High Five: Groundbreaking Filipino Films on Netflix

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By: Godfreyna Canja

 

By now, you probably have browsed Netflix for movies or series to binge-watch again — twice or more times. Indeed, there are days where we just don’t know what to watch, nothing strikes our interest despite the abundance of selections on the platform. Right now, being indoors for more than two months now, we have probably gotten tired of most of the suggested content, and maybe we want to try something different.

Filipino films have a knack to be just the right kind of good you’re looking for— simple, familiar stories that tends to tap into the emotions of the viewers. If you want a break from your usual western content, there are groundbreaking Filipino films available on Netflix that will surely give you the entertainment you need while on quarantine!

Here are our High Five Filipino films on Netflix worth watching:

 

Kita Kita (I See You, 2017)

Photo from Viva.

Taking place in the scenic Hokkaido Japan, this is a feel-good romantic comedy about an unlikely friendship turned romance and has gained quite the praise for it strays from the typical handsomely dashing “leading man”, as it stars the comedian Empoy Marquez. The story centers on Lea (Alessandra de Rossi) a Pinay tour guide in Japan who unfortunately loses her sight, and Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) a friendly and persistent pinoy neighbor helped her become herself again, happy and carefree, after the trauma she went through with a recent breakup.

This film will tug at your heartstrings and is worthy of the hype, the story is simple and straightforward that will remind us beauty of friendship, love, and the memories we hold dear. Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Kita Kita is definitely a Filipino film you should watch!

 

Heneral Luna (2015)

Photo from TBA Studios.

One of the most groundbreaking and highest-grossing Filipino films as well as the Philippines’ entry to the Oscars back in 2015, Heneral Luna is a historical epic of the Philippine-American War during 1899. Directed by Jerrold Tarog and played by the veteran actor John Arcilla, the film talks about the story of the decorated General Antonio Luna during the time war where he led the Philippine troops against the Americans. “Bayan o Sarili, Negosyo o Kalayaan? Mamili ka!” (insert English translation), one of the film’s most iconic scene remains to be relevant and sparks hard truth in today’s time. Heneral Luna definitely deserves a spot in Netflix and a must-watch for all Filipinos and Filipinos at heart.

 

Unforgettable (2019)

Photo from Viva.

Who doesn’t love a movie with a dog? Unforgettable is heartwarming film about Jasmine and her new -found furry friend, Happy. They journey together and face many challenges to visit Jasmine’s sick grandmother, hoping that Happy can be the one to save her.

Directed by Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalana, Unforgettable is the kind of movie that you watch while curling up with your own pet and being comforted by their warmth and friendship.

 

Hintayan ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting, 2019)

Photo from Globe Studios.

Originally a one-act play written by Juan Miguel Severo, Hintayan ng Langit features an interesting story of love and reconnection in purgatory. Lisang and Manolo are ex-lovers stuck in purgatory, waiting for their final judgement as we see how the underlying story between them is slowly revealed.

The film is comedic yet will definitely give you tear-jerking moments. Directed by Dan Villegas and starring two veteran actors, Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareño, Hintayan ng Langit is a film worth your watch!

 

Birdshot (2016)

Photo from TBA Studios.

Birdshot is a critically acclaimed film directed by Mikhail Red, the same director of the first Philippine Netflix Original, Dead Kids. The film centers on Maya played by Mary Joy Apostol, a girl who accidentally shot an endangered Philippine Eagle. This caused an investigation by the police that ends up exposing the violence and corruption that surrounds politics and law enforcement.

The film is also the first Filipino film on Netflix, so that is proof enough the Birdshot is a film that should be on your next Netflix binge watch!

 

Will you be watching these films this week? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

 

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