The type of films Filipino filmmakers make reflect the type of people most Filipinos are – people lacking in substance. Just looking at the list of entries for this year’s Manila Film Festival, you can already tell that not a lot of thinking was involved in the process of making them. Even the titles leave nothing to the imagination of the audience. Most of the actors playing the lead roles are the same ones we’ve seen since we were kids or some hot young flavor-of-the-month of one producer or another.
Kraken rip-off
Take the 13th instalment of Shake, Rattle and Roll, and ask: What else can people expect to get out of it? Not much, obviously. People are probably watching it for the eye candy. Every year the film features starlets parading and pouting for the camera hoping to look cute enough to win an award. That’s right. Talent in acting is not really a criterion for winning an acting award in the Philippines.
In the case of the film Enteng ng Ina Mo starring Ai Ai delas Alas and Vic Sotto; the actors had nothing to work with in terms of storyline and dialogue. The characters just basically rehashed their roles specifically with Vic playing his Enteng character from the 1980s TV series Okay ka Fairy ko and Ai Ai reprising her winning role in last year’s Tanging Ina Mo. It’s another one of those things in the Philippines we can refer to as scraping the bottom of the barrel. The producers are obviously milking the franchise until it bleeds.
And what about the new Panday 2 movie? First of all, how does Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr find the time to make movies? Isn’t he supposed to be spending more time deliberating policies in the Senate instead of delivering cheesy lines? Aren’t there enough men to take over the role Senator Revilla inherited from the late Fernando Poe Jr? Second, the new Panday movie is being criticized for being a blatant rip-off of the 2010 Hollywood blockbuster remake of Clash of the Titans. All the film needed was Medusa to complete the cast of Perseus’s nemesis. There was nothing special about the “special” effects either.
How do these filmmakers sleep at night knowing that they are not really creating a work of art but just copies of some other people’s work? They are not even making people think; they are not even stirring emotions or provoking people into doing something with their lives; they are not even inspiring young people to aspire for greatness. What they are producing is just stuff you can discard after one use. In short, most Philippine films are a total waste of the people’s time and money.
Films are supposed to be cultural artifacts that reflect our culture and, in turn, affect us and our outlooks towards life. Most films are considered art, for entertainment and a powerful tool for educating — or indoctrinating — society. But nowhere can we find our culture or any significant message of consequence in our films. Films are powerful tools of communicating ideas and who we are as a people. Unfortunately, our films tell us and everyone else that we are shallow and superficial.
I JUST WANNA ASK WHAT DO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE WANT TO SEE THAT WOULD QUALIFY AS A GOOD FILIPINO FILM?
We’ve been commenting on the subject for how many days already. I WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWERS.
@musicman
It’s not the WHAT, it’s the HOW. People have different taste in films. What you like might not be the same as what I like. So it is pointless for me to list down all the films that would qualify as good. But as long as it is original, with a good storyline, dialogue and cinematography, it would be qualify as good.
So it’s more about the quality of how a film was made. Which is why I don’t understand why some people have been demanding that I list down all the films that I like. It is beside the point of the article.
nagtatanong ang mga tao kung ano yung mga pelikulang iyong nagustuhan ay dahil nais nilang malaman kung saan nag-ugat ang pagbubuod mo na “Filipino films: they don’t make us think”
nais lamang nilang malaman kung ano ba talagang pelikula ang pinag-isip ka, anong pelikula ang nais mo.
minsan kasi hindi din kasalanan ng mga film makers iyan. minsan nakakahon ang dapat gawin ng mga direktor halimbawa dahil sa pagpupumilit ng mga producer o artista na pumatok sa takilya ang gagawin nilang pelikula. halimbawa na lang ang nangyari kay Tikoy Aguiluz sa Asiong Salonga kung saan ang likha niya ay nabago sa pagpupumilit ng producer/artista
Are you saying that Filipino films do make us think?
@Ilda
That’s not what Vinci was trying to imply. Just answer the question on what films do you like/ have had an impact on you. Because by doing so we the readers will get to have an idea on what you mean by “films that make you think.” It’s not enough for you to say “as long as it is original, with a good storyline, dialogue and cinematography, it would be qualify as good.” Cite a list of films, or even just 2 or 3 films that made you think (heck, give one film okay na yun), then let’s analyze from there on.
Let’s just wait for Vinci to clarify what she means. I already said earlier that her request is not relevant to the point of the article.
Okay lang, hindi na, we don’t need to wait for Vinci to clarify, ako na mismo ang curious sa kung anong pelikula ang tumatak sayo. Ang dami kasing aspeto ng pelikula ang pwedeng mapag-usapan, form-wise and content-wise, kaya maganda na maging specific na tayo from hereon. What film made you think?
Marami and I don’t have the time to list them down. Why can’t you accept that it’s beside the point?
