.
Gone where the days when you can watch INSIANG, KUNG MANGARAP KA'T MAGISING, GANITO KAMI NOON, PAANO KAYO NGAYON, BULAKLAK SA CITY JAIL, ALAPAAP, BRUTAL, MORAL & HIMALA.
Really, a dreadful bunch, I'd say....(groan!!!)
As Behn Cervantes calls it......PESTE BAL! ;D
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It's a season of famine. The line up so far: EXODUS- Tale of the Enchanted Kingdom, MULAWIN, ENTENG KABISOTE 2, KUTOB, AKO LEGAL WIFE, SHAKE RATTLE & ROLE 7. I'm still hoping that the committee will include on the final line-up a Jeffrey Jeturian film.
^yup! they're still banking on the Filipino's supposed gullibility for fancy yet mediocre films...and working on the assumption that our tastes in film still hasn't evolved :(
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Will Blue Moon be a take on 80's (?) Blue Moon with Matt Dillon?
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add na rin KASAL by Dante Mendoza and GMA's epic? MULAWIN the moive :)
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Getting pissed that the MMFF gets in the way of watching their precious Hollywood movies is one of the most idiotic things I've ever come across. Specially coming from Pinoys.
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Getting pissed that the MMFF gets in the way of watching their precious Hollywood movies is one of the most idiotic things I've ever come across. Specially coming from Pinoys.
True. Give Pinoy film industry a chance. It's only for two weeks lang naman eh.
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In terms of technical craftmanship, those films have the edge. I'm betting on EXODUS & SRR 7.
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Getting pissed that the MMFF gets in the way of watching their precious Hollywood movies is one of the most idiotic things I've ever come across. Specially coming from Pinoys.
Call it idiotic but I'd rather watch Narnia 3 times in a theater than sit through half of that "Exodus" movie by Bong Revilla. Have you guys seen the trailer? Sucks big time.
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Not that I'm a fan of Revilla, but basing one's opinion of a movie on the trailer isn't very helpful either.
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ow can you make such an assumption even before anybody has seen both movies? I hate, or more accurately loath Senator Bong Revilla but I have to say Filipinos are very creative given a budget that's only a meager portion of the budget of these Hollywood films. Give these films a chance, that's all I'm saying. Having said that, Bong Revilla is such a complete idiot that he spent 20 something million pesos borrowing Passion of the Christ's score for the trailer when there was already an original trailer music prepared for the film. What he said was that the Pinoy-made score was "not Hollywood enough." This was against director Erik Matti's wishes. Now, if people like Bong Revilla who think perfection is achieved by reaching Hollywood standards (notwithstanding the fact that you're working on a very Filipino material) is working in this film industry of ours, we'll really never achieve something worthwhile because we'll really never really be anywhere near Hollywood films when it comes to visual and sound effects.
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We're not going to save the Filipino movie industry by trying to ape Hollywood movies. We're never going to reach the heights of Hollywood movies in terms of visual effects and production values. We'll only come off as second rate. We should just concentrate on trying to make films with good stories and artistry.
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That doesn't mean we can't do fantasy or epics... Our ancestors had the best stories and epics, let's not lose the storytelling battle just coz we can't do special effects. I just don't understand why when Filipino filmmakers start doing epics and fantasy, the audience starts to get violent. We've done it before the Spanish came. We've done it during our Golden Age. Why can't we do it now?
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Call it idiotic but I'd rather watch Narnia 3 times in a theater than sit through half of that "Exodus" movie by Bong Revilla. Have you guys seen the trailer? Sucks big time.
Seen it. I agree. Bong Revilla sucks. The trailer sucks. The movie? Haven't seen it. Will I? Maybe. Beside the point, though.
What's idiotic is that it's only two weeks.
What's idiotic is that some people can't frigging wait.
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Seen it. I agree. Bong Revilla sucks. The trailer sucks. The movie? Haven't seen it. Will I? Maybe. Beside the point, though.
What's idiotic is that it's only two weeks.
What's idiotic is that some people can't frigging wait.
Point taken. Two weeks nga lang naman so I guess I just have to wait. (as if we have any other choice!)
Now, before this thread goes further OT, let's go back to Narnia and create a separate thread for Exodus/Revilla.
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Not that I'm a fan of Revilla, but basing one's opinion of a movie on the trailer isn't very helpful either.
But for majority of people who do not have enough money and/or time to watch all the movies, trailers become very helpful in choosing which ones to watch. After all, trailers are promotional materials and are supposed to attract viewers, right?
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which entry is worth seeing?
and which film do you think will be the top-grosser?
based on the trailer, i would say Exodus.
does Enteng Kabisote have enough magic to land in the top3?
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Based on some trailers that I saw, there are still gems in this year's MMFF. Matti's EXODUS is high-gloss, top-notch entertainment. Same with SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL 2k5.
EXODUS could even beat those Hollywood crap B movies!
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Based on some trailers that I saw, there are still gems in this year's MMFF. Matti's EXODUS is high-gloss, top-notch entertainment. Same with SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL 2k5.
EXODUS could even beat those Hollywood crap B movies!
Really now...then why the f**k does Draco's (Jay-R) dragon form doesn't cast a shadow???
Talk about sloppy fx....
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May I humbly suggest that they change the name of the festival to the Mother Lily Film Festival?
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May I humbly suggest that they change the name of the festival to the Mother Lily Film Festival?
She was quoted saying: "This is my tribute to the movie industry. I love this industry so much!"
That's why Philippine Cinema sucks! ;D Love her or hate her, she gambled on SCORPIO NIGHTS, SISTER STELLA L, MANILA BY NIGHT and other classic gems that stood the test of time.
