It’s that time of the year again when Filipinos of all ages and groups gather together for a movie date and support the Philippine made movies through the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
In its 49th edition, ten films were selected as official entries to the festival with themes ranging from family to thriller, fantasy, and comedy. Released nationwide on December 25th, here are some of the recommended movies to watch:
GOMBURZA
“Nawa’y maging mitsa ang ating pagkamatay. Para sa liwanag.”
Inspired by true events, the historical film, GomBurZa (2023), delves into the tragic yet heroic lives of three Roman Catholic priests—Padre Mariano Gomez, Padre Jose Burgos, and Padre Jacinto Zamora, who faced public execution as suspects for mutiny and conspiracies during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. The narrative educates about the conflicts between the Spanish friars and half-breed secular priests. It also presents the struggles of Filipinos under the hands of dictator leadership and the simultaneous uprisings by the courageous ones including young lawyers who formed The Liberal Youth.
What’s impressive about this movie is the creative execution of storytelling in dialogue and visuals, poetically stirring emotions in particular scenes while offering viewers insights on the seeds of revolution in Philippine history. “Remember this, Pepe. Remember it all,” a grieving disciple of Father Jose Burgos enlightens his young companion about the real plight of Filipinos, carving a canvas in his heart to fight for the country.
Piolo Pascual is a scene-stealing special appearance portraying the role of Padre Pedro Pelaez while Cedrick Juan as Padre José Burgos emerges a strong candidate for the best performance among male leads in this festival. Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez reminds us of the rich wisdom we gain from the dark if we but remain steadfast in looking into the light, however faint at the moment. For the present suffering is nothing compared to the freedom that future generations will inherit and celebrate.
Overall, GomBurZa (2023) stands out as a poetic narrative and is one of those must-watch historical Philippine films that move you to love and fight for your own. “Now Filipino is no longer just a word. It is a nation. Long live the Philippines!”
- Screenplay: 10/10 (Rodolfo C. Vera, Pepe Diokno)
- Direction: 10/10 (Pepe Diokno)
- Editing: 10/10 (Ben Tolentino)
- Cinematography: 10/10 (Carlo Canlas Mendoza)
- Music: 9/10 (Teresa Barrozo)
- Performance: 10/10
MALLARI
“Isn’t love a curse?”
Inspired by a true story, Mallari (2023) is a horror-thriller film that explores the untold story of Juan Severino Mallari, a parish priest in Magalang, Pampanga who was documented to be the first Filipino serial killer. As confessed, he killed 57 people around the town within 1816 to 1826 with the motive of healing his mother from an illness he believed was caused by a curse. Due to his heinous crimes, he was executed by hanging by the Spanish colonial government in 1840.
What’s outstanding about this flick is the creative infusion of history, religion, folklore, time-travel, romance, and crime all in one, deviating from the typical “pinoy” horror movie. The show provides hair-raising scenes and creepy visuals that linger long, while it presents a message about human greed and love as a curse.
Piolo Pascual thrills with his triple roles across time, portraying different personalities and emotions but the same curse — a psychopathic priest, a passionate calligraphic artist, and a devoted doctor. Gloria Diaz as Doña Facunda proves herself to be a seasoned actress while JC Santos steals with his performance as Brother Lucas, serving the climax of the show.
Overall, Mallari (2023) is a chilling horror movie that keeps you glued to your seat as it unravels mysteries and plot twists after another in a suspenseful manner. It emerges to be one of the best contents not just in this festival but in the history of Philippine horror films.
- Screenplay: 9/10 (Enrico Santos)
- Direction: 9/10 (Roderick Cabrido)
- Editing: 9/10 (Noah Tonga, Nelson Villamayor)
- Cinematography: 10/10
- Music: 9/10 (Von de Guzman)
- Performance: 10/10
REWIND
“I will live better. I will love better.”
Rewind (2023) is a family drama with hints of magic realism that centers around a husband who tries to alter the past after losing his career and wife in a tragic accident. Yearning to turn back time, John makes a deal with a strange man named Lods to save his wife but at the price of another life. During his second chance, he realizes the value of family over work, and pursues to restore his relationship with his wife, rekindling romantic feelings, while trying to live better and love better as a family man.
What’s remarkable about this movie is the message about the value of family relationships and the second chances of restoring relationships, however messy and bitter, through the lens of limited time. It also talks about fresh starts and reconciliations when we cling to our faith in God.
The real-life couple, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, impressed with their roles as husband and wife, displaying pure mastery in their craft. Marian is a stunner with her visuals and portrayal as a housewife, while Dingdong is iconic with the way he interprets a mad man changing into a selfless husband and father. He’s also a strong competitor for the best male performance.
Overall, Rewind (2023) is a tug at the heartstrings that married couples and families should not miss watching. It leaves you in tears and moves one to pursue healing as you reflect about your own neglected or scarred relationships.
- Screenplay: 9/10 (Enrico Santos)
- Direction: 9/10 (Mae Cruz-Alviar)
- Editing: 9/10
- Cinematography: 9/10
- Music: 9/10
- Performance: 10/10
FIREFLY
“Kaya natin natutunang mahalin ang sarili natin kasi may nauna nang nagmahal sa atin.”
Firefly (2023) is a fantasy, coming-of-age movie set in 1999 about the adventure of Tonton into the mystical island of fireflies he learned from his mother Elay during bedtime stories. When his mother passed away due to an illness, he goes on a quest to search for the “Island of Fireflies” and meets strangers along the way who help him achieve his magical dream.
It’s simply the narrative that makes this movie unique above all while the central attraction belongs to Euwenn Mikael as Tonton who moves you into tears as he overcomes childhood trauma and hurdles in his young life. The magical tale about a firefly that defeated the island beast with its light enlightens one to be brave in facing fears with the mother’s love as the strongest motivator. It also teaches that sometimes we meet strangers who become our unexpected companions, enduring and celebrating life with us.
Alessandra De Rossi, despite her short screen time, illustrates her role as a suffering yet strong mother like no other. She’s a versatile actress worth the praise. Dingdong Dantes with his special appearance as the adult version of Tonton acts with his eyes full of emotions while reminiscing about his childhood.
Firefly (2023) is a powerful reminder of a mother’s love that empowers a child to overcome fears. Overall, it serves as the heart and soul kind of narrative — a moving, magical journey that simply takes you back to your childhood wonders and holds you captive in every way.
- Screenplay: 10/10 (Angeli Atienza)
- Direction: 9/10 (Zig Dulay)
- Editing: 9/10 (Benjamin Tolentino)
- Cinematography: 10/10 (Neil Daza)
- Music: 9/10
- Performance: 9/10
Summary:
Having seen half of the entries so far, the best performances in male main and supporting leads include Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Cedrick Juan, JC Santos, and Joross Gamboa. In the female category, Alessandra De Rossi, Marian Rivera, and Gloria Diaz, stand out with their roles.
Meanwhile, GomBurZa, Mallari, and Firefly all captivate to vie for the Best Picture.
KORB 