By Sanriel Chris Ajero
We are more than a quarter off of 2010 and my film viewing log has been cut to half as compared to last year. For personal satisfaction and to put myself under pressure, I will start doing a list of the best films I’ve seen per month. This first installment, however, is an exception. The first two months of the year was spent mostly to watch more films for the Best of 2009 that I did. So this list I’m doing now is basically for March and April viewing. Mind that I personally declared March to be a Filipino films month so expect more of those in the following entries.
What follows is a list of the 10 best films I saw during the last two months (March and April, 2010) with one-liner writeups (because I’m lazy).
I
Khavn at his most tender. Partly about beautiful poetry; partly about captivating music; partly about the University of the Philippines; partly about the story of two young adults – but entirely about love.
I
I
The most romantic thing I’ve seen in quite a while. Campion manages to suck the cheese in all of us without being cringe-inducing. It also features a lovely turn from newcomer Abbie Cornish. Did I mention it also looks absolutely pretty?
I
I
One of the rare proofs that surreal can look beautiful and delicate. A short stop-motion film from Solito that recreates a ritual on physical transformation.
I
I
Not allowing their children to ever leave their compound while teaching them the most bizarre and inaccurate lessons in life, this unnamed dysfunctional family deals with secrets, protection, discipline and rebellion in a manner that would demand highlighting the fine line between innocence and just plain insanity.
I
I
It started as a dream project from master animator Walt Disney and visual artist Salvador Dali. It ended up as one of the most beautiful sets of images my eyes have ever had the pleasure of seeing.
I
I
Major film outfits in the country have tried, a million times and then some, to create a love story with a heart. I can’t recall them ever hitting the mark or even doing anything close to this gem – a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of two lost souls.
I
I
A gorgeous mosaic of ordinary people – uniquely and bleakly framed in a tableau – each dealing with his own insecurity, vulnerabilty, and longing for someone.
I
I
Some people might not get anything from this film. It basically has no direct plot and straightforward narration. It does, however, bombard your eyes with beautifully blinding images and neon lights, and takes one to the fast paced train rides and neverending dance parties – as if contrasted to Vicky, the lead character’s slow, almost uneventful and meaningless existence.
I
I
There is no other director in the world that can hook one’s interest into watching an hour-long sequence of a group of friends just doing drugs – at the edge of one’s seat. By watching this, you’ve never put 9 hours of your life to better use.
I
I
Aside from being one of the best acted films this country has ever produced, it also is one of the most disturbing and unforgettable portraits of a Filipino family. Everything we learned about a family in all the teleseryes we’ve ever seen will all be shattered just by its final indelible sequence – one that will forever taint the Filipinos’ once dreamlike picture of a happy ending.
I
I
Here are some highlights of my March and April film viewing sessions:
I
First film seen from the cut-off date:
The ultimate horror film – with slashers, werewolves, ghosts, killers, aliens – everything that would scare even your darkest nightmares.
I
I
Last film seen from the cut-off date:
Very pretty, but sometimes excessively so. The subtle performance from the lead was overshadowed by the intentionally gimmicky and very literal metaphors. A good film nonetheless.
I
I
Scariest film from the selection:
A definite cult classic. It shows how fluidly it juxtaposes the dangers of the supernatural as to the dangers brought about by man.
I
I
Weirdest/Oddest film from the selection:
No words for this. See it to believe it.
I
I
Prettiest film from the selection:
Exquisite shots, colorful set designs, lavish costumes, and beautifully played characters paint a very pretty picture in this amazingly crafted comeback film of the great Jane Campion.
I
I
Most disgusting film from the selection:
It is about the art in sex and porn, so you know exactly what to expect.
I
I
The film that made me cry (well, almost):
Perfectly captures the different ways a child copes up with growing up. It downplays everything to the point that you wouldn’t notice it toying with your emotions.
I
I
The film that made me want to fall in love (I’m not referring to the third act though):
It brings out the romantic in every single one of us.
I
I
The film that helped me catch some much needed sleep aka Most boring film award:
I slept over this Sundance hit that I found rather uninteresting – a story of a conman who fell in love with his inmate. Or maybe I was just too tired that day? A rewatch is coming up.
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I
Most disappointing films from the selection:
With a cast as dreamy as this, who would’ve thought it would even be possible to go wrong? Rob Marshall turned this early Oscar frontrunner into the nightmare of 2009.
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The much-anticipated new Alix film disappoints in so many levels that you would hate yourself for even thinking it is ok.
