film reviews and more

[filmcrave12]

Stressed and overwhelmed at 19

Hello I’m Zeraly and I just woke up from a 2 hour nap. I get these sudden surges to be productive at random hours only to get stumped while in the process. Why? Because I feel like the world has so much of who I want to be that I dont think I should even try to be that peron anymore. 

You see, I want to make money. I want to be financially independent from my parents so that I can travel and take my girlfriend to many places before settling down eventually. But, I dont know how to make money.

My only notable skill is that I can edit videos and photos on LIghtroom and Premiere but who cares cuz there are literally millions of other people who can do the same. Who would want to hire me? 

Am I just going to die like this? I dont want to stay at my parents house. I want to grow. 

[filmcrave12]

Ahead of its time, Biyaya ng Lupa (1959) is proven to be the gem of Philippine cinema.

Manuel Silos’ 1959 Biyaya ng Lupa or Blessings of the Land is a heartwarming yet thrilling film that follows the story of a Filipino family-- wait, no--- of a Filipino community in the late 50s. 

Starred by Tony Santos (as Jose), Rosa Rosal (as Maria), and Leroy Salvador (Miguel), Carlos Padilla Jr. (Arturo), Marita Zobel (Angelita), and Danilo Jurado (Lito) as their children, there is just so much to love about this film. Its genius editing and sound design, generous acting and splendid cinematography but most of all, its singularly powerful and beautiful story. 

Without giving too much away, because I genuinely recommend that you go watch it, Biyaya ng Lupa tells the story of Jose and Maria’s good and bountiful life with their four children. They live peacefully in the barrio of Santa Monica until they get dragged in the animosity of Bruno (who was played by Joseph de Cordova) where the reason for his hostility is one that has transpired in unexpected means. 

Full of Filipino values and culture, the film has brought my feet back on the ground of my native land. Much of the culture before is still present now but occasionally forgotten. Love for the family, adherence to religion, hardwork and resilliency, and of course bayanihan wherein the community works together for a goal or a certain purpose, all these values and traits are slowly being replaced by much of the mainstream culture or values. 

Another reason as to why I love the film is that not only is the characters driven by FIlipino traits but it is also what saves them (bayanihan). Its as if Silos knew that it is what would save us too (for example, the emergence of community pantries in the middle of the pandemic). 

Honestly, seeing this film for the first time has been highly refreshing because Hollywood and Korean films have taken over the eyes and even hearts of many Filipinos. 

If we could just come together, perhaps we’d appreciate our history and country more. Then maybe, Philippine cinema would take over the world too.

[filmcrave12]

Rae Red’s directorial film is in every sense outstanding and raw: Babae at Baril (2019)

Rae Red’s Babae at Baril or The Girl and the Gun (2019) is raw, violent, and very, very real. Its story follows a sales lady played by Janine Gutierez and also the former handlers of a gun that she has now come to possess. Her life is not anything one dreams about. She sends most of the money she makes to her selfish mother and the place she works in and lives in is constantly a place where she would feel less about herself with all the reprimanding from her supervisor and also constantly fearing about the overwhelming sea of testosterone around her. 

While the title of the movie talks of two characters, the story really focuses solely on the gun and how it has found its way to multiple characters. Either by desire or fate, the gun exercises its power and control over them and changes their lives in the process. 

The themes explored are highly relevant as it tackles oppression by those in higher power both in profession and in gender, poverty, rape, police brutality, and killing activists. Essentially, it reflects a society where safety is only for the rich.

Although thrilling and insanely well crafted through Red’s directing, Tey Clamor’s cinematography, and Ilsa Malsi’s editing, its story feels like something I have already seen before and therefore the direction it took became predictable. The unbelievable performances of the casts most importantly those of Janine Gutierez, Elijah Canlas, and JC Santos to carry out the various themes the film tackles must be highly praised and seen by the many. 

Also accompanied by effective sound design and great musical scores, I am proud and in awe of what this film has done for the Philippine indie cinema and truly look forward to more. 

9/10!