[...] like you are watching a symposium”. Ouch! As such, I beg to differ with Ilda’s viewpoint slightly. Perhaps Filipino films do make me think — of things that really entertain me. And [...]
I quite agree that the mentioned films were bad. REALLY BAD! But to generalize that Filipino Films don’t make us think seems jumpy. Film as an art form caters to our senses, like walking into a gallery and looking at paintings. Our Film industry has its hits and misses, just like ANY films produced anywhere. There are GOOD films, there are BAD films, and the moment that we decide that what we are watching is crap is a critical THINKING process. To sum it all up, Filipino films makes us THINK and discern which ones are good and worthy of our time.
@Joni
Hits? According to who? Indeed, Enteng ng Ina Mo was a hit to people who lack substance.
I do make a conscious decision not to watch rehashed films. You do agree with what I said my article after all.
@joni: what separates a smart consumer from the not is how the former thinks BEFORE spending her money on something, NOT AFTER.
if filipinos thought of spending money judiciously that way, sellers and producers would shape up. right now, they get rich selling pinoys crap.
some people don’t realize that apart from art and entertainment, film-making is also a business. and for a business to succeed, producers won’t just make movies out of sheer desire to produce artistic ones. rather, they produce taking into consideration the taste of moviegoers. i guess it boils down to education. we can walk through the whole nine-yard of this discussion, but in retrospect it is easy as saying: bad education produces crap taste; and if you got bad taste… well, you do the math.
Dami nyong cnsabi. gawa kaya kayo ng sarili nyong entry.
people have better things to do.
[like]
Hindi ka lang naman papasok ng sinehan para mag isip. 90% of the time, papasok ka ng sinehan para mag enjoy/malibang/mag relax.Katarantaduhan na siguro kung sa tuwing papasok ka ng sinehan sasabihin mo sa sarili mo “Andito ako para mag mental exercise”. Hindi ako laging nanonood ng pelikula, mapa indie man o tagalog o foreign pero isa lang naman ang goal ko tuwing papasok ng sinehan (na siguradong goal din lahat ng manonood) : gusto ko lang mag enjoy at kalimutan ang stress ko sa trabaho. Aminin na natin, minsan nakakapagod mag isip lalo na kung masyado kang madaming iniisip. Hindi ko to sinasabi para sa sarili ko, dahil kung titignan mo ang karamihan ng mga tao sa atin, karamihan sa amin, hindi petiks mode. Krisis ang buhay. Kaya sana wag na natin masyado gawin komplikado. Hindi ko rin ito sinasabi dahil ayaw ko mag isip. Hindi na rin siguro ako nag trabaho at nagpaka tambay na lang ako kung ayaw ko.
Ang gugulo nyo eh. Sa bandang huli naman, hindi naman big deal sa amin kung napatawa o napaiyak o napa bobo kami nung pelikula.
Hindi naman masama yung may logic. Hindi din naman lahat ng bagay dapat may sense. Movies = entertainment at kung gusto namin mag mental bungee jumping mag susudoku na lang kami.
Sana ang pinag didiskusyonan nyo e kung bakit mahal manood ng sine at pano ba magiging abot-kaya ng masa ang manood para kahit papano mabawasan ang piracy. Maganda pa siguro yung epekto sa industriya ng film dahil mas kikita sila sa palagay ko (dahil mas marami ng manonood at hindi aasa sa “hintayin ko na lang yung pirated, mas mura pa.” May maganda ring magagawa para sa konsumer dahil sa wakas makakapanood na din kami ng magandang quality na film (yung walang may biglang tatayo sa screen at biglang mawawala yung isang scene. malabong kopya. tabingi yung kuha sa sinehan.) Para kasi sa mga taong kagaya ko, imbes na ipang sine ko, ipambibili ko na lang ng makakain ng pamilya ko at aaminin ko nanonood ako ng pirated films dahil mas mura na, kaya ko pang ulit ulitin.
Sinasabi mo ms ilda na walang substance ang filipino films, ergo, walang substance ang nanonood. Pasalamat ka na lang at sa internet ka nag post nito, Dahil kung sa madla mo nilabas to, dun sa madla na nag eenjoy ng sinasabi mong walang substance na filipino films, tignan natin kung saan mapupunta yang “substance” mo kuno. puro ka reklamo, ano ba nagawa ng reklamo mo? napapaunlad mo ba yang kapwa mo. Sa totoo lang hindi nakakatulong yung post mo, well, makakatulong din siguro. Pero sa kabuuan nanginsulto ka lang ng kapwa mo Pinoy.
Speak for yourself, thank you very much.