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I
The film I unexpectedly liked and enjoyed:
The comedy is pitch dark and the plot is disturbingly fresh. A very surprising little gem that nobody expected – judging from its horrendous promotional poster.
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I
Best Actor:
I
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Best Actress:
I
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Best moments from the films I saw:
– Max Records leaving the island in Where the Wild Things Are
– Brillante Mendoza’s endlessly enjoyable music video Ayos Ka as part of the omnibus film Ambisyon 2010.
– Picnic scene in Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising
– The climax triggered by the removal of the dogtooth in Dogtooth
– The longshot in the rugby field in The Secret in their Eyes
– The finale shot in Kisapmata.
I
I
That’s it for now. Will try to improve my viewing scheds this month for the May list. Thanks for reading. Til next month!
55 comments
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May 10, 2010 at 12:29 pm
AD!
One liner write ups? that’s okay. I do my TOP Films of the year with no write up at all. haha! 🙂
May 10, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Sani
Haha. Super nakakatamad gumawa writeups. I enjoy photoshopping a million times more. Thanks thanks!
May 11, 2010 at 2:45 am
drlightbearer
hey sani, just got back to manila, haha. nice work on those pictures, when would the list be up? haha. I Just watched Avellana’s Pag Asa last night. It’s simple but a technical masterpiece. I think I could get you Imburnal in two weeks. haha. See you around.
Oh, and I forgot, I think I’d also be getting Gerry De Leon’s Noli Me Tangere and Sisa in the coming days. I’ll keep you updated.
May 11, 2010 at 8:49 am
Sani
Thank you thank you. What list? 🙂 Wow. If that’s the case, then you’re a god. Haha. Grabe yung effort na yun ah. Will be looking forward to that 🙂 Sanchez, from what I’ve seen, is very promising. Could be better than Mendoza. A few more films can vindicate that.
From Quiapo? Wow. I really need to go back there. Must be missing a lot by now.
How was the shoot in Quezon? 🙂
May 12, 2010 at 9:01 am
drlightbearer
I’m currently downloading Imburnal, it’s nearly 50% now. I’m using my old PC since this has a lot of hard disk space for the film. Haha. Upon seeing Huling Balyan, I could already say that Sanchez is better than Mendoza, he just needs more production budget to keep him going.
Yeah, I’ll be getting those from a certain store. I think I’d get them this friday.
The shoot was fine, just one interview more then I’ll be in post-production.
May 12, 2010 at 9:42 am
Sani
Wow. Good job. I’ll be waiting for that. Huling Balyan is very very good. I’m really impressed.
I think I should pay them a visit na. Next week siguro. Tell me yung mga ok na makita mo on Friday 🙂
May 12, 2010 at 10:58 am
drlightbearer
it’s 53 percent now. haha. sure, I’ll tell you what I’d get this friday.
May 13, 2010 at 12:10 am
Sani
And can I ask you a favor? Haha. If you happen to pass by a stall selling wii games, can you possibly ask how much one costs? 🙂
May 17, 2010 at 10:21 am
ted
“Upon seeing Huling Balyan, I could already say that Sanchez is better than Mendoza”
Huh?! And another huh?! hehe
Generalizations like these don’t actually tell which is the better filmmaker between the two compared as it tells about the motives of the poster. hehehe
Come on. With Tirador, Manoro, Serbis, Kinatay, etc etc etc, how can you make such a loud pronounciation? 🙂
I’ve seen Huling Balyan ng Buhi and parts of Imburnal (I did walk out on this) and has Sanchez made a straight narrative as good as Serbis and Kinatay at least?
Proclamations! Proclamations! Peace. 🙂
May 18, 2010 at 4:27 am
drlightbearer
I’d quote Noel Vera’s line: we all have our biases. I’m biased with Sherad. Not that I don’t like Mendoza (Tirador’s one of my favorite films, actually), I just find Sherad’s filmmaking better.
But still, I thank those two for bringing quality time for us Filipino film goers.
