I admit, I rarely watch local movies not because I'm too "Americanized" for my own good, but mainly because most of them share the same predictable plot line, generic characters and corny sense of humor. A romantic-comedy with the usual boy-meets-girl style, a horror that scares you using haunted houses and nightmares, and a drama with a storyline that is very unlikely to happen in real life.
However, we cannot deny that every once in a while, Philippine cinema produces a top-notch movie w/o the generic storyline we are all sick of. Here are my top 5 Pinoy films that are truly worth watching:
Got 2 Believe [2002]
Plot: Wedding coordinator Toni (Claudine Barretto), is a girl who believes in true love. At 25, she is considered to be an "old maid" by her married sisters, aunts, and friends. Always the bride's maid, never the bride, Toni has yet to find Mr. Right. On the other hand is Lorenz (Rico Yan), a wedding photographer who doesn't believe in happy endings. He always catches Toni unaware with her distinctly expressive yet embarrassing moments. To make matters worse, these photos were published, making Toni the renowned "perennial bridesmaid." Lorenzo's problems become worse when his cousin offers a boost in his career, so long as he makes a pictoral article on Toni. Toni, who protests against this idea at first finally agrees in exchange for Lorenzo finding her someone worth marrying. Lorenzo and Toni gradually being to fall in love in the process. Source: Wikipedia
What makes it good: I really like this movie because it's very colorful with a very light-but-not-corny storyline. Granted, it is the usual boy-meets-girl type, but this one stood out for me because Claudine and Rico's acting were exceptional. I am no expert in directing and filmmaking but I feel like this movie was creatively conceptualized, from the characters down to the props. One of the very few films na kinilig talaga ko. Very fun, youth-oriented, no cheesy lines. This is the only local movie na pinanood ko more than 5 times I think!
Watch/Download the movie here.
Feng Shui [2004]
Plot: Joy (Kris Aquino) found a bagua on a bus when its owner left it. Ever since she got the bagua, she became very lucky and prosperous. Joy becomes worried because ever since she found the bagua, mysterious deaths began happening around her. It is later found that whoever looks into the mirror of the bagua will die and the subsequent death will result from an animal in the Chinese calendar depending on what year the victim was born. Source: Wikipilipinas
What makes it good: I am not a fan of horror films, matatakutin kasi ako eh hehehe, but if I am to name the top two horror films that I wouldn't dare watch for the second time, it's gotta be SHUTTER and FENG SHUI. I mean sure, The Grudge, Paranormal Activity, and Shake, Rattle and Roll are scary, but I can watch them w/o giving me nightmares. Feng Shui blew me away because its mode of "pananakot" is very unique--the bagua in our front door still give me the creeps because of this movie! I dare you to watch this alone. :)
One More Chance [2007]
Plot: Popoy (John Lloyd Cruz) and Basha (Bea Alonzo) have been together all their lives. Both of their families approved of each other, they were part of the same cliques, and eventually worked in the same company. Time came when Basha felt the need to let go and live on her own without Popoy. Popoy was devastated upon learning of Basha's decision but soon learned to let go and managed to find a new love in the person of Trisha (Maja Salvador). Basha, on the other hand, managed to live her life alone, happy with her new career and environment. However, when Basha meets Popoy again after several months and realizes he is happy, she starts wondering if she really made the right move of leaving Popoy behind. This time again, Basha and Popoy go through another emotional rollercoaster ride that will end in either holding on or letting go. Source: Wikipilipinas
What makes it good: Well, who DOESN'T like it?! 90% of people I know in my generation have seen this movie and is a favorite of even the most conyo guys out there, with good reason. Why? For one, it's like a breath of fresh air for having characters that are neither abnormally whacky nor depressingly serious. They represent normal people who encounter conflicts that could happen to everyone. And do I even have to mention its quotable lines that each of us have used at some point in our love lives? Popoy and Basha are such iconic characters, they represent every person on the planet who has ever loved and lost.
Kimmy Dora: Kambal Sa Kiyeme [2009]
Plot: Kimmy and Dora (both Eugene Domingo) are identical twins with different personalities. Kimmy is the smart, dictatorial type while Dora is the slow, dumb-wit sister. Kimmy has always been jealous of her sister as Johnson (Dingdong Dantes), the man she really likes, only has eyes for Dora. All hell breaks loose when their father gets a heart attack and makes Dora the majority owner of their family conglomerate if in case he dies. Kimmy thinks this is unfair and gets the help of their lawyer Harry to take care of business. A misunderstanding brings forth a plan to kill Dora but they kidnap Kimmy instead. Now Kimmy must find a way to escape her captors while Dora must act as her tough sister and control their corporation in order to hide the truth from their sick father. Source: Wikipedia
What makes it good: Kimmy Dora is the best local comedy I have ever watched in my life. How many times have you seen a comedy film (local or foreign) that made you laugh HARD? I have never laughed so much in a movie before this! Who cares if the story is too shallow when you are having so much fun?? Eugene Domingo is one of a kind, she's such a natural in comedy. Super galing! :)
No Other Woman [2011]
Plot: The film is a tale of a man's journey towards building a career and a family that he can competently provide for, but along the way, his ambition and reputation are tarnished by a single adulterous act. Source: Wikipedia
What makes it good: This is the most recent local film I have watched and I am so happy that I was able to. Just like One More Chance, No Other Woman's storyline is something that happens in real life--a reason why this movie is such a huge hit. I won't go into details, but a good plot, realistic lines, every-guys-dream Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes, every-girls-dream Derek Ramsay, plus steaming love scenes--all these are enough to make it to this list.
How about you, what are your top 5 Pinoy movies and why? :)