Sana nga mas marami pang makakita. Paki kalat na lang.
actually kinalat ko na sa opisina namin hanggang sa mga kakilala ko sa NCCA. napapa face palm na lang mga tao sa post na ito. hindi convincing. pano mo susuportahan ang post mo ni hindi ka nga nanonood ng filipino films? niyayaya kayo ng mga film enthusiasts na manood para naman kahit papano maging kapanipaniwala ang pag “critique” mo kuno at may basehan ang mga paratang at reklamo nyo. hindi pang masa ang post mo. at masyado mong minamaliit ang sarili mong lahi. nakakahiya ka at ang mga followers na nagpapaka elitista. get real philippines pa pala ang website na to? kung magagaling kayo edi kayo gumawa ng pelikula. puro kayo reklamo. kaya bumagsak ang industriya ng pelikula dahil sa mga katulad mo na kahit minsan at hindi ata sumubok manood kahit man lang ng cinemalaya. ikaw ang naglulugmok sa sarili mong kalahi. kaya anong karapatan mong magreklamo? hindi nga din kami masyadong nanonood ng pelikula pero hindi kami kagaya mo na tila walang kabusugan sa buhay. at least kami kahit papano, kahit pakonti-konti nasusubukang makipila sa sinehan kahit sa ccp makapanood lang ng mga pelikulang inaakusahan mong trapo. at sa maniwala ka man o sa hindi may mga pelikulang pilipino na mapag iisip ka. hindi mo siguro napanood yung Boundary o ng babae sa septic tank o kaya ng dinig sana kita. wala akong alam sa indie pero pano ko kaya nalaman na may ganitong palabas? dahil gumawa yung mga indie film makers ng paraan para umabot sa masa.
at uulitin ko. (at hindi lang to galing sa akin. pati na rin sa mga kakilala kong nakabasa ng post mo.) Nakakahiya ka.
Hindi kelangang panoorin ang mga pelikulang gawa sa Pinas. Sa treyler palang halata na agad na walang kwenta. Ba’t pa ako gagastos sa produkto na sa advertisement pa lang halata nang walang kwenta. At isa pa, kung ganun talaga kaganda ang pelikulang Pinoy, e di may nagrekumenda na sana sa akin na panoorin ito. E ano nakikita natin dito, mga taong tulad mo ang nagrerekomenda. Paano kaya ako gaganahang manuod?
Ganun lang kasimple yan ‘day. Kung maganda talaga ang produkto di na kelangang piliting panoorin. At ang pangit na produkto ay di kelangang kainin para tawaging pangit kung sa amoy palang e laglag na buhok mo sa kilikili.
@ benignO
unang una hindi ikaw ang kausap ko.
“E ano nakikita natin dito, mga taong tulad mo ang nagrerekomenda. Paano kaya ako gaganahang manuod?”
- e anong nakikita natin dito? mga napaka judgmental ng mga tao kagaya mo. sino gusto mo magrekomenda? Presidente ng Bansa? sino ka ba? napaka special mo ba para pakiusapan kang manood? at para lang malaman mo hindi ka pinipilit na manood. sinasabi lang namin na bago ka manghusga sana inaalam mo muna yung hinuhusgahan mo. napaka superficial ng trailer. bakit hindi ka magbasa ng reviews para malaman mo kung maganda nga. ganun ka na ba kahirap para hindi man lang sumubok manood kahit isang pelikula lang? may oras ka para pumuna ng isang bagay na sa totoo lang wala kang kaalam alam.
nababasa mo ba yang sinusulat mo malignO? este benignO? hindi ka ba kinikilabutan sa sinasabi mo? mga hirit yan ng mga salot sa lipunan eh.
nakaka awa kayo. dahil umpisa pa lang ng post na to alam na ng lahat na puro basura lang ang sinasabi nyo. walang kredibilidad ang pagpuna ng isang taong walang kaalam alam sa pinupuna nya.
Sori ka na lang ‘day, ako kausap mo na ngayon.
Spesyal talaga ako na di pwedeng pakiusapang manood ng pelikula ng kung sinu-sino lang – dahil di lang kung sinu-sino lang ang pinagkakatiwalaang kong magrekomenda ng paraan ng pagkakagastusan ng aking oras at kwarta.
Siguro para sa mga tipikal na Pinoy na katulad mo, di talaga mauunawaan ang ganyang kasimpleng konsepto. Dahil talagang makitid ang pag-iisip ng mga tipikal na Pinoy. Kaya nga ang kikitid ng mga type na cine ng mga Pinoy at kaya tuloy panay basura ang pinagkaka-abalahang i-produs ng industriya. Hanay lang sa ugali ng manonood.
Salot nga talaga ng bayan. Mga ugaling tipikal na Pinoy ang salot.
Masyadong kang nahihiya para sa akin/amin. Don’t worry. I’m not worried. Mas nakakahiya kasi ang mga pelikulang pinapalabas sa sinehan.
The films do not represent me and I do not like the way some of the filmmakers represent the Filipinos to the world. I’d like to think that most Filipinos are not loud and crass but they are always being depicted that way in most Filipino films.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: complaining is good. Complaining is a way of giving feedback about a particular work or product. Now that the filmmakers know what some audience want, they can hopefully improve on their craft and make even better films.