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This is my sacrifice for the Filipino film industry - to spend my Christmas Day watching three entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
I started my movie marathon with Jose Javier Reyes' latest psycho-thriller Kutob. Reyes seems to be borrowing a lot from Alfred Hitchcock nowadays. I remember his first foray to the psycho-thriller genre Malikmata had several Hitchcock elements which he borrowed and in turn churned out a standard film that I initially thought was okay but upon second watching turned out to be utter crap. Now, here comes Kutob which borrows a lot from Psycho and well, I Know What You Did Last Summer - not a healthy combination I think. The acting is pretty bad. Marvin Agustin plays his psychotic character by the book complete with the annoying accentuations and whatever cliche that comes from playing psychotic minds. Reyes seems to be banking on plot twists nowadays forgeting that nowadays, plot twists are already cliche. Moreover, his plot twist is nothing more but a rip-off from Psycho, thus the plot twist doesn't twist at all but merely establishes the fact that Reyes should start rethinking his stay in the Filipino film industry, lest he be overrun by younger and better directors. Come on, Joey, you can write better than that. *1/2/*****
Next is Mulawin: The Movie which was rated A by the cinema review board. I'm not sure what Rated-A means but this reviewer would think that A means Asswipe after seeing this piece of sticky crap. Mulawin the television series probably worked because of the commercials because being entreated to bad CGI, bad sets, bad acting, and bad scripting for two hours straight is mindnumbing torture. Mulawin: The Movie is one bloated television episode. The music is a lot louder and hence, more jarring. The special effects is a lot more special and hence, eyestraining. The storyline is a lot more complex hence, convulated. The acting is the same - television-trained acting which simply does not work in the big screen. This film is just too bad and unless you are a fan of the show or you're one of those groupies who think everything that GMA makes is pure gold, then go for it. Don't say I didn't warn you. */*****
Last of the bunch is Erik Matti's Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom: Exodus. The film starts with a bunch of kids being told a story by the purple wizard from the theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Now that spells much trouble for the film because the film's insistence to being a film for children builds a disability for the filmmakers. Dwight Gaston made a fantastic script for Pa-Siyam but here he falters as his script lacks depth and sincere emotions. It seems that Gaston forgot that characterization is a prime element to any story. Halfway through the film, I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, not even the hero Exodus (surprisingly played with dignity by Senator Bong Revilla Jr. despite the obvious physical unsuitability of the role). Matti's direction is suitable. The cinematography is okay. The music is beautiful and unobtrusive. The special effects is a lot better than most Filipino films but is still far from the best. What strikes me as a saving grace for the film is the design and the concept which makes me annoyed how such concept was put to waste by the misconception that children need to be fed mindless entertainment. This film could've had a more interesting story if Matti, Gaston and the stupid producers (who probably forced Matti and his crew to be on the safe side) were more daring (well, not exactly daring since telling good stories is probably human nature). Miyazaki knew that children love great, emotional stories. Why are our filmmakers underestimating our children. Give them an Exodus with a lot more oomph than computer bitmaps. Althougn this is the best film I've seen in the festival so far, this is also the one that got me most annoyed because this film had actual potential - a simple story that could've gone far if the filmmakers just took a lot more risks. **1/2/*****
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Exodus was a complete waste of time/money/cinema space hehe.
I dont understand why Pinoy films keep on copying International films when we can do our own original stories and make pseudo-okay effects.. Exodus had Lord of the Rings written all over it. The story was LAME, the casting was BAD (jay r?! paolo bediones?? wtf?), bong revilla's ten million posings were annoying, his ten million stretchmarks were distracting, the enchanted kingdom bit? i dont even wanna start with it. and like what oggsmoggs said, the film lacked characterization. it was like, they showed bong revilla then boom, then they show that annoying kid then boom, then aubrey then boom. then the story goes on until the end and yeah, you get the drift.
but to be fair, SOME of the effects were okay. SOME. majority still needed improvement.
grade? 2/10.
god, and wtf is that terrorist eddie garcia thing?! i smell another "di kita ma reach".
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I give Shake, Rattle and Roll a big thumbs down. Don't watch it if you value your brain cells.
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This is my sacrifice for the Filipino film industry - to spend my Christmas Day watching three entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
I started my movie marathon with Jose Javier Reyes' latest psycho-thriller Kutob. Reyes seems to be borrowing a lot from Alfred Hitchcock nowadays. I remember his first foray to the psycho-thriller genre Malikmata had several Hitchcock elements which he borrowed and in turn churned out a standard film that I initially thought was okay but upon second watching turned out to be utter crap. Now, here comes Kutob which borrows a lot from Psycho and well, I Know What You Did Last Summer - not a healthy combination I think. The acting is pretty bad. Marvin Agustin plays his psychotic character by the book complete with the annoying accentuations and whatever cliche that comes from playing psychotic minds. Reyes seems to be banking on plot twists nowadays forgeting that nowadays, plot twists are already cliche. Moreover, his plot twist is nothing more but a rip-off from Psycho, thus the plot twist doesn't twist at all but merely establishes the fact that Reyes should start rethinking his stay in the Filipino film industry, lest he be overrun by younger and better directors. Come on, Joey, you can write better than that. *1/2/*****
Next is Mulawin: The Movie which was rated A by the cinema review board. I'm not sure what Rated-A means but this reviewer would think that A means Asswipe after seeing this piece of sticky crap. Mulawin the television series probably worked because of the commercials because being entreated to bad CGI, bad sets, bad acting, and bad scripting for two hours straight is mindnumbing torture. Mulawin: The Movie is one bloated television episode. The music is a lot louder and hence, more jarring. The special effects is a lot more special and hence, eyestraining. The storyline is a lot more complex hence, convulated. The acting is the same - television-trained acting which simply does not work in the big screen. This film is just too bad and unless you are a fan of the show or you're one of those groupies who think everything that GMA makes is pure gold, then go for it. Don't say I didn't warn you. */*****
Last of the bunch is Erik Matti's Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom: Exodus. The film starts with a bunch of kids being told a story by the purple wizard from the theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Now that spells much trouble for the film because the film's insistence to being a film for children builds a disability for the filmmakers. Dwight Gaston made a fantastic script for Pa-Siyam but here he falters as his script lacks depth and sincere emotions. It seems that Gaston forgot that characterization is a prime element to any story. Halfway through the film, I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, not even the hero Exodus (surprisingly played with dignity by Senator Bong Revilla Jr. despite the obvious physical unsuitability of the role). Matti's direction is suitable. The cinematography is okay. The music is beautiful and unobtrusive. The special effects is a lot better than most Filipino films but is still far from the best. What strikes me as a saving grace for the film is the design and the concept which makes me annoyed how such concept was put to waste by the misconception that children need to be fed mindless entertainment. This film could've had a more interesting story if Matti, Gaston and the stupid producers (who probably forced Matti and his crew to be on the safe side) were more daring (well, not exactly daring since telling good stories is probably human nature). Miyazaki knew that children love great, emotional stories. Why are our filmmakers underestimating our children. Give them an Exodus with a lot more oomph than computer bitmaps. Althougn this is the best film I've seen in the festival so far, this is also the one that got me most annoyed because this film had actual potential - a simple story that could've gone far if the filmmakers just took a lot more risks. **1/2/*****
Come to think of it...as long as the MMFF confines its entries to GP or PG-13 rated films, there is absolutely no f'in point to expect something like originality or even stick-its-neck-out creative efforts on the part of local film producers
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It's really not the ratings per se which is the problem but the flawed interpretation of what a movie for kids is supposed to be. I really don't care if they turn MMFF into a children's film festival but please, pretty please... enough with the sitcom-minded screenplays and the ghastly concentration on visual effects which can never ever ever surpass Hollywood standard. MMFF shows everything that is wrong with Philippine cinema. It shows how scared producers are that they have to block out all foreign films so that they can release their films (which I really don't have a problem with), but now that they have their exclusive two weeks, they release these joyless mess that according to my sources, are so mindlessly conceived. Film is first and foremost an industry that provides livelihood for plenty of people but please don't insult film by churning out these half-baked witless monstrosities. Now, hopefully the plea that digital films be included in next year's MMFF be allowed - that way the young filmmakers can show these aging hacks what Filipino filmmaking is truly about. Honestly, if it were the Cinemalaya films that were given these exclusive two week screenings, Filipinos' taste for films will gradually change. Have you seen the people in Pinoyexchange, all they talk about are boxoffice battles, star battles, and mindless fanatisicm. Nakakaawa. Parang awa niyo na Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, at Joey Reyes - kung wala kayong balak magbago e magretire na lang kayo at di na kayo kailangan ng industriya.
