Sunday 29 December 2019

Philippine Cinema: Best Films for 2019



From social commentary, creative story telling, fusion of folklore and romance, modern OFW film, psychological natural thriller, out of the box coming of age films, there's been something for everyone and summarize my pick of the best Filipino films of the year.  A total of 103 local films (down by 4 last year) that I've seen and made a review this year from streaming applications, film festivals,  theatrical runs and special screenings. Here's the rundown of my own pick of best Filipino films for 2019.
  

Honorable Mention

23. LSS (Last Song Syndrome) (Full Review)

22. Ang Hupa (Full Review)

21. Write About Love (Full Review)

20. Tayo Muna Habang Hindi Pa Tayo (Full Review)

19. Akin Ang Korona (Full Review)

18. Unbreakable (Full Review)

17.
Elise (Full Review)

16. Isa Pa With Feelings (Full Review)

15.
Unforgettable (Full Review)

14. Alone/Together (Full Review)

13. Eerie (Full Review)

12. Metamorphosis (Full Review)

11. Kuwaresma (Full Review)




 10. I'm Ellenya L.


I’m Ellenya L. seems like the work of a much more experienced director, maintaining fidelity to its vision and intention without being to much preachy and just lay its message in a subtle way.



 9. Cleaners

Its satirical comedy works not only bringing high school memories but also a message on realities, reflection of society and the mess left by the old generation that hopefully future generation will clean.


 8. Hello, Love, Goodbye


It’s pretty obvious that director Cathy Garcia-Molina take good care the totality of the film, from the acting performance, cinematography, editing up to the screenplay and phasing of the film. I can say that this is one of her best film as she already really master the epitome of making an entertaining romantic Filipino film.

 7. Lola Igna


Lola Igna is a unique, charming pinoy local film for our elders and grandparents. This is obviously the best film of Eduardo Roy Jr. this year that perfectly exhibited his craftsmanship as a director. Lola Igna is the perfect love letter to your grandmother.

 6. Edward

Edward is well made coming of age film anchored with its brilliant screenplay, touching story and finest performance by its ensemble cast. The phasing, storytelling, editing, dialogue and location of the film are perfectly put in place to deliver a charming and realistic story.

 5. Verdict


Verdict know its story well and the message that it would like to give to the audience. With its consistent direction, editing, hand shake cinematography and acting of the actors, this is another relevant film that deserves to be seen.


  
4. Ulan

Ulan deftly balances romance and folklore story to deliver an interesting and  unique love story. What makes Ulan work is it doesn’t shy away from its intention to  stick to its subject matter which is self love.

 3. John Denver Trending


John Denver Trending is relevant and timely. This one definitely succeeds on doing social commentary that will truly leaves an impact after watching.

 2. Kalel, 15


It will not force you to be affected on the film but the way story has been told and unfold effectively deliver the message it would like to convey.  It is a dark, depressing and hopeless film that let us glimpse on the reality on life and society without being so dramatic.

 1. Mindanao


It is a well weaved interconnecting story of a place, a community, a father, a mother, a daughter and a family. The film championed in delivering a story with a heart told creatively and uniquely. I like on how they integrate the folklore story to the ordeals of a child cancer patient to the real problems of the community up to the struggle of a loving mother and a Muslim soldier.


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