You are free to give your money away but don’t force other people to do the same.
Ok. Sige na.
Sorry about replying to a very old post but this comment really made me laugh. Sir, just to say people think everyday, there is no such thing as “not thinking”(well maybe for you:D). Its true that people go to the movies to sit back and relax but you cannot just throw thinking out of the game. Thinking is automatic for most people (I dont know for you though); you think even though you do not want to think; you think even without knowing it @.@ so it is extremely important that the things we do, including watching movies, will make us think.
Now this…things that do not make sense is…? (I’ll leave it to you to fill in the blanks)
Now i agree with Ilda on this matter:D. Filipino movies are too predictable. Filipino producers and directors create these movies for the sake of doing it. They think they give honor and pride to the Philippines, but they dont. Believe me producers have this habit of thinking they have done a great job even though they did not.
Sir, i hope that you THINK before posting something.
How many times did i write the word THINK? xD
AY SIR TULOY. MAM PALA:D PEACE:D DI KO TINIGNAN UNG PANGALAN XD
not all films that hollywood cough out are citizen kanes, like all those films that rip off other films, and dont even get me started on twilight, BUT nonetheless you raise a very good point about this sheepishness that we Filipinos have, too easy to manipulate, its almost funny.
2 cents, please dont hate haha
That already goes without saying. But they have more good films than bad. Likewise, even their rehashed and sequels are still better than ours. And besides, the article is about Filipino films not American films.
“But they have more good films than bad. Likewise, even their rehashed and sequels are still better than ours.”
There are film criticism courses offered in some films schools in the country. Then you’ll learn that there’s much more you can learn from the statement I cited.
Things aren’t always as they seem. There’s a big difference between content and form.
Ok. Something is definitely wrong when people keep mistaking this post for a film review. FYI, it is an article about the state of the Philippine film industry in general.
You might need to take a course in Understanding the point 101.
I agree with this article. Most of the films stated on this article are crap. Some are just sequels of a very used (and abused) films and/or tv series. Nakakatamad na minsan panoorin dahil paulit ulit lang yung format at takbo ng story and most of the time, start pa lang ng movie pero alam mo na yung ending.
Pero maganda ngang tanong yun: What movies made you/us think? Since most filipino films don’t really make us think, what movies made you think?
Off the top of my head, one film that made me think: The Road with Viggo Mortensen.
oh no nagkakamali ka ate..mas madami silang pangit na films….
Wow what a post! It’s interesting how I read a lot of different perspectives. I like films that speak to me, and even television can speak well with both my heart and mind. Just don’t assume that because a lot of people here don’t watch any filipino film they would turn to the crap of hollywood. I have not watched even a Hollywood film since 2001. The film I watched was just Monsters Inc. because I was ten and having fun with my lil’ cousins. And the only even time that persuaded me to watch another one was in 2008 because of ‘The Dark Knight’, because, apparently, it’s creating so much buzz worldwide even in Australia, where I’m currently living. The draw to that film was just universal- and though it divided people to turning into catfights just because…it succeeded in sparking up debates on its ideas on the hero problem and well of its technichal aspects (I even hear American film fans bemoaning the degradation of their cinema- so it’s also a universal problem). The end of a decade of great American cinema was the start of the 2000s. Some great works from their last decade doesn’t constitute great filmmaking of the overall industry. Even some of their indie fans complain about the lack of creativity in form or storyline in their non-hollywood films- and how they’re also recycling stuff too. So, I’m being fair here for pointing these out. And the funny thing is, life sucks for the gen y person like me. Perhaps these lacklustre form of films reflect the attitudes of today’s society in general? I can’t even communicate with people around my age. I talk to people who are well around in their late 20s, 30s even 60 year olds. There’s just something shallow, self-absorbed, non-reflective about my generation. Perhaps why I resort to watching old films and music (never bought into the Backstreet boys and the Britney Spears around the time they were hitting high). My family likes watching those John Hughes films i.e. Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Home Alone 1 and 2, or The Terminator 1 and 2. They don’t like much of today’s pop culture (the overexposure of sex in the form of Bratz dolls is beyond appalling). They even laugh at JLO chick films which are baduy and can be comparable to our cheesy light flicks.
I know a little bit of Anne Curtis’ family and some relatives here in Australia. I even met her sister who’s really nice and down-to-earth. i didn’t even know her sister was a star until i watched this film ‘And Cute ng Ina Mo’. And my GOSHNESS! She was a terrible actress and the whole film (from a cousins’ place in the tube) that ran through was just cringeworthy and so awkward. It did not even grudge a laughter except of course, her sister and her cousins.
