Jaaraf's Weekend Movie Picks From The Philippines!

Once I found out that MDL was adding Filipino content, I was pretty excited. I have always wanted to recommend the Filipino movies I love to people all around the world. Today I'll be sharing 4 one-of-a-kind movies that still features a unique Pinoy (Filipino) flavour. ♡

I See You / Kita kita

Synopsis: Lea, a tourist guide working in Sapporo, Japan, is struck by temporary blindness after experiencing stressful circumstances in her life. Her neighbour Tonyo serves as her guide during this time.

Something Different: Not many films feature a not-so-good-looking male in the lead who can pull off a realistic chemistry with the pretty female opposite him. Empoy Marquez and Alessandra de Rossi pull it off.  I enjoyed the quirky humour in a lot of their scenes together.

The breathtakingly beautiful cinematography of this film is a sight to behold. Even in a foreign country,  the iconic local Filipino cuisine is surprisingly featured courtesy of Tonyo's bento boxes.

Spoiler Alert: Critics have pointed out that Tonyo gives off a stalkerish vibe, but I personally don't view it that way. She was actually the one to talk to him first.

Ending spoiler: This film does not have a happy ending for these two. The male lead passes away before he could take the relationship  any further right after the female lead regains her sight.

The Portrait / Ang Larawan

Synopsis: Two sisters grapple over the decision of whether or not to sell their infirm father's latest, greatest masterpiece.

Something Different: Not many original Filipino stage musicals make it to the big screen, and this project took time to be produced, but the end result is breathtaking! I enjoyed the music by Ryan Cayabyab (I'm a fan!). This movie set in pre-World War II Manila gives a look between the heritage of the past and new influences of the future.  

The original screenplay on which the musical is based was actually written in English. I enjoyed the portrayal of conflicts in this movie vis-a-vis the song and dance numbers. 

Spoiler Alert:  The titular portrait gets dramatically destroyed, and I would agree, fittingly so.

Ending spoiler: This film does not have a happy ending for the romantic entanglements of Paula, one of the sisters. I like the realistic ending, which resonates hope vis-a-vis the festive atmosphere of a big fiesta (feast day). Quite poignant though, as you know that war is just around the corner.

Seven Sundays

Synopsis: After they all miss to turn up on his birthday, an ailing widower requests time with his distant children on the weekends. 

Something Different: The plot may be cliche, but the portrayal of the ensemble cast in the midst of their conflicts and secrets was refreshingly different.

Family - love them, hate them, care for them. The look into the sometimes complicated dynamics of the Pinoy family in this movie is easy to relate with. 

Spoiler Alert: The scene at the beach and the guessing game with the old tin can full of letters was amazingly bittersweet for me. I also love the "eulogy" scene at the cemetery.

Ending spoiler: This film has a happy ending. Their father was terminally ill after all (Medical fact: Pulmonary tuberculosis a.k.a. TB mimics lung cancer all the time. You might think the song and dance number too sappy for a family melodrama, but Filipinos tend to always look at the bright side of things.  ;-)

The Bit Player / Ekstra

Synopsis:  Follow the joys and heartaches of Loida Malabanan as she works as a bit player in her favourite teleserye (drama) next to her favourite stars.

Something Different: I enjoyed that this movie gives as a sometimes humorous,  sometimes tragic, but realistic look at what goes on behind the scenes of producing one's favourite drama. You make friends, you make enemies: All in a day's work. 

I loved Vilma Santos-Recto's nuanced portrayal of Loida, who, just like the rest of us, has dreams but must contend with reality.

Spoiler Alert: How they had through go though the entire hierarchy of the drama crew just to find their own space was absurd! See that use of the malong (multi-way/multi-use ethnic cloth/skirt) to change clothes in public? I've actually done the same! LOL!

Ending spoiler:  This film does not have a happy ending for our protagonist who fails to land the coveted speaking role.

I hope you take an interest in these Filipino movies or take the time to check out other Filipino movies that may be to your liking. Thank you for reading my first article. Drop a comment below or feel free to send me a private message as well.