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Mulawin the Movie is a mixed between the TV series and Encantadia? What is that all about? ;D
Half baked witless monstrosities?
Value my brain cells?
Advice taken. Thanks for the warning. :)
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so far I've heard that Mulawin sucks. And from what i've seen from the trailer, it probably does. they haven't even been able to put up their website yet and it's already screening!
I haven't heard any favorable reviews on any of the movies yet. Sigh.
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It's really not the ratings per se which is the problem but the flawed interpretation of what a movie for kids is supposed to be. I really don't care if they turn MMFF into a children's film festival but please, pretty please... enough with the sitcom-minded screenplays and the ghastly concentration on visual effects which can never ever ever surpass Hollywood standard. MMFF shows everything that is wrong with Philippine cinema. It shows how scared producers are that they have to block out all foreign films so that they can release their films (which I really don't have a problem with), but now that they have their exclusive two weeks, they release these joyless mess that according to my sources, are so mindlessly conceived. Film is first and foremost an industry that provides livelihood for plenty of people but please don't insult film by churning out these half-baked witless monstrosities. Now, hopefully the plea that digital films be included in next year's MMFF be allowed - that way the young filmmakers can show these aging hacks what Filipino filmmaking is truly about. Honestly, if it were the Cinemalaya films that were given these exclusive two week screenings, Filipinos' taste for films will gradually change. Have you seen the people in Pinoyexchange, all they talk about are boxoffice battles, star battles, and mindless fanatisicm. Nakakaawa. Parang awa niyo na Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, at Joey Reyes - kung wala kayong balak magbago e magretire na lang kayo at di na kayo kailangan ng industriya.
I guess, they should give back MMFF to the movie industry as the organizers and not MMDA. Remember those days wherein the likes of Mike de Leon, Brocka, Bernal, Castillo were competing with each other? Politics still rules when choosing the films for the festival. Its a pity that the films of Jeturian, Maryo J delos Reyes and the others were not chosen before they make the final lists.
And oggs before I forgot.....thanks for sacrificing your time and effort by watching the three films. I'll take your advice. Can't wait for your SRR review. ;)
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well I watched Kutob and it was a so bad it's good movie, as opposed to a so bad, it's bad movie. I totally enjoyed myself making fun of the film. So if you are into that, Kutob is for you. 2k5, unfortunately is another story. ;D Oh yeah, one more thing, Kutob is not a horror film, it's a suspense (not so thrilling) film. Clever marketers... ;)
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So I again brave the theaters to find some hidden gem within the failed Metro Manila Film Fesival...
First up is Joel Lamangan's Ako Legal Wife (**/*****). Supposedly just a spoof of the Mano Po movies, Ako Legal Wife later on gets branded as an installment to the film franchise. Ako Legal Wife, I have to admit, has some genuinely funny parts. I am no admirer of Lamangan (in fact, I loath this director), but somehow, almost miraculously, he does a serviceable job here. My main problem with the movie is the story and the script. The screenplay is a bloated piece of mess. I initially thought that the film would've concentrated on the three wives of a rich Chinese businessman but sadly discovered that the storywriters couldn't resist the temptation of pumping up the storyline with various issues including a closet homosexual sideplot that merely takes away much steam from the otherwise good chemistry between the three actresses who play the wives. Ako Legal Wife works when it is focused on how the three wives try to outdo each other but falters in every other department. The three actresses (Padilla, Picache, Quinto) are quite commendable.
Surprise, surprise... because I've finally found that hidden gem in this festival which is none other than Shake, Rattle and Roll 2k5 (sorry to disagree with you Joey), or at least two thirds of it. Uro dela Cruz's Poso (1/2*/*****) is a negligible eyesore. It's neither funny nor scary. In fact, it's gratingly annoying.
Rico Maria Ilarde's Aquarium (***/*****), although evidently flawed, is quite good. The film is about a couple (Ogie Alcasid and Ara Mina) and their son, who recently moved to a condominium unit. Inside the condominium unit, they discover a mysterious aquarium. While the mother gets occasional warnings from a suspicious old woman regarding the aquarium, the family still makes use of the aquarium with dire consequences. Having seen two of Ilarde's films (Babaeng Putik and Sa Ilalim ng Cogon), I've come to understand that Ilarde is pretty much a genre director and he does well in his chosen genre. While Aquarium is definitely not an original concept, it makes good use of the tried and tested formula that made Philippine monster horrors from the past work. It's a silly plot but isn't all horror films centered around a silly concept. What grabbed me was how Ilarde somehow put in layers within the storyline. I liked the fact that the source of horror is an aquarium, something so innocent looking and harmless that turns out to be diabolically lethal. In the middle of the film, Alcasid makes a remark regarding his disbelief of the nature of the aquarium because we live in a modern world and therefore, spirits and curses no longer belong. Ilarde also makes brilliant use of Alcasid and Ara Mina by utilizing their offscreen personalities to advance the personalities of their onscreen characters (the philandering husband sideplot wouldn't probably have worked if it weren't for Alcasid's notoriety). Anyway, Aquarium is technically fine, and its shortcomings are merely the shortcomings of the genre it belongs to, but llarde makes wonders in the genre he chose.
