Top 10 Best Pinoy Films That I Have Seen in 2014.

by: Benj Ramos

Better late than never. Inantay ko kasi matapos yung MMFF baka sakaling may pumasok sa list ko (unfortunately, wala). Araw araw papalit-palit sila ng rank kasi nahirapan ako magdecide, pero eto na talaga ang final answer ko. As usual, 2014 isang makabuluhang taon para sa commercial and indie Pinoy films. This year mas marami akong local na napanood than foreign. Such an achievement. Nakatulong din kasi yung kaliwa’t kanang film festivals.

10. THE JANITOR – Directed by Michael Tuviera

“Madasalin kang tao di ba? Ano sa tingin mo ang nararamdaman Niya sa ginagawa natin?”

Magaling magtahi si Direk Tuviera, mas magaling pa siya sa kapitbahay naming sastre na nagtahi ng napunit kong shorts. Oo, mataas ang naset na bar ng On the Job (my last year’s #1). Hindi siya OTJ level pero action packed pa rin naman. Okay, mukha nga siyang OTJ kasi nakita ko na naman si Richard Gomez. Mamaya sa Top 5 nandun uli siya.Puro dugo dito for sure maraming food coloring na nasayang. Teka lang, at one point ba hindi narealize ng mga characters na gwapings sila lahat?

9. THE TRIAL – Directed by Chito Rono

“Lahat ng taong nagmamahal, nasasaktan.”

Walang patwitums na love team at walang uber family drama, although family drama pa rin siya, subalit sinikap ng The Trial na hindi masyadong humilera sa Tanging Yaman, Sa’yo Lamang, Anak etc. The Trial doesn’t only pertain to the “court trial” but their trials in life.  Dmay gantong baliw baliwan role si Budoy talaga naalala ko eh pero buti medyo matinong Budoy si John Lloyd dito na nagawa pang makipag toooot. Kudos to Star Cinema for putting together court drama, rape, viral videos and unconventionalfamily (John Lloyd’s gay-lesbian parents) in this movie.

8. SHE’S DATING THE GANGSTER– Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina

“I can’t breathe.”

Hindi talaga ako fan ng KathNiel, but in this movie, meron ka talagang kilig na mararamdaman. Yung kilig naman sa Richard and Dawnwith Hihintayin Kita sa Langit references ay para sa mga medyo tanders na. Surprisingly, pang mature level ito. Well at least kung napanood man ito ng  fans ng KathNiel, may iba silang level of maturity in love na natutunan. Hindi ko nabasa yung Wattpad version, but I heard Cathy Garcia Molina stepped up and changed it a little bit by making the present time the subplot, and the 90’s the main story. Better than ABNKKBSNPLaKo and Diary Ng Panget combined.

7. BWAYA – Directed by Francis Xavier Pasion

“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na may bwaya pala sa lupa”

I can’t remember thelast  animal versus human conflict on Pinoy cinema. Kaya nga Bwaya is such a breath of fresh air. For some reason, I felt that this is a horror movie. And when we say conflict with nature, wala kang masisisi. Kalikasan ang kalaban mo eh. Magagalit ka ba isang buwayang kumain sa anak mo? At infairness sa buwaya, mukhang makatotohanan. May passion talaga ‘tong si Mr Pasion. Aerial shots pa lang.The pseudo-docu style reminds me of his other film, Jay,  which was also a finalist in Cinemalaya years back. Meanwhile, Angeli Bayani is undeniably a gem in Philippine Indie. Watching her will make you just wanna sit down, watch her cry and you cry with her.

6. SUNDALONG KANIN – Directed by Janice O’hara

“Hindi basta laro-laro ang gera dahil mga buhay ang nakasalalay”

Marami na tayong napanood na Japanese occupation-themed sa  Pinoy cinema but this film offers a different perspective. It looks at how kids and their innocence were occupied by Japanese violence and brutality. Sinakop rin sila guys. Medyo nangilid luha ko dun sa batang babae huhubels. Well, it showcases a different take on a coming-of-age genre in the Philippines. The kids can really act, good job direk nasa nagdidirek yan and of course, Marc Abaya.

5. MAGKAKABAUNG – Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana

“’Kapilan ku lungub iskwela ulit, Tang?”

Pagkapanood ko nito sinabi ko agad kay Direk Jason na napaka-mean niya kay Allen Dizon. Hiwalay sa asawa, namatayan ng anak (hindi ‘to spoiler ha nasa trailer ‘to) at hinuhuthutan pa nung malanding si Neri. Take note, nasa Babagwa rin si Neri. Ang mahiwagang taong, makikita pa ba ulit natin siya sa susunod na trip ni Direk Laxamana? Kahit hindi magsalita yung character ni Allen Dizon, alam mong stressed na siya. Walang tulog, walang kain, walang tae, basta nagbreak down na lang siya sa ilog katabi nung bangka na hindi natin alam kung nakisimpatya sa kanya. Si Gladys Reyes as usual magaling at yung eksenang naguusap sila ni Allen Dizon grabe lang. Ay, mean din pala si Direk sa tuta.