May 19, 2010 at 3:57 am
ted
I got no problem with non-objectivity in approaching and assessing a film but biases as an excuse? Im really curious what made you think Sanchez is a better filmmaker than Mendoza. My approximation of Mendoza is that his approach to filmmaking is radical peppered with stubborn-ness all the more obvious with his films like Kinatay, Serbis and Tirador, which for me are his defining moments. You have to have a keen eye on what Mendoza did in following Nayda through the ins and outs of the Family theater in Serbis to have his sense of willfulness on things he wants to do on the set. All through-out the film, we see immediacy of his direction coupled with in-your-face details of Lao’s script, and only in the last few sequences we see a pause and poem, scored mildly to deliver the barest emotions to our (the audience) heart. And you have to appreciate how Mendoza bottles up Peping’s emotion in Kinatay up to a point when it’s a about burst out. And have you seen in any of Sanchez’s outputs the rawness and immediacy of Tirador? And I’m not even trying to underscore Mendoza’s ability to straddle between experiments and straight narrative so effortlessly. From what I see from Sanchez yet, his attempts are inclined to avant-garde, does this mean anyone doing it is a better filmmaker? Manoro, anyone? 🙂
May 11, 2010 at 2:52 am
drlightbearer
oh, I think Auraeus is currently working on a full-length film on the legend of Suring. I just don’t know the development yet.
It’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog. Hope I could write again soon
May 11, 2010 at 8:52 am
Sani
Wow, really? Sounds good. I appreciate Solito’s creativity. You can feel it very much eager to burst out of his works. Sometimes, however, it does not work. I remember hating Tuli soooo much.
Yeah. Ako din sobrang tamad – to blog, but never to watch.
May 12, 2010 at 9:03 am
drlightbearer
I haven’t watched tuli yet. I’m planning on watching Boy or Pisay whenever a copy surfaced. I liked solito’s shorts more than Maximo Oliveros. Impeng Negro is my favorite Solito film.
May 12, 2010 at 9:45 am
Sani
I saw Pisay when it premiered in Cinemalaya years back. I saw Boy from last year’s Cinemalaya. I didn’t like both. Boy was promising and had some good touches but the actors were just horrible. (The lead actor was a former classmate. Haha). Not a big fan of Maximo as well but I get the love. I downloaded Impeng Negro and will watch soon.
May 12, 2010 at 10:56 am
drlightbearer
really? oh. I wanted to watch Boy. haha.
May 14, 2010 at 7:10 am
mrscheez
excited na ko mapanood ang “Kisapmata”.
ang ganda ng “Itim”.
meron ka bang “Tubog Sa Ginto”? =)
May 17, 2010 at 6:41 am
mrscheez
grabeh, ang ganda ng kisapmata.
May 18, 2010 at 12:32 am
Sani
Good to know that you enjoyed it. Vic Silayan and Charito Solis, in their very dissimilar portrayal, both did astonishing jobs. The entire time you feel the tension building as you see yourself rattle for reasons you’re not even sure of, until everything exploded in that unforgettable final act.
May 17, 2010 at 10:30 am
ted
Sani, good to see Millennium Mambo on the list. Very, very good film! Bright Star may not be as good as Jane Campion’s earlier Angel at my Table, but it’s a good film nonetheless. A lovely film. Kisapmata is indeed Mike de Leon’s best film.
May 18, 2010 at 12:26 am
Sani
I agree. Millennium Mambo is just beautiful. I have not seen Angel at my Table but Bright Star, for me, is a very solid comeback. Both mentioned films, when I saw them, parang lumulutang yung feeling ko. Medyo naiyak pa ko sa Bright Star. Haha.
So what have you been watching lately? Any film suggestions?
Thanks for dropping by!
May 18, 2010 at 2:58 am
ted
Of the recent films I’ve seen, I’m very partial to Andrzej Jakimoski’s SZtuczki (Tricks). I’ve got my copy from Makati Square hehe. It’s as visual as it can get, narration-wise. Minimal dialogues and all. And it knows when it has delivered its point as well as when to stop at the right places. It’s a delight finding a filmmaker (I don’t know him from Adam hahaha) doing a great job on the screen before me that I wish I do have the opportunity to see his debut effort Squint Your Eyes (Tricks is his sophomore). A director to look out for, at least for me.
May 18, 2010 at 3:42 am
Sani
Wow thanks. I have no idea who he is, but I’m downloading Tricks now as per your recommendation. He was part of the omnibus project of the Polish TV called Solidarity. If I would enjoy Tricks, I might get that one as well. Thanks for the heads up. I haven’t seen anything recently. I’ve been going out and making the most of what’s left of summer. Though I saw Wild Grass from last year’s Cannes last weekend. And yesterday, I downloaded Coixet’s Cannes entry last year, Maps of the Sounds of Tokyo, which looks exquisite. I might watch that this weekend.
I also frequent Makati Cinema Square before. But it’s too far from me now, and everything’s overpriced. Haha. Have you seen any interesting DVD releases in MCS recently?
