Still unable to return to its pre-pandemic level, local cinema nevertheless did not fall short of producing stellar titles, most of which were released through streaming platforms, in 2022.
Local cinemas are on the road to recovery. That’s at least what the return of local films to the big screen seems to suggest. A post-pandemic moment for the movie-going public is no doubt on the horizon. With the Metro Manila Film Festival, Philippine cinema is brimming with eclectic, out-of-the-box, and award-worthy motion pictures.
For an industry that remained stale and barely scraping by for more than two years, that at least guarantees, things are headed in the right direction.
Thanks to the ever-expanding universe of streaming services, great films became accessible to the cineaste and casual moviegoers alike, in the middle of the pandemic.
Here are the 10 Best Movies of the Year:
A Hard Day
Straightforwardness and pace are this John Arcilla and Dingdong Dantes-starrer’s strongest assets. Still flawed at times with a few convoluted and implausible sequences, this film based on the 2014 Korean box office hit of the same title, oozed with frenetic energy and tension, and of course, brilliant performances, that it was easy to forget the unflattering parts.
Always
Adapted from its South Korean source material, Always almost has nothing to worry about delivering a bland storyline. The narrative Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario took inspiration from for the film’s screenplay, overflew with poignancy, sweetness, and sincerity, that there was almost no excuse to fail the Filipino remake. That said, that isn’t the only reason why the film is a compelling spectacle. The lovely chemistry between Kim Chiu and Xian Lim is one, but, the powerful performances they both rendered, need commendation too.
Arisaka
A deglamorized Maja Salvador, serves as the most potent factor that allowed the film to keep afloat from beginning to end, albeit its predictability and lazy pace. Arisaka is a story of vengeance and redemption, with the ultra-talented actress as its thematic and sentimental center–the smoldering fire that amplifies the bracing social footnotes firmly embedded in her narrative.
Big Night
Emerging as the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival’s Best Picture, Christian Bables-starrer, Big Night, is, by all means, a true big winner. Driven forward by its persuasive sociopolitical themes and strong performances from Bables, John Arcilla, Ricky Davao, and Eugene Domingo, among others, the film succeeds at getting across a timely and haunting message, one that those in power should pay attention to.
Dollhouse
This heartwarming drama follows a rock band frontman and a former drug addict, who went to the Netherlands to meet his daughter he previously never met, and get a shot at redemption in the process. Geisler practically took a 360-degree turn in the film, as the role he took on was nothing like he played before. Dealing with second chances, family, and reconnection, the film is a genuine tear-jerker that warms the heart at best.
Expensive Candy
Jason Paul Laxamana’s intricate showcase of sensuality sans the graphic illustration of flesh makes this provocative feature, compelling, and exquisite. There is some level of mature exposition in his narrative, and yet through his artistic choices, he found a way to wholly deliver his the film’s intimacy without completely relying upon graphic, sensual images.
Greed
Excellent performances make this riveting, albeit oddly-paced thriller truly a stand-out and a return to form for the award-winning actress, Nadine Lustre. In the film, Lustre pulled off a no less than stellar performance, by providing depth and grit to her character, who got caught in the chaotic whirlpool of greed by the people around her.
Kun Maupay It Man Panahon
Filipino resiliency takes center stage in this gloomy post-disaster feature, that fixes its lens on the lives of three survivors, played by Charo Santos-Condio, Daniel Padilla, and Rans Rifol. Packed with resonant messages that do not always hit home, the film is nevertheless made by both interesting by compelling performances from the cast, and the top-notch production design that perfectly captured the eerie aftermath of Yolanda’s wrath.
Love At First Stream
There are a lot of unflattering things to say about this cutesy teeny-bopper film, and yet there is that one outstanding element that makes it worth a watch—Anthony Jennings. The actor brims with charisma and wonder, which he showcased convincingly through his portrayal of Tupe, whose character development in the film is something to be not missed. Daniela Stranner, his partner, has spectacular moments as well. Together they shined, almost telling us they’re destined to be their generation’s love team to beat.
Love is Colorblind
The first title on Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano’s love team filmography, Love is Colorblind can no way stake a claim to defying rom-com conventions. The film, which is fan service at best, is stricken with cliches and cheesy tropes. It did sell, as reflected by its record-breaking streams on KTX.PH, but that frankly isn’t the sole reason why it looked very attractive. It has, after all, some addicting qualities, the most noticeable of which, is DonBelle’s lovely and irresistible chemistry.
Ngayon Kaya
This sentimental film tells the story of two close friends who are on the brink of professing their love for each other, after holding it back for as long as they can remember. Is it too late to dive into that feeling? The film tackles that push and pull, and manages to deliver a sincere albeit straightforward storyline, enforced by Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino’s inherent chemistry.
Re-Route
Sinister comes aplenty in this harrowing and rustic thriller which exudes an eerie beauty despite its grubby, eye-grabbing details. Fajardo, who was at the helm of several critically-acclaimed gems, including the Gawad Urian winner, Amok (2011), is completely upfront in his creative manipulation of ‘Reroute’, whose spine-tingling dread fest is hard to come by.
Did you think we missed your personal faves? Head now to the comment section to share what you think and which films you believe should be also on the list.
