FEATURE I Lights, Camera, Action: 4 Filipino Films Worth Revisiting
Cinema is only dead for those who refuse to see what continues to keep it alive. With the abundance of foreign films that hit the mainstream every day, how will our local cine industry thrive? The answer is simple: it takes one rewind button from you as we recap some Filipino films that are worth re-watching.
Filipinos have long been captivated by full-on dramas that involve accidents plus amnesia, baby switching, infidelities, and, as ironic as it may sound, these plots are cliché, and if not, unexciting.
In contrast to the stereotypical and obvious dramatic formula of local movies, the first film on our list still holds the title of being one of the most heart-wrenchingly written plot twists in Philippine cinema—it's time to ugly cry again as we recap 'Magnifico.'
The Cycle of Life or Coffin of Poverty: Magnifico
The movie stands on the somber side of cinematography and musical scoring which pushes its main plot even more tear-jerking. This film is exalted as a milestone classic in Philippine Cinema with its familiar setting of the protagonist's impoverished life mirroring the everyday lives of Filipinos living below the poverty line. Beyond the critical claim in this film which bested different awards in terms of acting and picture, this film will undoubtedly make us look at our families and be glad we are still graced by their presence.
With the film's simplified pacing and storytelling, one may think that they already figured out what will happen next as the story's plot of how Magnifico is building a coffin in preparation for his ailing grandmother's inevitable demise amid his family members facing their own personal dilemmas. The film hits close to home as it was unapologetic in showing how poverty branches out to worse problems to the point that even children, like Ikoy, are encouraged to find solutions.
This film will bring us to look at both the simplicity and complexity of life from the eyes of Ikoy. In life, we are often preoccupied with thinking of ways to survive tomorrow and this film is a timely reminder of how dearly we love our grandmothers, how being poor means unspoken responsibilities, and how life is rather short. This film from 2003 is a timeless classic that will not only make us cry but also be able to look at people with more compassion.
School, Struggles, and Being Saved by Friendships: Bar Boys
From an award-winning heavy drama, our next film to recap is a little more on the side of light and fun but still undeniably well-thought of and researched. Remember how we used to wish that we would find ourselves in the same class as our friends? Or how we vowed that we would all take the same course and succeed on eerily similar plans?
In reality, universities do not take friendships as determining factors for people to pave a similar academic route and this is where the bar boys and one non-bar boy's story began. Erik, Torran, Chris, and Josh, characterized from different backgrounds, look up to having an "Atty." to their names, only to realize that there are some ways to be a lawyer and some inevitable setbacks to make that dream difficult to achieve.
The comedic approach of this film is not about the punchlines or physical comedy but more about the kind of humor we can only find when we are among friends. Even for those who did not go to law school, the film is very relatable because of the class setting, terror professors, and dreadful class recitations.
This film is a reminder of how failure is not always the dead end we think it is. The movie begins and ends with very real examples of how life is not always the way we imagined it to be and how privilege is a very real determining factor to achieving success with less stress. If you are looking for a sign to go to law school or just be reminded why friends are forever—Bar Boys is a feel-good watch for you. A perfect balance of humor and reality that will make you either be grateful to still be in school or miss those days!
On the Vengeful and Violent Nature of Justice: Birdshot
On a much heavier note, Birdshot explores dark themes of violence, corruption, and social injustices blending into a perfectly paced thriller. Set in a rural area, the story revolves around Maya, a young girl who shot a Philippine Eagle and sets off an unsettling chain of events. It also features another significant character, Domingo, who is a strong-willed policeman aiming to solve a case of missing farmers but is slowly lured into corruption by his seniors.
In this movie, we can see how the seemingly petty case of missing bird branches out into rather devastating chaos of death threats, police brutality, retribution, and desperation. We take a look at justice with more depth, and how revenge as a fuel for it only leads to an endless cycle of violence — a relevant factor with which perspective we can look at our justice system today.
The brilliant storytelling and captivating shots show the contrast between the peaceful sanctuary and the grim stories it holds, which almost serves as a metaphor for Maya and Domingo who are both introduced as innocent, but whose eyes eventually open into the reality of the systems they are succumbed to. With every scene unfolding, this award-winning film pulls a thread that seemingly connects each event and character into a tension-packed masterpiece. Birdshot is definitely a must-watch if you are looking for a perfect blend of politics and artistic cinema.
The Love that Binds Us All: Four Sisters and a Wedding
Of course, this list would not be complete without this 9-year-old classic. We’re not saying we have favorites, but when you think of Filipino movies, you think of Four Sisters and a Wedding.
We follow the story of the Salazar sisters: Bobbie, Teddie, Alex, and Gabbie who come up with seemingly absurd plans to stop their beloved brother CJ from getting married to the lavish and grandiose Princess. Along the way, we start to discover the sisters’ unspoken struggles as the sudden reunion turns out to be a blessing in disguise, giving them a chance to address unconfronted issues and resolve lingering feuds.
Being family-oriented is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, which may be one of the reasons why this movie is a hit. This film also offers well-rounded characters that are easy to resonate with. Whether you’re like Teddie, the eldest daughter who will do anything to appear tough and resist failure, or Bobbie, whose efforts seem to go unfazed and unappreciated by your family, this film will definitely pluck some heartstrings. It shows us that despite our differences and struggles, the love of our family is one thing that we can run to, just like how we can find comfort in this heartwarming film whenever we need it.
With these Filipino masterpieces and more, it is not a stretch to say that our local film industry can only go upward as more of our brilliant filmmakers and creatives continue to tell stories through the screens. It is up to us now to show our appreciation for their craft, and see that what we might be looking for has been right here all along. When we show support for our local films, we play a part in keeping the Filipino film scene exceptional from others. Written by: Felicity Anne Castor and Sharona Nicole Semilla Graphics: Alyssa San Diego
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