May 19, 2010 at 3:26 am
ted
None so much. Got Disgrace and A Single Man. Not new titles that recently emerge from Q and MCS? Maybe you should try Children of Heaven, Cache, and Do The Right Thing if you havent gotten to them yet. I saw DVD-R copies of Happy Together, Farinelli, The Priest from one of the stalls in Q. Off th top of my head, try catching: Le Fils, Dreamlife of Angels, Yiyi, etc. 🙂
May 22, 2010 at 2:21 am
Sani
I have those titles na. Pero downloads. Finally, a weekend for myself. I cant wait to watch films. I downloaded the Cinemascope Trilogy. It looks good. I still have yet to watch Dreamlife of Angels, but if it resembles anything like The Son and YiYi, I’m in it. Thanks for the recom.
May 18, 2010 at 4:19 am
drlightbearer
hey sani, try watching Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, Saragossa Manuscript, an Be Sure to Share (the new Sion Sono film). haha. I’m slow in watching films these past few days, I’ve been spending my time looking after my downloads. XD. Have you watched Manoro yet?
May 18, 2010 at 6:41 am
Sani
Heyhey! 🙂
How did your Quiapo trip turn out?
I got Saragossa Manuscript the moment you recommended it. I just haven’t gotten around to watching it. Same with Manoro. I wasn’t able to watch anything the past weekend. Nasa Galera ako. Will def catch up this weekend. You saw Manoro na? How was it?
Aryt. I have Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (which looks bizarre) on my queue now. I stumbled upon the Sono film a few days ago and was supposed to dload it until I saw the screenshots. The stills look like generic Korean/Japanese drama. Haha. I doubt it resembles any hint of Love Exposure, Noriko, and Suicide Club.
May 22, 2010 at 2:37 pm
drlightbearer
Be Sure To Share might have the same feeling as Exte: a generic Japanese film with a taste of Sono, give it a chance.
Manoro was awesome. I liked every scene, especially the part where they pray. And the last part too.
Saragossa Manuscript is one of my favorites. Haha. Valerie, is a western bizarre film. What I mean by western, it might have the likes of Svankmajer’s Sileni or Jodorowski’s Holy Mountain. Here in the east, we have a different kind of bizarre, well, I know you get me, right?
May 25, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Sani
Manoro was ok. Didn’t like it as much as I liked Tirador though. I agree with the last moments in Manoro. Beautiful and one of Mendoza’s bests.
I was about to watch Saragossa Manuscript kanina but got turned off by the 3 hours runtime. So I watched Extraordinary Histories instead. I got really into it but started to realize I’ve been watching for a few hours but only halfway through. Then I realized the film is 4 hours loooong. Ugh. Will finish it tomorrow then. Haha. Super tired na.
May 25, 2010 at 3:43 pm
drlightbearer
haha… an Epic’s day for you sani. Saragossa Manuscript is one of my favorites.
May 18, 2010 at 4:22 am
drlightbearer
oh, and also try to take a look at the Jerrold Tarog and Joey Agbayani short films I’ve posted at SMz
May 18, 2010 at 6:46 am
Sani
I saw them! Thanks! I initially did not look at Astig cos I thought it was the horrible Cinemalaya entry from last year. Haha. Thanks. I really enjoy Tarog’s works. I liked both Confessional and Mangatyanan (a little more than most people.) I even consider his Ambisyon entry (Faculty) as one of the best ones of the series.
How did the Imburnal endeavor go? I got Shake, Rattle and Roll 1 and Halimaw for my family. Thanks!
May 18, 2010 at 11:58 am
drlightbearer
you saw The Ghostwriter? What do you think of Joey Agbayani? I’ve been reading about him for sometime now. And the only work of him that I could find is that.
Oh, my Imburnal download is now at 91% yay! I think I could finish it up on thursday, rip it, and upload it. It might be available around next week.
May 19, 2010 at 12:00 am
Sani
I haven’t. What I meant was that I saw your posts. I see you post now in DDL as well. I have no idea who Agbayani is to be honest. I downloaded The Ghostwriter though. Animated, huh?
I can see the light. You’re doing really good. Amazing work. I need to watch more films na!
May 19, 2010 at 3:17 am
ted
Astig was, uhm, heavy-handed. Heavy-handed and, yes, horrible. hahaha. And it won best direction? Huh! 🙂
May 22, 2010 at 2:17 am
Sani
Astig has too much, but still manages to be too empty.