Finally, we have Richard Somes' Lihim (****/*****). Somes was production designer to Erik Matti in Pa-Siyam and Exodus and this is his first venture into directing. I am pleasantly surprised how good Richard Somes is considering the fact that he is the most neophyte in the bunch. Firstly, he knows what he's doing. He is not going for a full feature film and works to occupy the meager running time that is allowed. He knows that the short film format is not the best medium for plot twists, complex narratives, and complicated characters so he goes for the good old straightforward plot that almost everyone is aware of. A man (Mark Anthony Fernandez) and his pregnant wife (Tanya Garcia) travel to a remote barrio (the explanation why there is never gathered but who cares?). It turns out that the barrio is populated by 'aswangs' and they're out to get the unborn child. Somes is just fantastic. This is probably the most daring horror film that came out of this country in the past years. First of all, the narrative is plainly straightforward and does not bother with indepth characterization but everything is there for you to just take the ride. The cinematography is surprisingly superb. There's this one long take that took me by surprise (the camera circles a room full of barrio people engaged in diabolical merrymaking while a harmonica plays in the background)- it just goes to show how Somes is so good at this and he's not afraid to show off his talent. Lihim transforms midway into a western when the man confronts the monsters to save his wife and unborn child (Somes completes the transformation with a sudden change of musical score and a surprisingly effective utilization of sudden zooms into the face of the hero ala Leone). Then comes the night of the attack which is effectively horrifying concluding in a final battle between the hero and the aswang chief (Nonong Buencamino). I am amazed how Somes (who is a very good production designer) decided not to too much prosthetics but merely cover the aswangs with mud. I'm not sure if Somes has watched any Guy Maddin film but the final battle reminds me of a Maddin film. Somes is clearly a fan of German expressionism as Buencamino eerily moves like Nosferatu and the cinematography, the abrupt editing can be likened to Maddin's modernist silent films. I seriously can't believe how Somes managed to get this film made especially within the Shake, Rattle and Roll series but thank God it got made. Somes is a talent to watch out for. He knows what he's doing. Brilliant!
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i've seen AKO LEGAL WIFE and i admit some partsd were really funny, there were incidences that i was reallly laughing at a scene. but the film isn't perfect... still, i would want some decent films to be shown next year.. parang kahit anong pelikula pinapalabas na lang nila, may maisubmit lang sa MMFF '05.
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no problem, oggsmoggs, in movies there is great debate ;D
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so far I've heard that Mulawin sucks. And from what i've seen from the trailer, it probably does. they haven't even been able to put up their website yet and it's already screening!
I haven't heard any favorable reviews on any of the movies yet. Sigh.
We'll that is not the case as far as GMA is concerned ;D. Press release tells us that Mulawin is a must see movie blah blah blah???, then focusing the camera (probably just an optical illusion) to the hoards ??? ??? of fans lining up to see the movie. ;D ;D ;D
Oh, the effects is also a work of crap, even the Darna movies can top this one 8) 8) :D :D
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no problem, oggsmoggs, in movies there is great debate ;D
You should've finished the movie Joey, I can understand your disdain for the first two episodes (since both of them are what you'll generally expet from the franchise) but the last one just took me by surprise... I was totally caught unaware... Somes' film is just wonderful. Again, he knows the limitations of the short film medium and thus, he doesn't bother at all with boring sideplots and overhanded revelations. Somes goes straight to the point in grandiose style. I'm really surprised that this film got produced by Mother Lily because I know Mother Lily isn't too comfy with maverick directors and styles. Yet, here comes a film that switches moods, genres, and styles so often, that I might be able to consider it truly experimental. I hope this film gets separated from the trilogy of short films and gets an international film festival run.
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i tried to watch it, but i got dizzy. that long shot of the villagers hanging out in the bar at the beginning put me off right away. perhaps i'll watch it another time. but after those first two shorts, you must forgive me if i didn't have the movie stamina to watch the last ;D
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Oggs, that Lihim part of the trilogy sounds a bit like the Manilyn Reynes, Anna Roces, Aljon Jimenez episode of one of the SRR's (a town full of aswangs) -- of course, except for the end part which you mentioned.
Sounds interesting though, I'll try to give it a whirl this week.
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that was shake rattle and roll 3 right? the one which was a comedy?
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Oggs, that Lihim part of the trilogy sounds a bit like the Manilyn Reynes, Anna Roces, Aljon Jimenez episode of one of the SRR's (a town full of aswangs) -- of course, except for the end part which you mentioned.
Sounds interesting though, I'll try to give it a whirl this week.
Yup, reminded me of that too, only this time, the villagers are grittier and you know right from the start that they're up to no good, and the couple aren't exactly the most romantic of couples but just a couple that God somehow threw to that remote corner of the world without any particular reason, and it's not the dialogue or the storyline that drives the film but the mood and the atmosphere.
that long shot of the villagers hanging out in the bar at the beginning put me off right away
That's what actually caught my attention. I swear it's either Mother Lily didn't watch the film or Somes fought a good fight for that long shot.
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probably the former, lol!
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probably the former, lol!
I agree... with the number of entries she has for this festival, Somes' little film would probably be the last in her long queue
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We'll that is not the case as far as GMA is concerned ;D. Press release tells us that Mulawin is a must see movie blah blah blah???, then focusing the camera (probably just an optical illusion) to the hoards ??? ??? of fans lining up to see the movie. ;D ;D ;D
Oh, the effects is also a work of crap, even the Darna movies can top this one 8) 8) :D :D
Well I read this on some Forums, I want to share it here...
"Dahil sa mga plugs at balita tungkol sa pelikulang Mulawin The Movie
na napapanood namin sa mga news programs ng GMA 7, naalaala namin
tuloy ang kanilang slogan na pina-parrot ng kanilang mga newscasters
every day – "Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan…" at kung
anu-ano pa.
Hindi maganda ngayon ang sitwasyon o set-up ng MMFF 2005 para sa GMA
7 dahil ang top three big films sa takilya ay mga pelikula ng mga
Kapuso stars. At dahil sa kanila ang isa, they cannot be fair to all.
Nire-report ng news team nila for some days now ang lakas nito sa
takilya na parang ito ang topnotcher, ayon sa supporters nina Vic
Sotto (Enteng Kabisote) at Bong Revilla (Exodus).
"One sided ang report nila, ang balita nila," ayon sa panig ni Vic.
"Para bang hindi kumikita ang Enteng at Exodus at natalo nila ang mga
pelikula namin dahil walang balita sila tungkol sa mga pelikulang
tumalo sa kanila."
Ayon mismo kay Vic, ang pelikula ng GMA 7 ay "good third" among the
grosser. Ayaw niya kasing gamitin ang phrase na "poor third".
Kaya kami, each time na sinasabi nina Mike at Mel at Arnold ang
phrase na "walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan" na tila buo
ang loob nila, smile na lang kami."
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Next is Mulawin: The Movie which was rated A by the cinema review board. I'm not sure what Rated-A means but this reviewer would think that A means Asswipe after seeing this piece of sticky crap. Mulawin the television series probably worked because of the commercials because being entreated to bad CGI, bad sets, bad acting, and bad scripting for two hours straight is mindnumbing torture. Mulawin: The Movie is one bloated television episode. The music is a lot louder and hence, more jarring. The special effects is a lot more special and hence, eyestraining. The storyline is a lot more complex hence, convulated. The acting is the same - television-trained acting which simply does not work in the big screen. This film is just too bad and unless you are a fan of the show or you're one of those groupies who think everything that GMA makes is pure gold, then go for it. Don't say I didn't warn you. */*****
Yeah it was being hyped by GMA as being the only Rated-A movie among the fantasy entry in this years MMFF. It just makes me wonder na baka may kinalaman ang pagiging active member ni Butch Francisco (GMA talent) sa Cinema Evaluation Board sa pagkakaroon ng A Rating ng Mulawin? ::)
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I just saw Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5 yesterday. And surprise there's still a gem even though its only one in the trilogy.