Well, they’re really great people, but that doesn’t mean Anne is to be held in great esteem in terms of acting skills. Because that film really traumatised me from watching any other local mainstream flicks that has come out since. So this validates further Ilda’s point on why these films don’t make us think. That film alone could hurl me out of a room like a tornado because it was just so baduy and beyond awkwardness. OK she’s forgiven for that because I could see some potential there but the horrible storyline, dialogue and directing perhaps killed that potential in that film. I don’t even know if she’s still acting in films? Then again, I don’t update myself with film cinema generally these days. I just believe it’s not worth it. I am also not fond of Korean dramas and music (Ah cry me a river, over…YOOOOOOOUUUUUUU!!!!! Hehehe). Melodrama schtick of any form is beneath me. And music is like Britney Spears minus the overexposure of sex and more scary cutesyness. What’s scarier are even their fans, who are downright deluded, and would give anyone a death threat for insulting their fave cutesy stars and musicians. Well, I’ve gone really OT but at least you get the idea of why some of us can’t be bothered pulling our bums out to go see one of our own films.
@Christy
Thanks for your input. It’s obvious that you get my point. It’s quite disturbing though that some people cannot seem to understand a simple concept. They can’t even accept that I have a busy lifestyle, which is part of the reason why I would not spend any precious time on something like SRR13.
Tonight I will be watching I am love with Tilda Swinton.
i love planes, trains, & automobiles! especially the pillow scene.
[...] it is no coincidence that trashy flicks that showcased the supernatural and lionised heroic sorcerers dominated the recently-concluded [...]
Every year, I always try to watch at least one entry from the MMFF. I’ve enjoyed all of Ai-Ai’s past Tanging Ina movies but will not watch the new one in the big screen. I saw last year’s Panday, and yes, it’s very cheesy and crappy, and yes, I also question how Bong Revilla could schedule everything, including monitoring his half-brother’s murder case. I failed to watch Rosario — that was one film I really wanted to watch. This year, I watched Asiong Salonga — which made me think that there is a very thin line (or if there’s any line at all) dividing showbiz and politics in our country. I did not really like Asiong Salonga, but it did make think: MMFF gets crappier as the years go by.
One MMFF film that really moved me though was Filipinas.
lol
I would also like to address the problem with our cinema in both indie and mainstream. Portrayals of people (upper and lower classes) are simplistic and especially with the portrayals of people who are underprivileged. I somehow feel that the lower classes are depicted as if in the same brush. Aren’t middle class to lower middle classes not interesting enough for these filmmakers? These filmmakers who keep making simplistic portrayals of these ‘poor’ should stop this class vouyerism. That’s all I have to say.
The films simply do not make us think.
Try to read this article guys (link below), maybe it will help you understand what Ilda is trying to say. There are too many haters here, maybe it’s just because of the way she has written it but we still can’t deny the fact that most filipino movies are really getting lousier each year.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/21488/jessica-zafra-last-word-on-the-mmff—an-audience-held-hostage?
I know. They tried to embarrass me and others who agree with me but it’s their own bad behaviour on show, actually.
This article is not just about one film. It’s about the ENTIRE Philippine film industry.
The problem with all these people who are offended by this article is PERCEPTION. They view this as an attack against Filipinos. NO, IT IS NOT!
It’s a critique of the consumerism, bad products vs hard-earned money, “puwede na ‘yan” mentality, and the way the film industry cares more about their income rather than making quality films. IT IS NOT AN INSULT TO THE FILIPINO MOVIEGOER’S INTELLECT, TASTE, OR SENSE OF NATIONALISM.
We, the people who support this article, are not questioning the creativity and talent of Filipinos! All over the world, there are Filipinos who demonstrate how creative, smart, and talented they are. From science, math, entertainment, to whatever field they are in, THERE IS NO ARGUING THAT FILIPINOS ARE, AND CAN BE CREATIVE!
Our gripe with the whole MMFF thing is that it’s driven by CORPORATE GREED, and not by the desire to entertain Filipinos with films that evoke emotions, intellectually stimulate, and be an overall good movie while inspiring creativity and pushing the entire industry to make better films!
It could be argued that this is an idealistic view. BUT it could also be argued that one can make a film with idealistic motivations limited by realistic conditions/boundaries AS BEST AS HE CAN, and without compromising the quality of the film!
And to those who are still against this article, DO NOT TELL ME THIS CANNOT BE DONE. If you do, then you are saying that the Filipino is not talented or creative enough to circumvent these limitations in order to create a quality product that is also internationally competitive!
Why settle for “puwede na” when you can get “puwedeng, puwede talaga”?
@Vanilla
Thank goodness for more people with common sense speaking out. We could have used your input last week when all these “offended parties” were insisting that I should watch Shake Rattle and Roll 13 first before writing this article. Never mind that they do agree that most Filipino films don’t make us think anyway.
shake rattle and roll is a good movie….
