This year’s Cine Filipino has a very strong roster of films that tackled themes from kill-for-pay to street hustlers.
It’s also interesting to see some common threads in the eight movies we’ve watched.
Here’s my ranking of the eight feature films:
8. Mga Mister Ni Rosario, Alpha Habon
Interesting concept and it had promise at the beginning: a method actor married to a devoted wife who is willing to go to great lengths to support her husband.
But just how far is she willing to go? Is she willing to risk her life for her husband’s role of a lifetime?
Kate Alejandrino is the perfect Rosario. The role of the husband, however, felt more appropriate to another actor. Just saying.
The attempt to make the story interesting at the latter part was evident. The execution, however, fell short.
I think had the script delved into the psycho-thriller aspect from the get-go and went full blast, the results would have been different.
7. Hitboy, Bor Ocampo
Engaging and thought-provoking, Hitboy started out well.
Until that silly fight scene between the two goons involving a pencil. “Campy” was painted on each scene of the entire movie from that point forward.
I had two questions: 1. What’s the fascination with Mon Confiado? 2. How come we didn’t see more of the brilliant Rosanna Roces?
6. Excuse Me Po, Ronald Batallones
It’s about time we see something inspired by these ‘pitiful’ hustlers we encounter on the streets of Metro Manila.
Elizabeth Oropesa was perfect for the role. She gave it justice. Had only the script been free of unecessary scenes and dialogues that felt more appropriate for a teleserye. But I guess maybe that’s what they were aiming for?
It is a feel good movie, the kind that the struggling Filipino will be able and want to relate to because of its story.
5. Poon, Roni Benaid
Poon had this appeal right from the get-go. It’s that movie we were rooting for. So imagine the excitement when the first few minutes rolled in.
The qualities of a horror movie are present: shock factor, scare tactics, eerie plot, mysterious characters, unsettling events. The build up is there. The back stories are strategically planted in between scenes.
The performances, especially by Glydel Mercado, were effective.
The problem is weaving everything together. Once we get to the peak that’s where things got a little problematic.
4. Delia & Sammy, Theresa Cayaba
It was refreshing to see two veteran actors share the screen in roles that are not exactly rootable.
Delia (Rosemary Gil) and Sammy (Jaime Fabregas) play a couple who only had each other. Sammy was on the verge of cognitive disorder while Delia is dying of cancer.
She now needs to find someone to take care of her philandering husband.
Problem is, they were too mean to people in the past (up until now). They represent the entitled, narcissistic and selfish people we encounter today.
Despite their mean characters, Gil and Fabregas gave memorable performances that will still make you root for them.
3. Mata Tapang, Rod Marmol
I thought this was a war movie, which excited me. But after the first few minutes of the moviw, my eyes were rolling all the way to Bohol.
Things turned around after the opening credits.
The movie was well-written and it became something totally different than what I initially expected.
Solid performances from the leads (Guzman, Azul, Villaflor) but it was the story and the smooth execution that gave it appeal and tugged the heart strings.
2. The Eternity Between Seconds, Alec Figueracion
Out of all the movies in this festival, Figueracion’s entry was the one where I had least expectations.
I knew it was going to be a talky film but it felt like it was going to be one of those snoozefests.
But boy was I glad to be wrong.
First of all, the shots were impressive. The movie had this Lost In Translation vibe with the cinematography and production design.
Then there’s the script. It’s natural, simple yet prolific in its own way. I enjoyed how the events unfolded the way they did. It didn’t feel forced at all, except, maybe, for a few moments when the dialogues felt like they were trying to sound more prolific than they actually are.
But overall, this movie is a must-watch.
1. Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus, Dwein Baltazar
This movie gives Quiapo a whole new meaning. From being infested with snatchers and unpleasant characters, this Manila landmark became a place where all your desires come to life, regardless of their improbabilities.
That positive spin is what adds to the film’s appeal. It’s a good watch; the kind that will keep your mind racing as to how these characters are going to end up.
Iana Bernardez is a magical force in the screen. She enthralls and captivates. Can definitely perform even without speaking.