POSO was bad, even Ms. Gloria Romero can't save the episode from its mess. Silly plot, effects ripped from B-movies. AQUARIUM by Rico Ilarde was good, although imitated from countless Asian horror flicks, the technical craftmanship is better than the first episode. Ogie Alcasid is miscast in this episode.
I liked the last one by Richard Somes' LIHIM NG SAN JOAQUIN. The best among the trilogy, cinematography & production design are perfect! It helps really if you are a former production designer like Somes, you could certainly feel the horrifying atmosphere. I just hope he will not be another Mel Chionglo in the future. Loved the long tracking shots in this episode.
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I just got home from the preview screening of Joel Lamangan's Blue Moon which surprisingly, didn't suck...
Blue Moon almost proves the theory that what the failing Philippine film industry needs is good screenplays because the film works primarily because of its generally palatable screenplay. There are some major quibbles I have with the script, mostly from a historical point of view (I have doubts regarding the fact that the lead character Manuel Pineda could be a pilot during World War II as I'm pretty sure there was no Philippine Airforce yet). The Palanca Award winning screenplay was written by United States based writer Alan Tijano who Lamangan said he had never met in person. Interestingly, the screenplay is pretty simple to follow and has a genuine romantic hard to guide its plot movements. Lamangan works the screenplay well - finally mustering enough skill to actually create a decades-spanning story without being overly issues-oriented. In finality, Lamangan achieved, without ruining, what the screenplay essentially is, a touching fantastical and highly optimistic love story. While Blue Moon does contain sideplots (mostly concerning Pineda's son and grandson and their respective relationships), they are adequately ironed out without having to stray from the ultimate goal of the film. Blue Moon actually gets wrapped up neatly (like most other Filipino films) without leaving you scratching your head. Technically, Blue Moon is fine. Von de Guzman's score is genuinely touching. The cinematography is nice, which is a complement enough for visual aestetics-disabled Lamangan. The special effects is mostly unneeded and offputting but does not disgust enough to put down the entire film. The acting is fine (especially for Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Boots Anson-Roa and Dennis Trillo) and I'm quite surprised as to how Jennelyn Mercado is shaping up as the best thing that came out of the talent search programs that's been invading television programming. Blue Moon has a few bumps that disrupt the otherwise steady flow of the film and the ending could've been a lot more ambiguous (instead of wrapping up everything with a gratuitous morale). Complaints and nitpickings aside, Blue Moon is a film Lamangan can truly be proud of, especially after a string of forgettable flicks. ***1/2/*****
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Totoo bang nangunguna ang Enteng Kabisote 2 sa takilya ngayon?
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I actually want to watch Blue Moon.
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Mulawin the Movie is a mixed between the TV series and Encantadia? What is that all about? ;D
Half baked witless monstrosities?
Value my brain cells?
Advice taken. Thanks for the warning. :)
I think it is supposed to be a "cross-over" between the Mulawin and Encantadia universes. That was intended by the producers for continuity's sake.
Dunno...will be holding out for Narnia, though. See no point throwing away P80 on such mindless drivel...
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Totoo bang nangunguna ang Enteng Kabisote 2 sa takilya ngayon?
alin movie nga ba ang top-grosser ngayon MMFF2005?
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Will try to catch Shake Rattle Roll if only to see Rico's episode.
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This is my sacrifice for the Filipino film industry - to spend my Christmas Day watching three entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
I started my movie marathon with Jose Javier Reyes' latest psycho-thriller Kutob. Reyes seems to be borrowing a lot from Alfred Hitchcock nowadays. I remember his first foray to the psycho-thriller genre Malikmata had several Hitchcock elements which he borrowed and in turn churned out a standard film that I initially thought was okay but upon second watching turned out to be utter crap. Now, here comes Kutob which borrows a lot from Psycho and well, I Know What You Did Last Summer - not a healthy combination I think. The acting is pretty bad. Marvin Agustin plays his psychotic character by the book complete with the annoying accentuations and whatever cliche that comes from playing psychotic minds. Reyes seems to be banking on plot twists nowadays forgeting that nowadays, plot twists are already cliche. Moreover, his plot twist is nothing more but a rip-off from Psycho, thus the plot twist doesn't twist at all but merely establishes the fact that Reyes should start rethinking his stay in the Filipino film industry, lest he be overrun by younger and better directors. Come on, Joey, you can write better than that. *1/2/*****
Next is Mulawin: The Movie which was rated A by the cinema review board. I'm not sure what Rated-A means but this reviewer would think that A means Asswipe after seeing this piece of sticky crap. Mulawin the television series probably worked because of the commercials because being entreated to bad CGI, bad sets, bad acting, and bad scripting for two hours straight is mindnumbing torture. Mulawin: The Movie is one bloated television episode. The music is a lot louder and hence, more jarring. The special effects is a lot more special and hence, eyestraining. The storyline is a lot more complex hence, convulated. The acting is the same - television-trained acting which simply does not work in the big screen. This film is just too bad and unless you are a fan of the show or you're one of those groupies who think everything that GMA makes is pure gold, then go for it. Don't say I didn't warn you. */*****
Last of the bunch is Erik Matti's Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom: Exodus. The film starts with a bunch of kids being told a story by the purple wizard from the theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Now that spells much trouble for the film because the film's insistence to being a film for children builds a disability for the filmmakers. Dwight Gaston made a fantastic script for Pa-Siyam but here he falters as his script lacks depth and sincere emotions. It seems that Gaston forgot that characterization is a prime element to any story. Halfway through the film, I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, not even the hero Exodus (surprisingly played with dignity by Senator Bong Revilla Jr. despite the obvious physical unsuitability of the role). Matti's direction is suitable. The cinematography is okay. The music is beautiful and unobtrusive. The special effects is a lot better than most Filipino films but is still far from the best. What strikes me as a saving grace for the film is the design and the concept which makes me annoyed how such concept was put to waste by the misconception that children need to be fed mindless entertainment. This film could've had a more interesting story if Matti, Gaston and the stupid producers (who probably forced Matti and his crew to be on the safe side) were more daring (well, not exactly daring since telling good stories is probably human nature). Miyazaki knew that children love great, emotional stories. Why are our filmmakers underestimating our children. Give them an Exodus with a lot more oomph than computer bitmaps. Althougn this is the best film I've seen in the festival so far, this is also the one that got me most annoyed because this film had actual potential - a simple story that could've gone far if the filmmakers just took a lot more risks. **1/2/*****
Thanks for the warning, oggs. I wasn't able to watch many movies during the holidays - - -only Mulawin - - -but these just saves me the bother. Had my eye on Exodus because I like Erik's work some ot the time but now I'll just catch Shake Rattle Roll.