Just like everything here. It all boils down to politics. That’s why most writers and (good) directors go indie. There are a lot of creative people here in our country. We just lack support because it’s not what the “masses” would want, or understand for that matter.
Yes, we don’t go to theaters to “think” we go for leisure. But isn’t reading a good book considered a leisure too?
How many times have i seen an “action star” hold a gun wrong. i.e. a calibre .45 straight in the cheeks. As if it was a sniper rifle. Good luck doing that in real life. Or a female “kontrabida” in a teleserye coming up to 9 people and they all run away when they could have just ganged up on her. Simple things that seem to insult the audiences i.q.
Movies should be created to incite ideas. To affect and open up ideas to the viewers, even when we aren’t asking for it. Why did this happen? What’s the deeper meaning? or… I know how that feels. Things like that.
The biggest problem is the sort of ideas that supposedly inspire the viewer. Because having seen ‘The Caregiver’ or something like ‘Bagong Buwan’, aren’t much of an idea that’s really exploded into other ideas than presenting yet another picture which I have seen in some other film before. I really don’t like filmmakers who keep going back to the likes of Brocka to make such ‘important’ films. What I would like to see is a mature film, and not something obviously made by a film student, that makes up a character that has nuance and speaks sensibly, who is a mature person when he/she deals with his/her situation, show that this character is paired sensibly with the other right characters (that is, avoid miscasting them, in general). Be specific in what they are, and don’t make events unfold for me as if just episodic and choppy, create something whose values go beyond any stamp of whatever a ‘pinoy’ is (here’s another flaw I feel that it has to be that certain pinoy immature attitude that I gotta see onscreen).
You know why Wong Kar Wai films affect me much? Or any Ozu film for that matter? Well, it’s certainly not because I have affinity for the Chinese culture or Japanese culture, which to the viewer supposedly, is very irrelevant.
An engaging narrative has to at least elevate beyond nationalistic tones and onto an atmosphere that is more universal, but should surprise, amuse the viewer in such a way that makes one view it maturely and intelligently. In this way, it might help a filipino viewer expand in his/her Weltanschuung, and that will never come to be unless we overcome this nationalistic mode mentality, which doesn’t even speak truth to all. The masa spoken of might learn something for once, I believe, when you give them a new refreshing idea and an outlook that actually would enlighten.
(Haha I like this topic too much and I can’t shut up about it because I do care about changes in our film industry, weird or what?)
It’s not that the Philippines does not have good films, it’s just that, somewhere along the way, we’ve stopped making great films. Despite crappy rom-coms and rip-off fantasies, keep in mind that we do have films like “Perfumed Nightmare” (Kidlat Tahimik); “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag” and who can forget Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal? So I guess what we have to think about is how can our films reflect a genuine Filipino experience. But don’t get me started on “A Mother’s Story” because “Anak” already did its job.
Also, the audience, the “masa”, is not inertly stupid. It’s a kind of stupidity conditioned by an industry and (surprise!) by ourselves. If we can make the audience think, who knows what great things a Filipino can do?
i just have to comment on this one! i love filipino movies… WHEN I WAS STILL 10!!! damn it its been 19 years and still these movie plot are still the same!! you make sense ilda, alot of sense!!
cheers and keep posting!!
You have common sense, francis.
Agree.
you need a new one, then send me a mail and i will tell you. this is much different from a conventional phil movie but it may have something interesting with a treasure hunting of our history being at this present country. So much pf our history were altered that the present philippines doesn’t know. it is the freemasonry agenda…. Where is the Biggest Invisible Statue of Liberty in the world, that is the puzzle…facebook account, Carlodelio Ramos
may you be interested if I tell you that sites of Great Treasures left by the WW1 & 2 might be released when the people get ideas on the guidelines that I may reveal. I want movie companies to promote this movie of my ideas and researches, But I want it for the betterment of All the Filipinos, I want to stop their exodus being slaves in the other countries. I am just so afraid that many greedy people will intervene that is why I want it first to be published so that no greediness will come over. because this is for the people of God. He put these treasures into his providence for the time he wants to rebuild this world. You know, satan is always there and send intruders.
Yet it’s true that we watch movies to relax, to have fun, etc., but i find it better to have a movie challenge me somewhere at the beginning/middle/end and/or anything in between, something that could stir up my mind and educate me whether morally, historically, psychologically, emotionally (this is way overused in our country but still it counts), knock on my critical faculties, we can watch non-sense movies anytime (yes, i’ve shared some of having watched non-sense films) but there’s already a lot out there that the movie industry shelves are running out of space to make as such, more. Most of the Filipinos out there are already one wind push off the cliff from being brain-dead from the rotten products of the greedy corporations, and supposed-to-help-us-improve-our-lives-technological-gadgets, people nowadays lacks vision, bigger and sensible vision.
