My faith in the local cinema has been restored once more.
The mere fact that I'm counting down my most favorite Filipino films of 2013 speaks a lot about how happy I am with the quality of many domestic films that was released last year. In 2012, I couldn't even come up with five Filipino films that satisfied the film critic in me, let alone ones that I could say I loved.
Thank goodness 2013 provided for a happier ending. I'd have to give a virtual standing ovation to the many film festivals that featured original Filipino films like Cinemalaya, Cinemanila, CineFilipino, Sineng Pambansa, and the Metro Manila Film Festival (though it's hardly a bastion of high-caliber films anymore).
I'd like to give a happy dance for Ms Eugene Domingo for having four of her films included in this countdown. She truly is today's newest superstar!
Before I start with my top choices for this year, let me first make some disclaimers (ha!). There are films, which I know I would have loved but wasn't able to catch during their respective theatrical runs. Films like "Ang Kwento ni Mabuti" (Nora Aunor) and "Lilet never happened" are films that would have figured in my list had I had the chance to see them. Sad!
But among those that I have seen in 2013, many were without doubt outstanding. For the record, the only criteria used in the selection of films in this list is the personal taste of yours truly. So if we differ in opinion, that's fine. I'd like to hear about the films in your list. Feel free to sound off in the comments section below. :)
Of course, is a list of Filipino films. To see my most favorite foreign films of 2013, please click here. Without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite Filipinos films of 2013. Enjoy! :)
Okay, so it's not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of quality, award-winning pictures. I'm also not the biggest fan of Vice Ganda (or Maricel Soriano's tired, sitcom-esque "acting"). But did the movie make me laugh? It did--out loud. I watched two other MMFF films ("Kimmy Dora" and "Pagpag"), and this, I think, is the better picture among them. But what really make this movie worth its spot in this list--JC Devera and EJ Falcon. Need I say more? *wink*
Eugene Domingo remains to be my all-time favorite Filipino comedian. We love her to pieces! Like I've mentioned, I also watched her MMFF entry "Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel", but that one was a let down. Despite this, four of her films figure in this list (keep reading!). Back to this film, I must commend it for its original and interesting plot, though it could have used a couple more funny moments.
Yes, I did watch this film because of Eugene Domingo (and Paulo Avelino, who am I kidding? Ha!). But I did enjoy the whole cast. The story isn't your typical Filipino comedy. Plus, it's not only funny, it's sexy--a winning combination in my books.
It was about time a film was made about our humble and beloved kasambahay. Growing up, we've always treated our helpers as part of the family. And while none of our helpers really stayed with us until their golden years (like how it goes in the movie), I felt a close connection to the subject matter of the film. What a tearjerker it was. Very well-acted, too, mind you. Though I must say they could have made a more palatable ending.
You know how some movies have good trailers? This one has a super hilarious one. More importantly, the actual movie was so much better. I love how they marketed it as a team-up between the Diamond Star (Maricel Soriano) and the Rough Diamond Star (Eugene Domingo). That refreshing comedic thrust was evident during the whole movie. Love, love, love this joint.
A cute and intriguing love story, this movie will keep you on your toes the whole time, not because of any special effects, but because of its strong story line. Also, Lovi Poe is my second most favorite Filipino actress (after Eugene Domingo) so I was bound to love this. :)
The buzz surrounding this movie was enough for me to check it out. I wasn't disappointed. Was the movie violent? Yes. Was it well acted? Most definitely. Was the story engaging? Indeed. All good stuff for this film. So, yey!
This dark comedy is one for the books. The aptly named movie is both literal (a bus accident physically turning the lead actors into a human barbeque with a metal stick) and figurative (how totally different lives could suddenly be interconnected by one apparently preventable event). Yet again, Eugene Domingo was the come-on, but the whole cast delivered. It didn't provide laugh out loud moments, but I did leave the movie house feeling I've got my money's worth.
One of the entries in the Sineng Pambansa film fest, Sonata is one of those movies that will make you laugh and cry; believe and doubt; love and hate with the characters. It's so real. Of course, it helps that the main plot is about a famous opera singer who lost her way when she lost her voice. Cherie Gil was amazing (she is the sheez, for lack of better term). It was nice to see her back as lead in a movie. And the supporting cast deserve acting awards (Joshua Pineda is the most promising actor I've seen in recent years). Kudos to everyone involved in this project.
The cast of this movie--yes, even (or especially) the bit players were so incredible they brought tears to my eyes. I was too young during Vilma Santos' hey day, but this film proves why she is who is today; why she is still relevant today. I like that the movie was so insightful and entertaining at the same time. It was about time the bit players get to be in the spotlight. Props to Cinemalaya for helping making this film happen.
Related Blog Entries:
- TWIST's top 10 favorite Filipino films of 2011
- TWIST's top 10 favorite foreign films of 2011
- TWIST's top 10 favorite foreign films of 2012
- TWIST's top 10 favorite foreign films of 2013
Awesome post you have here! I will definitely check this out. I'm sure me and my friends are going to like it. You should also check out Glorietta movie schedule, I'm sure you'll like it! Anyway, thanks for sharing.
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