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Thanks for the warning, oggs. I wasn't able to watch many movies during the holidays - - -only Mulawin - - -but these just saves me the bother. Had my eye on Exodus because I like Erik's work some ot the time but now I'll just catch Shake Rattle Roll.
Exodus is infinitely better than Mulawin, you should've watched that instead of the tale of the flying chickens. Exodus suffers mainly because there is a blatant lack of depth in the plot, which is as simple as it gets. I'm guessing the producers had a lot to do with Exodus' failure, as the original script contained a lot more characterization. Exodus is clearly Matti, its visually intriguing but quite cinematically flat. Mulawin, on the other hand, is plain horrendous and its defenders (or I would like to believe) have their mouths sucking desperately on the teats of Richard Gutierrez's vocal mom, hence its A rating.
Do watch Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2k5, I have yet to read an intelligent review of that underrated film. I'd love to see what you think of Somes' portion, and of course Ilarde's too. Throw in Blue Moon too, if you have time. I think it's Lamangan's best in ages, primarily because of its script - Lamangan's direction is adequate at most.
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Exodus is infinitely better than Mulawin, you should've watched that instead of the tale of the flying chickens. Exodus suffers mainly because there is a blatant lack of depth in the plot, which is as simple as it gets. I'm guessing the producers had a lot to do with Exodus' failure, as the original script contained a lot more characterization. Exodus is clearly Matti, its visually intriguing but quite cinematically flat. Mulawin, on the other hand, is plain horrendous and its defenders (or I would like to believe) have their mouths sucking desperately on the teats of Richard Gutierrez's vocal mom, hence its A rating.
Do watch Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2k5, I have yet to read an intelligent review of that underrated film. I'd love to see what you think of Somes' portion, and of course Ilarde's too. Throw in Blue Moon too, if you have time. I think it's Lamangan's best in ages, primarily because of its script - Lamangan's direction is adequate at most.
I actually got coerced into watching Mulawin. Let's just say Richard Guiterrez had something to do with it. Someone wanted eyecandy that day. ;) Least it had Angel Locsin for my eyecandy. Still, horrible.
I'll still try and catch Exodus if I have the time but will definitely try and watch Shake. That Guy Maddin refrence in your review has me piqued. And yeah, Blue Moon. Not a fan of lamangan but why not? Tomorrow, maybe. Or hell, tonight.
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I actually got coerced into watching Mulawin. Let's just say Richard Guiterrez had something to do with it. Someone wanted eyecandy that day. ;) Least it had Angel Locsin for my eyecandy. Still, horrible.
I'll still try and catch Exodus if I have the time but will definitely try and watch Shake. That Guy Maddin refrence in your review has me piqued. And yeah, Blue Moon. Not a fan of lamangan but why not? Tomorrow, maybe. Or hell, tonight.
Yeah, Angel Locsin is eyecandy, but Sunshine Dizon, in all her cellulite glory pops out of nowhere (like most other characters in this godforsaken film) and ruins everything.
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Just watched Blue Moon with the family and everyone was crying at the end. I do appreciate the effort to make a good movie but Mark Herras as the young Eddie Garcia ::) is plain awful! They should have given the role to someone with talent.
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I just got home from the preview screening of Joel Lamangan's Blue Moon which surprisingly, didn't suck...
Blue Moon almost proves the theory that what the failing Philippine film industry needs is good screenplays because the film works primarily because of its generally palatable screenplay. There are some major quibbles I have with the script, mostly from a historical point of view (I have doubts regarding the fact that the lead character Manuel Pineda could be a pilot during World War II as I'm pretty sure there was no Philippine Airforce yet). The Palanca Award winning screenplay was written by United States based writer Alan Tijano who Lamangan said he had never met in person. Interestingly, the screenplay is pretty simple to follow and has a genuine romantic hard to guide its plot movements. Lamangan works the screenplay well - finally mustering enough skill to actually create a decades-spanning story without being overly issues-oriented. In finality, Lamangan achieved, without ruining, what the screenplay essentially is, a touching fantastical and highly optimistic love story. While Blue Moon does contain sideplots (mostly concerning Pineda's son and grandson and their respective relationships), they are adequately ironed out without having to stray from the ultimate goal of the film. Blue Moon actually gets wrapped up neatly (like most other Filipino films) without leaving you scratching your head. Technically, Blue Moon is fine. Von de Guzman's score is genuinely touching. The cinematography is nice, which is a complement enough for visual aestetics-disabled Lamangan. The special effects is mostly unneeded and offputting but does not disgust enough to put down the entire film. The acting is fine (especially for Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Boots Anson-Roa and Dennis Trillo) and I'm quite surprised as to how Jennelyn Mercado is shaping up as the best thing that came out of the talent search programs that's been invading television programming. Blue Moon has a few bumps that disrupt the otherwise steady flow of the film and the ending could've been a lot more ambiguous (instead of wrapping up everything with a gratuitous morale). Complaints and nitpickings aside, Blue Moon is a film Lamangan can truly be proud of, especially after a string of forgettable flicks. ***1/2/*****
Oggs, I think there were a few Filipino pilots during the World War II. We had antiquated American planes at our disposal at that time. However, Japanese planes took them out when they bombed Clark and the other airfields. It was Villamor, of Villamor Airbase, who shot down some Japanese Zeros (using an older plane) which eventually made him a hero.
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For me i think we just have to concentrate making films that brings out the acting abilities of our talents and not to try venturing on the area of special effects.. maybe not this time muna. Nagmumukhang bobo tuloy tayo, such as when Bong Revilla claims that his Exodus may even be better that the Lord the Rings.. because his Exodus has more effects that the latter. Really cannot prevent keep myself to laugh ;D
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Actually, we have the means to make "Hollywood special effects" but producers are not willing to invest that much money.
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Yeah, Angel Locsin is eyecandy, but Sunshine Dizon, in all her cellulite glory pops out of nowhere (like most other characters in this godforsaken film) and ruins everything.
What you said man. Baby fat in school play armor - - - not a pretty sight.
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Would anyone know when the MMFF will end? It's killing my sales at my shop because no one's watching movies anymore. >:(
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For me i think we just have to concentrate making films that brings out the acting abilities of our talents and not to try venturing on the area of special effects.. maybe not this time muna. Nagmumukhang bobo tuloy tayo, such as when Bong Revilla claims that his Exodus may even be better that the Lord the Rings.. because his Exodus has more effects that the latter. Really cannot prevent keep myself to laugh ;D
Point well taken. Look at the film industries of India or even Vietnam.
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grabe nagpamigay ng tig-iisang milyon si Arroyo sa mga producers. Nahalata tuloy na buwakaw si Monteverde kasi dalawang beses na binigyan ng cheque. Kapal ng mukha ni Lily Monteverde talaga!
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Para saan daw yung one million pesos?