I’m an artist, I finished with a degree in fine arts and witnessed the disrespect of our government to our art culture by awarding such crown to one undeserving artist, take note: I consider him as an artist, it’s just that in my humble opinion he doesn’t deserve it and many of my fellow artists would support my stand. It takes one to know one, and it takes some good and intelligent enlightenment to understand something even one doesn’t pursue the same path.
I apologize for stating my level of education, i just believe that some Filipinos only believe one’s thought or opinion when he/she lays out some proof of credibility as to what he/she is saying.
MAN UP PILIPINAS!
correction
**It takes one to know one, and it takes some good and intelligent enlightenment to understand something even IF one doesn’t pursue the same path.
Hello All,
I feel compelled to come to Ilda’s side of things.My name is Whilce Portacio and as a US-based working Pinoy Proffessional of thirty years now I must inform all that the question is not if there is talent among fellow Filipino’s. Just look at recent international pop culture and you’ll find Pinoys in key positions everywhere. Pinoy talent is respected here in the international creative circles. The question is why isn’t the local Manila based entertainment industry trying to attract the talent back to Manila? Why aren’t they scouring the local talent for the best before they are invited abroad?
Let me put it as a challenge to the local industry…today Pinoy Professionals are raking in millions for foreign companies, millions they could be making for the local industry and with that also raising the Pinoy banner around the world.Why isn’t this happenning? And please remember money isn’t the only currency to entice with, a good businessman can find a way. Plus there are vast numbers of local talent that can do the job (shall I point to the advertising industry?) so why aren’t our best being sought after and enticed? As a businessman why be content with earnings of millions of peso’s when the potential is millions of dollars and putting the Philippines on the entertainment map where we belong…..
I would like to believe (and Ilda can obviously speak for herself) the writer of this article is asking in point blank terms why are we (the local entertainment industry) not making the product we should be making?
***A quick point-the question should not be a general quality versus cheap entertainment. The point of “good movies” is are our local movies a good, realistic, exxagerated true representation of the true every day Pinoy life style. In other words when we watch a Pinoy movie are we watching characters that we recognize from life all around us in the Philippines or are they shallow examples molded from what others think are popular international characterizations? The true test of a “good Pinoy Movie” is if you recognize the characters and situations from your own life experiences and therefore then “feel” the point of the movie…
…sorry for my long post…I will now evaporate back into the internet ether…
@Whilce Portacio
Thanks for your insightful comment. Unfortunately, your message might just fly over some people’s head. I’ve tried very, very hard to explain my point but as you can see, some also have a hard time getting it. I don’t know if it’s arrogance or ignorance but whatever it is, they try to shift the blame on others for their inability to understand.
It is obvious that most of our filmmakers are happy with mediocrity. They probably try to justify this by saying “mababaw naman ang Pinoy eh, so pwede na yan.” It is really a shame because it is ok for them to produce inferior products for Filipinos.
Hi Ilda,
I remember that when this article first came out, you stirred up a hornet’s nest, predictably, with many onion-skinned Pinoys who shoot first, and read later. If they weren’t taking bits of your article out of context, they were busy getting offended by the slap in the face that they think it is. Nowhere did I read about any personal attacks on anyone within the article. It just so happens that telling it like it is, is a concept lost upon many Filipinos.
I prefer to see this article, and many others here in GRP, as a splash of cold water. Less painful, and not as humiliating. And I also see that the points you mentioned above are not only applicable for films here in the Philippines, but other media as well. The recording industry is a good example.
Shallow movies, I think, can be likened to medicine. Sooner or later, the patient will become immune to them. I hope the “doctors” wise up, and soon.
@FallenAngel
Spot on. In other words, they were being defensive.
Thanks!
Supply and demand. This is what Filipinos want proving that the biggest part of the nation is brain dead.
I cannot agree more with Ilda. It’s either the local entertainment industry produces garbage that’s why we appear shallow and superficial or, we are shallow and superficial that’s why the industry produces garbage. Either way, if one of them produced intelligent material or behaved intelligently, I believe that’ll change everything.
@dg
You are correct. We just don’t have enough filmmakers who can make realistic films that would appeal to everyone. We need something that will inspire Filipinos to aspire for greatness.
Major just article. May read on…
PEOPLE saying that Filipino films are bad isnt the same as “DAMN, dont ever make another film again bro, cuz u suck like ****.” If people were not to critique on the works of their fellow brothers then how will they know that they are doing bad. Isnt it our obligation to help our fellow pinoy brothers improve on what they are doing? Sometimes people need a slap to wake up. You should be thankful someones doing that for us. Thank You Ms. Ilda and may you continue to state the truth.
Thanks for getting the point, Yoyo!
Great article. I came across this webpage through a cross-reference by yet another infamous article, “Why We Are Shallow”, written by F. Sionil Jose that I’m certain most of you know already.
