Wanting to watch Filipino films but unsure where to start? Highlighting Filipino culture and history-family ties, history, politics, superstition belief, and finding oneself-here are 5 must-watch Filipino films perfect for you.
Horror: Sukob (2006)
Starting this list with a horror film, Sukob (The Wedding Curse) is directed by Chito S. Roño. It is based on the old Filipino superstition that one must not marry in the same year another family member marries or dies.
Starring Kris Aquino as Sandy and Claudine Baretto as Diana, the film tells the story of two unknowing half-sisters who got married the same year and got cursed. It was later revealed that the evil spirit was after them and their loved ones. In order to stop this, the two should decide how much and what they’re willing to sacrifice. This film was hailed the highest-grossing Filipino film of all-time from 2006 until 2009.
Coming of Age/Thriller: Birdshot (2017)
Based on a true story, Birdshot is a film about Maya (Mary Joy Apostol), a farm girl, who wanders into a forest reserve where she shoots and kills a critically endangered and protected Philippine Eagle. She was taught by her father, Diego (Ku Aquino), to fire a gun wanting his daughter to be self-sufficient.
Unknowing of the crime she has committed, their life was disrupted and she was forced to retreat into the forest to be safe. The film condemns corruption but shows grievance to the corrupt. This is the first Filipino film released by Netflix.
Family Drama: Seven Sundays (2017)
A family drama film directed by the exceptional Cathy Garcia-Molina, Seven Sundays revolves around the Bonifacio family and the head of the household, Manuel Bonifacio (Ronaldo Valdez). As his children live their own different lives, he became sad and depressed that he gave them a call, telling them that he was diagnosed with cancer and had only seven weeks left to live.
His four children, Allan (Aga Muhlach), Bryan (Dingdong Dantes), Cha (Cristine Reyes) and Dex (Enrique Gil), came home, brushing their issues under the rug for the sake of their father. But it doesn't take long before they have to start facing their issues and eventually reconcile.
Romance Drama: Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019)
Hello, Love, Goodbye is another film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. It revolves around Joy (Kathryn Bernardo), who works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. She was forced to find another job where she meets Ethan (Alden Richards). He is a Filipino bartender with plans to reside in Hong Kong and dreams of starting his own bar.
Seemingly a love story, the film is actually a story about life. The two must decide which sacrifices they’re willing to live by in hopes of finding themselves while going for their dreams. Currently, this is the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
Historical: Heneral Luna (2015)
Set during the Philippine-American War, Heneral Luna depicts the general's leadership of the Philippine Revolutionary Army. General Antonio Luna (John Arcilla) was regarded as one of the fiercest generals of his time, his death was a decisive factor in the fight against the American forces. The general was right in many points as liberty is about to be taken away though many may disagree with his ways.
Though the film disclaimed from the start some inconsistencies or enhancements to the actual story, it can’t be denied the movie appealed to its audience. His iconic line, "Bayan o sarili? Pumili ka." (Country or self? Choose!) sure struck people to actually reevaluate how much and what one can do for the country.
There are so many Filipino films worth watching but these are good ones to start with. Let us know what's the first Filipino film you have seen below.