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Para saan daw yung one million pesos?
Incentive for the producers who came up with their respective entries. Sana napunta na lang sa COLA namin. ;D Back to the topic......Saw three films in a row yesterday before my eyeballs popped up after I came home.
AKO LEGAL WIFE was funny, can't believe that Roy Iglesias can write a comedy film like that. The three leads are all amazing and Zsa Zsa Padilla's comic performance was riveting! Very well-deserved of winning last night. Catch it especially if you are a womanizer, and have laugh at yourself once in a while.
EXODUS was well-executed and visually stunning piece of work! Who says, we can't beat those Hollywood crap? If only they improve more of the story & plot, it could have been better, but still it delivered some of the best visuals ever to flourish in a fantasy film. Reminds me of ONCE UPON A TIME which was the costliest movie made back in 1987.
MULAWIN was technically well-made but I still like the visuals of EXODUS. Its like I was just watching the special tv series blown up on the big screen and the wooden performances of the leads added to the disastrous atmosphere of the movie. I've been warned but I didn't take it seriously. And this was RATED A by the CEB? :o
I'll catch up with BLUE MOON this week. If only for all the accolades it received, so far.
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For once, I agree with Mother Lily and Joel Lamangan,
They said that it's unfair that Joey Reyes got Best Director for a film that merely won Third Best Picture... I thought they should have argued on how can a director win for an unbelievably bad film, now that would hit the spot perfectly. I thought Richard Somes should be Best Director.
ZsaZsa Padilla as Best Actress... quite predictable, she has the showiest role. I would've personally chosen Jennelyn Mercado, but I have no qualms with the judges' decision. Marvin Agustin as Best Actor... well, to give him credit, he's probably one of the four actors who actually acted (Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, and Dennis Trillo). The rest (Richard Gutierrez, Sen. Revilla, Vic Sotto) just incidentally had their faces and bodies on screen. My only problem is that Agustin acted... quite terribly. I would've chosen Eddie Garcia, or even Dennis Trillo for Blue Moon.
Best Supporting Actor for Jose Manalo... now that's the biggest joke of the night. If they wanted a surprise winner, why not add Ruby Rodriguez as best supporting actress (who rightfully went to Cherry Pie Picache's perfect comedic turn), Uro dela Cruz as best director, and Terrorist Hunter as best festival film.
The technical awards were given out justly. Some minor qualms tho, Kutob is horribly edited and that won? Jaime Fabrigas is a better actor than a scorer, his score for Kutob is second-rate psycho-thriller scoring... biases aside, Von de Guzman's work for Exodus and Blue Moon are a million times more effective.
I thought Blue Moon deserved being the best picture... I'm a bit uncomfortable with the second and third placers but do they really matter?
Oh well, let the sourgraping begin...
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Hahaha!!! I am now watching S-Files and Annabelle Rama is bitchin' about Mother Lily and how come Mulawin didn't win. WHAT A SORE LOSER!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA...
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I thought Blue Moon deserved being the best picture...
In the name of all things good and holy: Why?!
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In the name of all things good and holy: Why?!
Simply because it's the best of the lot... I can say with a straight face that Blue Moon is okay, compared to the rest. Now, if Lihim ng San Joaquin were separated from its uglier stepsiblings, then that would be the best film.
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The third epsiode of Shake - - -Lihim ng San Joaquin was beautiful. And you have to admire Rico's attempt at parallel edit suspense and visual mnemonics in his segment - - Aquarium. Love that first crane shot showing Ara under glass - - clever, hehe - - and he should've milked that kerida subplot and not given the exposition over to that creepy old lady telling the kid the entire backstory. In fact, the backstory's unnecessary but Filipinos need backstory so local films and Hollywood spoonfeeds it to them, I guess. Aquarium is undone only by one of the things that undo Uro's episode - - Poso - - -a loud annoying comedienne.
Agree with whoever said we should stop aping Hollywood special effects. And Hollywood movies, for that matter.
Hollywood makes 90% of the worst movies in the world. I'll repeat that. Hollywood makes 90% of the worst movies in the world. Why bother going after that level of quality?
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Glad you liked Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2k5. Now, I am no longer alone...
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Remember a few years back when Rudy Fernandez's Hula Mo Huli Ko won Best Sound? Even the sound technician didn't agree with their winning!
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I was surprised to learn that there was an entry called "Terrorist Hunter"! Wtf?! Never saw any poster of it at all!
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Sabi Mother Lily, may Mafia daw sa MMFF. Di ba parte siya nun? Buwakaw talaga yang babaeng iyan!
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More sourgraping......MELANIE MARQUEZ (The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez) winning over JACKLYN JOSE (Itanong Mo sa Buwan). ::)
There are so many loopholes when they choose the winners, so don't presume that you'll win if you are one of the nominees.
But then........MMFF back in 1982 made the right decision for Ishmael Bernal's HIMALA.
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The third epsiode of Shake - - -Lihim ng San Joaquin was beautiful. And you have to admire Rico's attempt at parallel edit suspense and visual mnemonics in his segment - - Aquarium. Love that first crane shot showing Ara under glass - - clever, hehe - - and he should've milked that kerida subplot and not given the exposition over to that creepy old lady telling the kid the entire backstory. In fact, the backstory's unnecessary but Filipinos need backstory so local films and Hollywood spoonfeeds it to them, I guess. Aquarium is undone only by one of the things that undo Uro's episode - - Poso - - -a loud annoying comedienne.
Agree with whoever said we should stop aping Hollywood special effects. And Hollywood movies, for that matter.
Hollywood makes 90% of the worst movies in the world. I'll repeat that. Hollywood makes 90% of the worst movies in the world. Why bother going after that level of quality?
We can't match the grandeur and price of those Hollywood special effects, but we do have the creativity to challenge them. X, your post regarding Hollywood films is one of the best I've ever read in this thread. May your tribe increase!
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Hahaha!!! I am now watching S-Files and Annabelle Rama is b**chin' about Mother Lily and how come Mulawin didn't win. WHAT A SORE LOSER!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA...
as if they weren't a part of the film fest scam wayback...
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Quotes from the scam way way back:
"Take it! Take it!"
"Why can't you leave me alone in my craping party?!!!!"
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as if they weren't a part of the film fest scam wayback...
That was the Manila Film Festival... Anyway, here's an interesting read regarding the Metro Manila Film Festival and its tradition of sourgraping.
The MMFF
FROM THIS CORNER
By Armida Siguion-Reyna
The Daily Tribune, 01/10/2006
The most recent Metro-Manila Film Festival post-awards night
brouhaha brings to mind other controversies of many an MMFF in the
past. Thanks to my computer archives, I remember some.