4. THAT THING CALLED TADHANA – Directed by Antoinette Jadaone

“Hindi-na-kita-mahal-makakaalis-ka-na. Seven words. ‘Yung eight years namin tinapos niya in seven words.”

Etong si Jadaone hindi mo alam kung san niya nakukuha mga hugot niya. Basta magaling. At ngayon,  I’m dying to go to Sagada, ay Rome muna (sosyal haha). Dun pa lang sa excess baggage hugot na,yung simbolismo winner. Benta yung John Lloyd reference ni Angelica tas si JM yung line niya na “naka-droga ka ba?”. Ipapalabas ulit this February at ide-date ko ang sarili ko magkahawak ang aking kanan at kaliwang kamay at muling babalikan ang buhay ni Mace. Hindi siya heavy emote drama, chill lang. Saka kahit puro usapan hindi mo naman kelangan makakita ng sampalan or elevator acting para humanga eh, yung delivery mismo. Makatotohanan. Pero sorry, best actress ko pa rin yung main character sa #3 film ko. Next na.

3. LORNA – Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

“Sino bang nagsabi sa’yo na habulin mo ang oras? Habol ka ng habol, hindi naman nagpapahabol. Gaya ko, habol ng habol, takbo ka ng takbo.”

Fan ako ng mga gawa ni Sigrid, naalala ko may anthology screening siya sa UP sinubaybayan ko talaga. My most favorite CinemaOne Originals entry this year. Husay ni Mrs Buencamino pati ni Sir Lav Diaz. Yung tambalang Lorna at Rocky, feels. Gusto kong magtayo ng fans club tatawagin itong LorKy kase nakaka-lorky naman talaga. Si Lav may swag sa mg a linya. At yung mga tropapipz ni Lorna lalo na si Maria Isabel Lopez benta hahaha. Bale kahit tanders na wag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa, baka kasing cute din ng love story ni Lorna ang love story ninyo 30 years from now.

2. NORTE: HANGGANAN NG KASAYSAYAN– Directed by Lav Diaz

Kapag may bagong labas si Direk Lav na pelikula, ang una ko agad tanong, “Gaano katagal?”. Hindi ako fan ng matatagal na movies. Pero ito ang trip ni Sir eh, walang pakielamanan. Sinubukan ko siyang panoorin, at akalain mong hindi ko namalayan ang 4 na oras sa sinehan! First movie that I have seen from him and it did give me a very good impression. Sayang di ko kasi napanood yung Mula it could have been on my list as well. Hindi mo kelangan maging bobo o matalino para tangkilikin si Lav. Basta manood ka lang, makinig atmay matututunan ka. Yung plot nito madali lang maintindihan. Kelangan lang ay ang iyong pasensya kasi nga may mga mahahabang eksena.The Filipino audienceis a mainstream audience. Hindi man ito yung tipong pelikula na magugustuhan ng nanay, tito, at lola mo, kung open minded ka (lakas maka networking) magugustuhan mo ‘to. Oscar worthy, kaso sayang hindi man lang nashortlist sa top 9.

1. BARBER’S TALES – Directed by Jun Lana

“Mali ba ang gumawa ng tama? Hindi. Pero minsan hindi handa ang mga tao na harapin ang tama.”

Kung naaliw ka sa Kimmy Dora at Babae Sa Septic Tank, ibang Eugene Domingo ang makikita mo rito. It was set during the height of Marcos regime pero hindi ito purely tungkol kay Marcos, tungkol ito sa mga kababaihan, kung papaano sila naoppress noong dekada ’70. Hindi common ang mga babaeng barbero, pwede namang parlor diba pero marahil ay simbolismo ito ng babae taking over a patriarchal stuff. My favorite role goes to Glady’s Reyes. Hindi siya anti-climactic, sakto lang para medyo gumaan yung seryosong issue na tinatalakay sa Barber’s Tales. Napredict ko yung ending, pero wapakels maganda naman yung execution. Sana talaga may libreng kakanin habang pinapanood ‘to direk :P

Downton Abbey 2014 Christmas Special ~ Series Review

by: Uel Ceballos

Downton Abbey is certainly my favourite drama series next to Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. But over the time period I’m coming to the point where I’m already wishing for it to end; not because I don’t enjoy it anymore but because I want to save its eminence as among the quality and no doubt, well thought series that were ever produced. Extending it for longer time would have the tendency to compromise the storyline and make everything in the story predictable, thus spoiling the excitement that it used to stir from its viewers.