First off, I just want to say how bold and precise you are to write such an inciting piece here. Let the haters hate. You must’ve struck a vital chord that perhaps is a living principle in every Filipino. (hint: It’s one of the Seven Deadly Sins, and as well as the original and root of the other six) Truth hurts. Doesn’t it? I couldn’t have surmised it more accurately Ms. Ilda. I was never into our flicks. I will say that NOT all Filipino movies but MOST are. I have heard quite a few that stands out but the majority of what I’ve looked up, are hands down horrible – in every aspect: acting, plot, narration, script. But STILL, why do a lot of Filpinos enjoy it? It’s as simple as in Sionil Jose’s article: we are just shallow. We don’t like complex stimulus that has several or many intriguing elements found outside of the box. No, we’re totally just fine with simple and repetitive interaction. It’s not that we’re afraid to tackle or immerse, as you’ve mentioned, we’re simply okay with mediocrity. Mediocre forever it is.
You have a physically attractive facade? You’re in! You’re half-British/Filipina? You’re in! You were born in The States? You’re in! (sorry, I can’t leave nepotism out on this, it wouldn’t be fair) You’re related to ‘insert-a-famous-actor-here’? You’re definitely in! Basically its 2 things to guarantee you a free pass to be a member of the stardom club in the Philippines: superficiality and or partisanship. Talent, substance? Don’t worry about it, those factors are out of the question. A pretty face and six-pack abs will garner enough revenue from the masses for us. After all, you’ll be playing characters that are one-dimensional and delivering cheezy Taglish lines so I wouldn’t really worry about these so-called talent and substance these (*sarcasm*) ‘anti-Filipino’ folks blog/twit about. They can criticize all they want, denigrate however they wish to – they are not Filipinos, they are a DISGRACE.
First of all, that’s totally fine with me. Whether I’m a Filipino or not, all that matters to me is I’m human. God never stated that our souls have ‘colours’. I for one do not feel that this article is nothing but a blatant criticism about Filipino movies (or people) but from my perspective, it is constructive criticism. Understand the difference? Sure, the offensive message is there, but it was written with careful observation and contemplative research. It’s not like the author just wrote this article to rant or vent out. Names and titles were given there with supported thesis statement(s) and indication FOR YOU (reader) TO ADDRESS IT, NOT TURN A BLIND EYE ON IT. Articles like these are published because WE WANT TO EXPRESS THAT WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOU. We like being outside of that damn box. We want some form of sophistication every once in a while. We like the influence/creation of other interesting cultures around the world. What’s wrong with that?
I don’t need to criticize, because I’ve already realized that a long long time ago…
Worthy material Ms. Ilda, I couldn’t agree more. I’m damn proud of people like you and Mr. Sionil Jose for being honest and dauntless to express yourselves in such a controversial subject. Kudos to you Ms. Ilda, take care always.
@X
Thanks for expounding on the topic. Indeed, one of the reasons why I wrote this is to express my disappointment as a customer over our film industry’s lack of originality. I was even more disappointed that some indie film-makers and their supporters think that just because I haven’t seen the films I mentioned, it means I do not have the right to express my opinion about the Philippine film industry. It’s quite lame of them to say that considering they themselves agree that most Filipino films suck.
Thanks also for the compliment!
@Ilda
“complaining is good. Complaining is a way of giving feedback about a particular work or product.”
The word complain is something that a lot Filipinos feel eecky about. It is perceive as something negative. Criticism perhaps–sounds more educated? I dunno–but what the heck, it is still negative for them. But the way people reacted to this post, they obviously missed the point of the need to produce more palpable films that properly educate our children.
Harsh lang ang dating sa kanila nang pagkakasabi. Manipis ang balat e. LOL.
To her critics:
As for relaxation, yes, we go out to enjoy a film, but is it wrong to suggest that after each film, we learn something positive? Just like when we were kids. We all enjoy fairy tales, but in reality, there are lessons. Don’t we find fables entertaining and relaxing to read/hear? But underlying that “fun” there are moral lessons. And just like what Idla said, that is missing with our films.
Relaxation is good, but too much of it, heck ewan ko na lang if tama pa un.
The last Tagalog film I’ve seen was “Sukob” which actually left me wondering where that concept really came from. It was a good film but the “history” of that so-called curse was never discuss. The film could have given its viewers a more concrete idea why it is in our culture.
It is not so much relevant but I wonder if those who’ve seen that film have that bit of “curiosity” I have. Trivial? Yes.
Filipinos in general don’t want to be at the receiving end of criticism. They’ll brand you unpatriotic or being a crab if you so much as say that “Filipino films: they don’t make us think”.
Some of them think they are already “great”. Hence, they do not feel the need to improve.
Thanks for the comment, itchyBB
I agree because Filipino movies don’t make us think. It’s a matter of viewing discernment.
That’s why I don’t watch such crap anymore.