May 18, 2010 at 11:59 am
drlightbearer
that astig was from Tarog. haha. I still have three Tarog shorts here I think.
May 18, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Sani
Wow. Where do you get these things? Haha.
May 19, 2010 at 3:32 pm
drlightbearer
I have Carpool, Faculty and another short which I forgot the name. The Astig short was good. My brother and I liked it. hehe.
If you browse into Nick Deocampo’s latest book, his name is always there, I think he’s one of the prominent animators of the 90’s along with Roxlee and Ellen Ramos.
May 22, 2010 at 2:23 am
Sani
Oh you have a brother? I never knew. I’ll be watching both Astig and Ghostwriter after I post this comment. The animation in Ghostwriter (prematurely based on my scanning) resembles no Filipino traces or influences at all. You got all Ambisyon films complete na?
May 22, 2010 at 2:39 pm
drlightbearer
I haven’t got all ambisyon films. Only two: Tarog’s and Carolino’s.
Yeah, Ghostwriter’s something like Hannah Barbera.
May 25, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Sani
I have what ABSCBN screened, but that’s only half of it, right?
I saw Ghostwriter. Didn’t really care much for it. Thought it was forgettable. 🙂
May 19, 2010 at 3:33 pm
drlightbearer
I have Carpool, Faculty and another short which I forgot the name. The Astig short was good. My brother and I liked it. hehe.
If you browse into Nick Deocampo’s latest book, his name(Agbayani) is always there, I think he’s one of the prominent animators of the 90’s along with Roxlee and Ellen Ramos.
May 19, 2010 at 3:39 pm
drlightbearer
about the trip to quiapo, yes, I have now Avellana’s Anak Dalita, but some parts are f**ked up so Imma return it. haha. And my copy of De Leon’s Noli Me Tangere and Sisa will come on friday.
May 22, 2010 at 2:25 am
Sani
Great. Can you tell me the new Pinoy titles you’ll find there? Ugh, it’s Saturday na pala. I wasnt able to go online the past two days cos I’ve been busy with work.
May 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm
drlightbearer
The titles would be a surprise for you. Haha. But for sure, some of them would be up in the weeks to come. But I’m starting with Imburnal first, just finished downloading it.
May 22, 2010 at 2:52 pm
drlightbearer
sani, if you have nothing to do on saturday, May 29, at 5-8 pm, come to Mag:Net Katipunan, that would be the screening for Kontra Alternative Film Project. My in-pre-production film would be screened there. See you!
May 25, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Sani
I’ll try. Just remind me, ok?
May 25, 2010 at 1:10 pm
drlightbearer
sani, good news, Imburnal is now up at SMz, and I now have my Noli Me Tangere, Sisa and Anak Dalita (all of which are TVRips) I’ll be trying to get Serafin Geronimo next week
May 25, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Sani
IKAW NA! Thaaaanks. Best!
May 25, 2010 at 3:46 pm
drlightbearer
haha… tell me if my Imburnal rip’s fine with you. anyways, pedroslinger from KG told me that he might upload Pepe Diokno’s Engkwentro soon… Fingers crossed.
my suki in quiapo told me that she’d try to get me El Filibusterismo. hope that would go fine.
have a nice day watching films. and i hope you’d come this saturday
May 25, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Sani
Aww. I’m sorry I can’t. I texted you na. Goodluck!
I saw Engkwentro during its Cinemalaya run and thought it was ok. Nothing really special for me except for the setup during the first parts of the film.
Your Noli Me Tangere and Sisa worked fine?
Thanks for the up again! Downloading now!
June 10, 2010 at 10:20 pm
drlightbearer
both my Noli and Sisa copies are tv-rips from a broadcast years ago at PTV. But it works fine.
And I finally have now Serafin Geronimo and Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan. Also Babae sa Bubungang Lata, Pila Balde and Sana Pag-ibig Na. Will be uploading them in the coming weeks.
June 10, 2010 at 10:21 pm
drlightbearer
http://uppedbydrlightbearer.blogspot.com/
see all my uploads here
June 14, 2010 at 5:39 am
shinyhappy
dear sani and drlightbearer.
when i used to live in manila, we went to Q a lot for films—foreign films. (wong kar wai, akira kurosawa, etc). back then they didn’t have much local titles(just what was currently popular then, taken from cinema). do they have much more now. (i am visiting manila end of this year, and if you say they have more local titles, i am likely to pay them a visit.) thanks.