In the Christmas Special of the Season 5, we were given an overall idea to where the Season 6 of the series would be going. Thank goodness that this one was a beautiful and feel good one. I was really flabbergasted and devastated with the last Christmas Special finale two seasons ago, in the Season 3 where Matthew Crawley was tragically killed in an accident. I can’t believe my eyes then, wanting to double check if it’s George RR. Martin’s work that I was watching (you know with all the unexpected killing of the characters). That’s also my point why they should already give Downton Abbey a good finale season. People always come and go and the writers would have no choice but to find a good exit for the characters (which often lead to killing them). They had nailed it with Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlayn) and Matthew Crawley (Dan Steven), giving their characters heartbreaking and unexpected death. But they couldn’t do that with all the other casts who have decided to leave the show for good. Just observe how Siobhan Finneran (O’Brien) and Charles Edwards (Michael Gregson) left the series, they were like bubbles pricked in the air and were gone instantly. I understand how hard it is to adjust a script or story therefore I’m appealing to the Downton Abbey to finally give it a beautiful ending. Personally I would be sad to see Downton Abbey on its finale season but that’s how the way it should be. Extend it longer and it wouldn’t be as beautiful and substantial anymore as it used to.

The Season 5 Christmas Special was a light-hearted, feel good holiday episode. Despite of some inevitable flaws as far as perfectly good series is concerned; Downton Abbey still never fails to make life feel so good in spite of the complexities of its characters. Also, it always succeeds in instilling to the viewers, both emotionally and intellectually speaking, about the important concept of a “family”. Though many things had happened from the past; many had gone and many had changed, the life upstairs and downstairs still goes on. And that’s how it should be in the real life; some good lessons that the viewers should never miss out learning from the show.

It was heart-warming to see how Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Tom Branson had matured in their characters as they became a parent. I would like to acknowledge as well those moments that they were reliving the memories of Lady Sybil – it was always as heartfelt and tear-jerking as it had been way back in the episode that they loss her. I really, really, love the character of Tom Branson, the way he fought his way into Lady Sybil’s heart, then into her family, and into the life of Downton that was quite different from his own. Thus, I’m silently protesting on why they would have to let him leave the Downton Abbey. I would love to see Sybie grows up together with her cousins, George and Marigold. I’m just wishing that some changes could be made before the Season 6 and that they would find a way to make Tom stay until the end of the series.

As for Lady Mary, I find her new love interest (it hasn’t started out yet, just a foreshadowing from the Christmas finale) charming enough to match her own beauty and strong character. I’m not saying that Lord Gillingham and Charles Blake weren’t good enough, only that their chemistry to Lady Mary weren’t as perfect as it was with Matthew Crawley. Oh they looked so good together, really good. I miss those Matthew and Mary moments way back in the early episodes of Downton Abbey. But let’s move on now. Let’s see in the next season if this new guy is the new right guy for our Lady.

Now let’s go to the life downstairs with the Downton Abbey’s servants. I used to be fond of the Bates couple but then when they started overdoing this in-and-out of the jail scenarios, I kind of irritated with the writers, not with the characters though (they were just the poor victims of the writers’ manipulative scheme here). It did create an impact when Bates was framed up for the suspected murder of his ex-wife. The moment was indeed heartbreaking, seeing Anna loose all the hopes of having a happy family with Bates. When the case was resolved and Bates was released it was a great relief not only to the Downton Abbey family and staff but to the viewers as well because we all love Mr. Bates. However, using the same twist now with Ana’s case is kind of irritating; with Ana now being in prison and facing the possibility of getting hanged. Yes it did work out with Bates, but were the writers expecting it to work with Ana too? Sad to say it failed to earn the same sympathy that Bates got from the early season. It only appeared (though it isn’t true at all) that the writers had nothing else new and fresher ideas to do with the plot that they just recycled some and modified it to fit into the new episode.

However, despite those flaws on Bates couple’s story, the Christmas Season Finale was beautifully capped off with Carson’s proposal to Mrs. Hughes.

Mrs. Hughes: Who knows what the future may hold or how much longer we'll live in here? Suppose you want to move away and change your life entirely. You don't want to be stuck with me. 

Mr. Carson: But that's the point. I do want to be stuck with you. 

This couple of seconds from the finale episode had nailed it. Really nailed it strongly and deeply. It was like the whole surroundings were painted in rainbows and there were flying butterflies everywhere. I just couldn’t contain it. I’m so happy for both of them. 

Now I’m looking forward to the next episode and expecting it to be more exciting and heart-warming. Bring it on Downton Abbey!!!

Top 10 Best Films That I Have Seen in 2014

by: Benj Ramos

Top 10 Best Films That I Have Seen in 2014

What an amazing year for film makers! From creative takes on book adaptations, spin offs and deconstructing bedtime stories to exciting sequels and what not, truly the world cinema is continuously exploring to reach its new height. Plus the hybrids and the birth of new genres make cinema goers excited for what the coming years have to offer.

