Saturday 29 December 2018

Philippine Cinema: Best Films for 2018


2018 has been a year of innovation in film industry especially with the growing audience of streaming technology. Showing of films is now not only limited thru mall cinemas, film festivals and special screenings but also now available thru micro cinemas and straight to our mobile phones and smart TV via steaming. From a chance encounter love story up to political social commentary, bunch of youth-oriented films, depression theme films, sweet old age films and genre-bending films, there's been something for everyone and summarize my pick of the best Filipino films of the year.  A total of 107 local films (up by 7 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 2018.
 

Honorable Mention 


22. Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa WiFi (Full Review)

21.
The Girl in the Orange Dress (Full Review)

20.
Exes Baggage (Full Review)

19.
Asuang (Full Review)

18.
Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus (Full Review)

17.
A Short History of a Few Bad Things (Full Review)

16.
The Eternity Between Seconds (Full Review)

15. Aurora (Full Review)

14.
Never Not Love You (Full Review)

13.
Rainbow's Sunset (Full Review)

12.
Liway (Full Review)

11.
Signal Rock (Full Review)



10. Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story)



Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story) is a romance flick that explores the interesting subject of "players" in love. We may fall in love but can't choose who to fall in love with.



9. Meet Me In St. Gallen



Meet Me in St. Gallen set the tone of an atmospheric conversational film that is elevated by  the right leads that simply possesses noble talent in acting and good chemistry on screen.



8. The Day After Valentine's



It is not what you think it is that this is just another hugot film, but there is an inner layer of story that made the film connects to the audience through character emotions.



7. Buy Bust



 Buy Bust is a well done gory action film anchored with its social commentary.  A well-produced, rousing feature based on Philippines' war against drug that made for great cinema. 



6. Oda Sa Wala



Oda Sa Wala is a risky, deadpan dramedy that effectively explores the nature of depression creatively.



5. Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon



Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon is a compelling story of old age, love, forgiveness and closure.



4. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral 

  

 Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is truly a cinematic gem as it boast its aesthetic brilliance with its incredible cinematography, close to detail production design, creative storytelling and powerful musical score that sets the mood of each scene.



3. Ang Panahon ng Halimaw



The film's power comes from the visuals and the miserable longing express in the songs that mourn the fate of our country during martial law era.



2.  Paglisan


 Paglisan blown my heart away with its heartfelt story, screenplay and direction. Even though the film use a different medium in showcasing its story, its impact truly absorbs my heart and soul.



1. Citizen Jake



 Citizen Jake is a well orchestrated nonlinear story telling with fine music and multi-layer unpredictable plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. The film presents symbolism showing how history seems to be repeating by itself because of our people’s short memory. 



 

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