Metro Manila (film)

After On The Job, I was really interested to catch two other films -- Metro Manila and Transit. I haven't caught Transit yet but thanks to the unexpected holiday yesterday, I was able to watch Metro Manila. This film depicts urban migration and poverty. The story line may sound cliche, and we've all probably seen a film with a similar tale; however, the manner in which the film attacks the subject is fresh and modern. Cinematography is great and musical score is apt, adds to the drama. Very well-made film; I heard this was an Oscars entry (from another country since the director is foreign).

Personally, I was very much saddened while watching this, primarily because having two girls made me closer to the family situation. It was also a reminder for me on how wide the gap is between the Filipino 'middle class' and the 'less fortunate.' It's easy to take for granted (and even complain about) the things that we have and the comforts we enjoy; but we must know that what we have may already mean financial freedom and a life worth living to others.

On The Job (OTJ)

Real great cinematography, good casting & acting, and I actually liked the musical score. Very believable, timely, and (currently an) extremely relevant storyline. On The Job (OTJ) takes the cake! Good job Director Erik Matti! One of the few Filipino films on my highly-recommended list. Dirty jobs, violence, intrigue, power, and politics.. The film managed to present a good mix of all these, packaged in a visually engaging manner. 

I encourage everyone to watch it. For those who are not fond of Filipino films because of the generic storyline and sappy, romantic comedies, you'll see that this is one for the books. Glad I took time out to watch this film, I'm sure you would too :)

Ruby Sparks

This is a film about love; yet not told in the usual manner. Calvin is a writer, who began dreaming of a girl named Ruby. He fell in love with this girl, and began writing a novel based on her character. In the middle of writing the book, he woke up one day and Ruby became real. In his apartment. With him.

The film is hauntingly beautiful. You may view yourself or your relationship in a new light. After all, what is a love that's dictated, or a love that isn't free? But sometimes, isn't that just what we want? To make those whom we love just the way we want them to be?

Highly recommend this film. Catch it while its still showing in select cinemas.

Real Steel

I think it's been some time since I last saw a movie full of heart :) 

A feel-good movie that's worth the time and money. Even though I caught it a bit late on the big screen; suggest that you give this film a try if you still haven't seen it :)

Being a new parent, I've become more aware of what I listen to and what I watch... and I'm suddenly more concerned about the negativity, violence, and twisted values I sometimes see or hear. Though I know I cannot shield Saia from all of it, I hope we can teach her how to correctly use and dissect everything she's exposed to.

Looking forward to kid-friendly films in the future :)

The King's Speech

Based on a true story, The King's Speech discloses the tale of King George VI's ascension to the throne, his speech impediment, an unorthodox therapist, and how the King's speech played a fundamental role in his leadership.

The film does deserve its many awards :) Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter were all exemplary in this film! The Oscar was well-deserved.

I was pleasantly surprised that the film was not at all too heavy, or dragging, but managed to interject wit, humor, and charm. Interesting and entertaining; I loved the script and the cinematography. Shots were also interesting, as Director Tom Hooper made use of a good combination of space and muted colors.

Do watch this film, highly recommend it :)

Black Swan

Most intriguing. Natalie Portman gives a superb performance in this psychological masterpiece. Deliciously disturbing, this film is a definite must-see.

The Last Journey of Ninoy

The Last Journey of Ninoy is a very intimate and personal documentary crafted from previous recordings, insights, and interviews, conveyed through the voices of both Ninoy and Cory Aquino.

Specifically targeting Ninoy’s last journey, from his decision to return to Manila, we see the story of his private life unfold: his spirit, private conversations, his personal sentiments & struggles, and renewed faith. Interspersed with this last leg of Ninoy’s life journey are highlights on his past, and the events which led to the major struggles he faced as a husband, father, and a Filipino.

I just have to say, you have to give a hand to Cory for being the wife that she was, and the support she gave Ninoy through everything.

Ninoy’s personal tale is truly a good film that pays tribute to the greatness of the Filipino.

Catch select screenings of the film directed by Jun Reyes on August 21. Don’t miss this film!

LIMITED SPECIAL SCREENINGS
August 21, 2009 (Friday)
7pm and 9pm only
Cinema 4 Powerplant
Php300 each
ALL proceeds go to the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation

Slumdog Millionaire

Essentially a story about love, Slumdog Millionaire captures your emotions as you see the other side of India portrayed in the film. When Jamal Malik (played by Dev Patel), an uneducated teen who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, India, manages to answer almost all the questions on the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire, he is arrested and questioned on grounds of cheating.

And as Jamal justifies his answers to each of the questions on the show, he recalls his life – and viewers are brought back to his childhood, his experiences, the comedy and the frustration of his growing up years, and how he found the love of his life, only to lose her again and again.

Truly a memorable film to watch, a story not wholly supported by their country, due to the apparent portrayal of a dysfunctional India. Although a bit disturbing, a lot of what was shown in the film is representative of most third-world countries today, even the Philippines. A life in the slums is a different story altogether, and here in Slumdog Millionaire, director Danny Boyle and co-director Loveleen Tandan managed to depict a life in the slums in a beautifully crafted story which takes into account money, fame, love, and above all, destiny.

Revolutionary Road

If you do not find any connection to the dilemma the main characters face in this film, you will probably find Revolutionary Road a bit boring; word-y, even. But if you can identify with lines such as:

"The truth we just need something different. And we're not getting any youger. We dont want life to just pass us by." or..

"GUY: I have the backbone not to run away from my reponsibilities. 
GIRL: It takes backbone to live the life you want."

...then the movie takes on a new meaning for you.

Revolutionary Road is about a young married couple (played by Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet), once very idealistic about life and how they wanted it to be for them, but is now trapped in a 'normal' life -- a good (but boring) job for the husband, a nice house, 2 kids, financial stability. Still, they wanted something 'different' and wanted to live a life that mattered to them. So they decided to move to another country, start a new life, and be who they wanted to be, away from the norm and all the status quo. 

The film is a bit extreme in its ending, quite heavy and depressing; but Leo and Kate does show good acting in this movie. Personally though, Cate Blanchett on Benjamin Button gave Kate Winslet a good run for that Golden Globe (although they say Winslet was also great at The Reader). The script was good and cinematography was great, but story execution may have been improved, as the film seemed to have a disconnection/ detachment from viewers.

Despite this, the Golden Globe nominees for Best Motion Picture seem to be good movies to catch, even if it's just to see how good they are compared to Benjamin Button. Next on my list is Slumdog Millionaire.

Benjamin Button

Benjamin Button is a great movie to start off a New Year, giving everyone a fresh perspective on new beginnings. Very moving and dramatic; I never felt the length of the almost-three-hour film with its wonderful story-telling and imagery (kudos to Eric Roth), great script, and very good actors. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett gave stellar performances as Benjamin and Daisy; David Fincher's directing skills came alive on the big screen.

I haven't been able to read the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald (too bad, but I plan to read it now), and it was indeed a curious story, as a baby is born old, and gets younger as he ages. It was thought he would only live for a while, but the clock ticks counter clockwise for this unusual "boy" and he lives his life gaining wisdom with youth.

The film is essentially a story of living life, with courage and love -- courage to live a life you want, making the most of every circumstance; and loving yourself and others, loving life as it comes along, with the understanding that life indeed is short. 

Benjamin Button is a must-see film as we start the last year of the decade and say our goodbyes to the "00"-years. Have we lived life? And are we ready to start again, being thankful for what we have had?