"This year's MMFF started on a sour note. Rules were violated with
impunity, no thanks to the brainless imperative that empowered the
MMFF Executive Committee to change existing guidelines and
regulations as it saw fit, with the selection of festival films
already in process. It was bad in the `70s, when deadlines were as
early as then moved to accommodate the superstars. Worse now, with
deadlines not only extended but the number of entries more elastic
than Lastikman, at first "7 `official' and 2 `unofficial' entries,"
then "9 `official' entries," at one point rumored "4 `official'
entries," and finally back to "7 + 2." Whew!" (Jan. 7, 2003, From
This Corner, on the 2002 MMFF)
The 2002 MMFF was the year of the first Mano Po. Dekada '70
screenwriter Lualhati Bautista walked out of the awards night
because she was not nominated. Director Chito Roño was also said to
have minded losing the Best Director award to Joel Lamangan, but I
did not see him as grievous as he was when his work in Itanong Mo sa
Buwan lost to Patrolman in the 1988 MMFF, where Melanie Marquez got
the Best Actress trophy for The Melanie Marquez Story, beating,
among others, Amy Austria in Bubbles (The Celestina Sanchez Story)
Jacklyn Jose, Chito's star in Itanong….
On Jan. 20, 2002, I noted, also from this corner: "I've been a MMFF
juror myself. There was a year the entries were generally below par,
we decided not to give a Best Picture and a Best Director award, to
the chagrin of the organizers. They never asked me back.
"I've likewise been a festival participant, either as actress or
producer. Reynafilms' Kung Mawawala Ka Pa won Best Picture in 1994
over May Minamahal, a much more touted-to-win Joey Reyes film
produced by Star Cinema. Joey did not gripe over his Second-Best
Picture trophy. Neither did he make reference to buying a trophy in
Recto, nor cast aspersion on the integrity of the jurors."
The 2001 MMFF had Cesar Montano dropping a bomb in his acceptance
speech for Best Actor, saying that he didn't mind not receiving Best
Picture recognition for Bagong Buwan, because trophies for such
could be bought in Recto, anyway. Soon as he said this, naghalo na
ang balat sa tinalupan. Lily Monteverde was bruited about to have
thrown her cellphone on the floor as an angry response to the quip,
but wait—d'on nga ba sa MMFF na iyon nagbato si Mother ng cellphone?
I'm getting confused.
Then again, I'm not surprised that I am confused. MMFF history has
always been acrimonious; it's hard to recall exactly who fought whom
over what award in what year with rabid Vilmanians to this day still
shouting foul over Nora Aunor's MMFF Best Actress win for Atsay,
over Vilma's Rubia Servios.
I've had my fair share — how odd to use the word fair, in connection
with the MMFF! — of heartaches over this yearly movie industry
affair.
In 1977, I fielded Mga Bilanggong Birhen under the banner of PERA
Films, during which I fought—and how—with then San Juan Mayor Joseph
Estrada. In 1994, I entered Reynafilms' Kung Mawawala Ka Pa, and
there fought with no one except my son Carlitos, who resigned in the
pre-production stage due to "creative differences," which resulted
in Jose Mari Avellana taking over. Of course I had my own set of
squabbles with Jose Mari, but those were nothing compared to what
took place between Mario O' Hara and me, in Mga Bilanggong Birhen.
I had just made up with Lino Brocka (galit-bati kami ni Lino, but
God, how I miss the man!), when he mentioned to me a period story
that Mario was working on. I invited Mario for lunch to discuss the
material and two weeks later he presented me the first draft of a
beautiful love story set at the turn of two centuries ago, to star
Alma Moreno, Rez Cortez, Mario Montenegro, Leroy Salvador, Barbara
Luna and Trixia Gomez. Lino loved the story and encouraged us to go
ahead with it.
To cut the story short, Mario and I had a (major) falling-out, and
Romy Suzara took over as director. Lino sided with Mario, and during
Bilanggo's post-production at LVN where Lino was also working on his
MMFF entry. INAY, he would give me dagger looks na parang talagang
gusto niya akong sakmalin, and even demanded that his scenes be
removed from the movie.
Acceding to his request, I eliminated his scenes except the one
where Alma Moreno was abducted, because that was a full shot which
included the lead star, in a major sequence. Galit na galit siya.
When I was nominated Best Actress in the MMFF awards night, Lino, by
his admission when we had again made up, prayed for me not to win.
Only three of us were nominated for Best Actress: Liza Lorena for
Ishmael Bernal's Walang Katapusang Tag-Araw, Vilma Santos for Celso
Ad Castillo's Burlesk Queen and me. Vilma won, and I didn't feel
bad.
That MMFF is also remembered for the "bagama't-bagama't" citations "…
bagama't makabagbag damdamin ang pag-ganap ni (name of one being
cited) sa walang kabuluhang pelikula…"
Burlesk Queen won practically all the awards except for production
design and cinematography, which were won by Laida Perez and Romy
Vitug, respectively, for Bilanggung Birhen.
At the awards night, with his Mangarap Ka't Magising bombarded with
a series of "bagamat" citations Mike de Leon walked out. Lino
followed him and bumped into Rolando Tinio, member of the Board of
Jurors and perceived to have written the citations. Lino screamed at
Rolando: "Bakla!" Rolando shot back: "Bakla ka rin!"
Lino rolled up his barong sleeves, and challenged Rolando: "Ano,
sabunutan tayo, bakla sa bakla!"
MMFF Chairman Doroy Valencia, out in the hallway, raised his voice
at the fighting duo: "Pareho kayong bakla!" And right there and
then, nagmistulang palengke ang reception room of the Coral Ballroom
of the Manila Hilton Hotel.
No one knew that both Rolando and Lino were going to be National
Artists one day. And when they were awarded, no one said they didn't
deserve the honor. Rolando, for his work in theater as writer,
producer and actor, and Lino, for his work in films and anti-
censorship position that pushed him to include the phrase "freedom
of _expression" in the 1987 Constitution's Bill of Rights.
By the way, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's handpicked supposed wise men —
pending approval in a national plebiscite or referendum na lulutuin
rin nila — have rewritten the particular proviso: "No law shall be
passed abridging the responsible exercise of the freedom of speech,
of _expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably
to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances."
This is beyond the MMFF, pero ito ang talagang dapat labanan.
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Good article. Hopefully, someone can write a more exhaustive history of the various awards in this country without glossing over the controversies, the fights and the scandals.
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1977 was probably the most controversial and colorful year in the history of MMFF.
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1977 was probably the most controversial and colorful year in the history of MMFF.
1978 was also controversial because of the Nora-Vilma competition for Best Actress...
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Did they really return all the trophies for Celso Ad Castillo's BURLESK QUEEN, Jo? And yeah, that was a very stiff competition also for the two movie icons on the following year.
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i don't think they returned the trophies... as far as i know all the wiiners still have them. as a matter of fact i saw Rosemarie Gil's Best Supporting Actress Award for Burlesk Queen years ago...