Here ye, my top 10 films that I have seen in 2014. 

10. FURY – Directed by David Ayer

Fury is a reminder of our vehement past, the true horror of war. It has this quality of tough uncompromising realism that as I witnessed the brutality, it moved me to tears. It makes you respect the Veterans even more. Not Saving Private Ryan, but close. History is indeed, violent.

It may not be historically accurate, but this is the most realistic war film I have seen in a long while. Stellar acting as always from Brad Pitt. When Shia appeared I thought tanks are going to be Transformers and kill the Germans. 

9. BOYHOOD – Directed by Richard Linklater

Linklater gave us a different viewing experience as the characters transform right before your eyes. Not a fan of the story, but I have so much respect on how passionate the cast and crew were in creating this masterpiece. The soundtrack itself was a perfect nostalgic timeline. In addition, Linklater also made the time as one of the main characters. Felt like I too was growing with the movie. And I wonder how they edit it from lots of footages to go through.

Boyhood made me think life just passes on too soon than we realize; that moments are just there when growing up, whether we seize them or they seize us. It concluded on its perfect sense. Definitely an important film, for sure.

8. EDGE OF TOMORROW –Directed by Doug Liman

Edge of Tomorrow may be so underrated because of its lame title that sounds like an afternoon soap opera, and bad marketing. This Groundhog Day meets Aliens meets Terminator makes Transformers look like so basic and amateur. By just seeing the first 20 minutes of the film, I knew that I am going to love this movie. Great one lines, great plot, and if you hate Tom Cruise you’d love this because you get to watch him here die over and over again. I found this movie very entertaining with a good measure of humor, action and satire to keep me engaged. I am so gaga over films that play and control time, and Doug Liman choreographically pulled it off. For a movie with nothing new about the concept, I also wonder why I liked it so much it is included in my top 10 list.

7. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL – Directed by Wes Andersen

Flawless is an understatement to describe this Pink Panther-ish film. I love the style and cinematography. This multi-layered film is a mix of funny, smart, violent, exciting and ridiculous scenes. Settings are visually stunning.

6. LUCY – Directed by Luc Besson

Fact or fiction, I am glad that this film has so much concern with how the human brain works. I am now contented that I only use the 20 of my cerebral capacity, because I know some people who don’t use their brain at all. Luc Besson made it very clever, spontaneous and genius.

This Limitless-like film has challenged the viewer’s senses – hearing, seeing and even the sense of feeling. It has engaged my 100 cinematic viewing capacity. I’m kinda sad with the plot because Lucy got the highest knowledge and she just wasted it for a pointless revenge.

And by the way, where can I buy a Lucy flash drive?

5. X-MEN – Directed by Bryan Singer 

Definitely a must watch. It's a great entertainment and was even better than expected. Great to see old and new faces come together in a movie. Magneto is such a brilliant character. That slow-mo kitchen scene with Quicksilver is my favorite. That's how you do Quicksilver right. Just an observation, if the Sentinels were created in the 70's why weren't they ever mentioned or shown in the first X-Men series?

4. THE LEGO MOVIE – Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

The animation is amazing. It is so good you can hardly tell if it's CGI or stop motion. Or could be entirely CGI but they made it look like a stop motion. I love how the special effects are made with lego fire and water. I was so pumped because everything was awesome. Thanks for this unique experience, now my childhood is haunting me

3. IL CAPITALE UMANO – Directed by Paolo Virzi

This multilayered narrative is more than a tragic film, it’s a social commentary. Virzi’s direction, eye for details and perspectives are notable, Rashomon-style. The continuity is precise with each chapter reveals new understanding of the main characters. A multi-angle melodrama that explores social inequality and how the rich and poor are being measured by their wealth. I actually like this than The Great Beauty. 

2. SNOW PIERCER – Directed by Bong Joon-Ho

You can never go wrong with Korean film makers. Horror, suspense, drama and even comedy, they are excellent in their craft. This film is probably the most underrated movie of the year. Fantastic concept. The subtext is superb -- politics, ego, fear, nature, entertainment, human nature, class system. Intelligent and entertaining with scenes that will make you say, "WTF is that??!". Great acting from Chris Evans. It's like Hunger Games inside a train.

1. GONE GIRL – Directed by David Fincher

A satirical piece that presents sociopath-y at its finest with a rough story told in second to none cinematography. Gone Girl is the exaggerated and metaphorical portrayal of marriage. A match made in hell. Everything in this movie is twisted, sick and psychopath. Well executed, yet creepy it can leave you traumatized about marriage.

Some may not like how it ended, but for me it was okay; it’s realistic. And look how dishonest and deceptive media can be in our lives. For me, the best sexual thriller since Basic Instinct. Lovers, don’t say you were not warned.