Need New Films? The Best Filipino Movies
What are the best Filipino Movies? The Philippines is full of culture with diverse influences from many invading countries in the past – and the
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The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,000 islands. With a population of over 110 million people, it is the 13th most populous country in the world. The capital of the Philippines is Manila, and the country has two official languages, Filipino and English. The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its complex history, including influences from indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, and American occupation. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and biodiversity, with many endemic species found only in the Philippines. The economy of the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with a focus on services and manufacturing.
“State of War” is a novel written by Filipino-American author Ninotchka Rosca, first published in 1988. The novel is a work of historical fiction set during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. It tells the story of several characters whose lives are impacted by the political turmoil, social inequality, and human rights abuses of the time, including activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. The book explores themes of power, oppression, and resistance, and offers a critical examination of the complex social and political realities of the Philippines under the Marcos regime. “State of War” is considered a classic of Philippine literature and has been praised for its vivid characters, powerful storytelling, and incisive social commentary.
“Noli Me Tangere” is a novel written by Filipino nationalist and writer Jose Rizal, published in 1887. The title is Latin for “Touch Me Not”. The novel is a work of fiction that exposes the injustices and corruption of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines during the 19th century. It tells the story of a young man named Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after studying in Europe, and his attempts to expose the corruption and hypocrisy of the colonial authorities. The novel deals with themes such as social inequality, injustice, and abuse of power, and is considered a significant work of Philippine literature and a key text in the country’s history of resistance against colonialism. “Noli Me Tangere” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Filipino literature and has been translated into numerous languages.
Dusk by F. Sionil José is a novel set in the Philippines during the 1950s. It follows the life of a young boy named Istak who confronts the social injustices and political issues facing his country. The book provides a powerful portrayal of Philippine society during that period and addresses universal themes of love, loss, and the struggle for freedom and justice.
“The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic” is a collection of short stories by Filipino writer and national hero, Jose Rizal. The title story is an allegorical tale about identity and belonging, while the other stories explore the darker side of human nature and the supernatural in exotic locations. It is considered a landmark work of Philippine literature.
“Ilustrado” is a meta-fictional novel by Miguel Syjuco that follows the story of a fictional Filipino writer named Crispin Salvador, and his protégé Miguel Syjuco, as they navigate the literary world and explore the complex history and politics of the Philippines. The novel won the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2008 and is praised for its witty and insightful commentary on Philippine society and culture.
“On the Job” is a Filipino crime thriller film directed by Erik Matti and released in 2013. The film tells the story of two prisoners, Tatang and Daniel, who are temporarily released from prison to work as hitmen for corrupt politicians. At the same time, investigative journalist Joaquin investigates the connection between the politicians and the hitmen, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The film is known for its gripping plot, realistic depiction of crime and corruption in the Philippines, and strong performances from its cast. It has received critical acclaim both locally and internationally, and has been described as a landmark film in the Philippine cinema industry.
“Metro Manila” is a British-Filipino independent crime drama film directed by Sean Ellis and released in 2013. The film tells the story of Oscar Ramirez, a impoverished rice farmer from the Philippines, who moves to Manila with his wife and children in search of a better life. He finds work as a security guard for an armored truck company, but soon becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving corruption and betrayal. The film is known for its realistic and gritty portrayal of poverty and crime in the Philippines, as well as its moving depiction of the struggles of a family trying to survive in the city. It has received critical acclaim and won numerous awards both locally and internationally.
“In My Life” is a Filipino family drama film directed by Olivia M. Lamasan and released in 2009. The film tells the story of a mother, Shirley Templo, who lives in New York and has a strained relationship with her gay son, Mark. After Shirley is diagnosed with cancer, she decides to return to the Philippines and reconcile with her son. However, their reunion is not without challenges, as they must confront the cultural differences and personal issues that have driven them apart. The film is known for its moving portrayal of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the struggles faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. It has received critical acclaim and won numerous awards in the Philippines.
“That Thing Called Tadhana” is a Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Antoinette Jadaone and released in 2014. The film tells the story of Mace, a heartbroken woman who meets a man named Anthony at the airport, and together they embark on a spontaneous road trip to Baguio City. As they share their personal stories and experiences, they begin to develop a deep connection and explore the possibility of a new relationship. The film is known for its witty and heartfelt screenplay, stunning cinematography of the Philippine countryside, and the charming performances of its lead actors, Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman. It has become a popular and beloved film in the Philippines, particularly among young adults, and has been praised for its realistic and relatable depiction of modern love and relationships.
“Ma’ Rosa” is a Filipino drama film directed by Brillante Mendoza and released in 2016. The film tells the story of Rosa, a woman who runs a small convenience store in a poor neighborhood in Manila with her husband and children. To make ends meet, they also sell drugs on the side, until one day they are arrested by corrupt police officers and thrown into jail. The film follows Rosa’s struggles to keep her family together and survive in the harsh and brutal environment of the prison system. The film is known for its realistic and gritty portrayal of poverty, corruption, and the human cost of the war on drugs in the Philippines. It has received critical acclaim both locally and internationally, and has won numerous awards, including the Best Actress award for Jaclyn Jose at the Cannes Film Festival.
Philippine music is a diverse mix of indigenous, Asian, European, and American influences. Traditional Philippine music includes a variety of styles such as kundiman, which is a type of love song, and kulintang, which is a type of gong music. Other traditional instruments include the bamboo flute, the nose flute, and the banduria, a type of small guitar. Philippine music is also known for its colorful and lively dances, such as the Tinikling and the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. In addition to traditional music, the Philippines has a thriving contemporary music scene that includes pop, rock, and hip-hop. Philippine musicians have achieved international recognition, with artists such as Lea Salonga and Arnel Pineda being among the most famous.
What are the best Filipino Movies? The Philippines is full of culture with diverse influences from many invading countries in the past – and the
