What are the Best Filipino Films
The 1950s and the 1970s have emerged as the Golden Ages of Philippine cinema in recent times, judging by a poll conducted by Planet Philippines staffers among specialists in films, including directors, poets, screenplay writers, critics, and scholars.
The 1950s were dominated by film masters like the late Lamberto V. Avellana and the late Gerardo de Leon, many of whose films won awards here and abroad. Both became National Artists. Their masterpieces include (Avellana) Anak Dalita, Badjao and Portrait of the Artist as Filipino; and (de Leon) Noli Me Tangera, El Filibusterismo, and Sisa.
Most of the movies then were in black and white, with the better directors receiving their inspiration from Philippine history as well as the contemporary Philippine experience.
Political satire was evident in Juan Tamad Goes to Congress, directed by Manuel Conde, another master, whose Genghis Khan garnered praise from foreign critics and was shown abroad.
By the 1970s, two young directors — Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal — became outstanding, turning out a series of memorable films. Brocka megged Manila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag, recently adjudged a classic of world cinema, Insiang, Orapronobis, and other masterworks. Bernal directed Himala, Nunal sa Tubig and City After Dark, to name a few.
Brocka and Bernal, unfortunately died while in their prime, but both became posthumous National Artists. Another director of the 1980s, Mike de Leon, is no longer active these days. His last film, Bayaning Third World, was a critical hit but did not do good business. Cineastes are hoping that de Leon, a recluse, will be persuaded to direct once more.
In between the directors of the 1950s and the 1970s is Eddie Romero, now in his early 70s, who became a National Artist this year. Romero’s most cited film is Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, a historical drama.
And we have the outstanding directors who continue to make good movies today, like Laurice Guillen (Salome), Marilou Diaz Abaya (Jose Rizal), Chito Roño (Bata Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa), Peque Gallaga (Oro Plata Mata), Joel Lamangan (The Flor Contemplacion Story), Gil Portes (Munting Tinig), Jeffrey Jeturian (Tubog), Lab Diaz (Batang West Side), Maryo de los Reyes (Magni-fico), Jose Javier Reyes (Makati Avenue), and Carlos Siguion Reyna (Azucena).
Here is a list of best Filipino films, as chosen by our respondents:
Lito Casaje
Director
Nunal sa Tubig
Orapronobis
Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim Tagak
Kisapmata
Salome
Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
Manila by Night
Tanging Yaman
Sa Pusod ng Dagat
Milagros
Mortal
Anak Dalita
Biyaya ng Lupa
Oro Plata Mata
Tony Espejo
Director
Nunal sa Tubig
Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
Kisapmata
Insiang
Itim
Pacifica Falayfay
Tisoy
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?
Olongapo
Oro Plata Mata
Jose F. Lacaba
Poet-Screenplay Writer
(“I have disqualified films I scripted.”)
Daigdig ng mga Api
Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
Himala
Batch ’81
Oro Plata Mata
Nicanor G. Tiongson
Cultural Researcher
Noli Me Tangere
El Filibusterismo
Sisa
Anak Dalita
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?
Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
Orapronobis
Gumapang Ka sa Lusak
Nunal sa Tubig
City After Dark
Himala
Batch ’81
Bayaning 3rd World
Oro Plata Mata
Salome
Moral
Bata Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?
The Flor Contemplacion Story
Makati Avenue
Azucena
Magnifico
Munting Tinig
Tubog Sa Ginto
Nestor Torre
Columnist-Critic
Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
Biyaya ng Lupa
Juan Tamad Goes to Congress
Geron Busabos, Ang Batang Quiapo
Kundiman ng Lahi
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?
Batch ’81
Sister Stella L.
The Moises Padilla Story
José Rizal
