The Film Development Council of the Philippines is once again bringing critically-acclaimed films to Philippine cinemas this March 6-12.
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And all the film buffs rejoiced. Kidding aside, it’s always nice to have a wide selection of media to consume. There’s nothing quite like being open to try out different film genres and styles, because who knows? You might like a movie, or you might not—in which case now you know what you do like. Plenty of critically-acclaimed films aren’t crowd favorites, and plenty of films that audiences enjoyed aren’t critically-acclaimed. Just a quick exploration of Rotten Tomatoes shows the differences in perspectives between critics and audiences. But you can’t form a complete opinion about a movie unless you watch it, right?
One thing that has marked and continues to mark movies and filmmaking these days is accessibility—some films aren’t shown in some regions, ticket prices are getting higher and higher every time you look, and sometimes a film itself is tailored to a certain demographic. It’s always good to broaden our horizons and formulate our own perspectives, so when what was once inaccessible is made accessible, it’s a pretty good opportunity. This March, the FDCP, or the Film Development Council of the Philippines, is bringing a curated list of global classics and contemporary films to local theaters through FDCP Presents: A Curation of World Cinema. These films will be shown at select SM Cinemas from March 6 to 12. Get tickets on the SM Cinemas website, app, or ticket booths, priced at P250 in Metro Manila and P200 in provincial branches.
ANATOMY OF A FALL
The award-winning French drama Anatomy of a Fall (2023) is a mystery and family drama all rolled into one. It’s written and directed by Justine Triet. It follows German writer Sandra (Sandra Hüller) and her visually-impaired son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) as they deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death—in which Sandra stands accused. For the screenplay, directing, the cast’s performances, and its overall filmmaking, Anatomy of a Fall won two Golden Globes, one BAFTA, the Palme d’Or, among dozens of awards and even more nominations.
HOW TO HAVE SEX
Trigger warning: the following film deals with sexual assault.
This sobering coming-of-age drama written and directed by Molly Manning Walker follows three best friends Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Skye (Lara Peake), and Em (Enva Lewis) as they try to make the best of their holiday in Crete. What they want to do this summer is simple: drink, party, and hook up. Skye and Em are a stark contrast to Tara, whose summer experience becomes an uncomfortable nightmare when she is assaulted by one of the boys they meet on the island. How To Have Sex won the Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard award in 2023 and received positive reviews for its candid and powerful depiction of the volatility of being and growing up as a young woman.
ONLY THE RIVER FLOWS
This Chinese neo-noir contemporary film follows a police chief, Ma Zhe (Zhu Yilong), as he tries to uncover the truth surrounding a series of murders in a rural town in the 1990s. Suspicious locals, the dark underbelly of a community, and deeper mysteries make for an atmospheric crime thriller of an art film.
CHUNGKING EXPRESS
FDCP Presents: A Curation of World Cinema is making a lot of film buffs happy by bringing the best of Wong Kar-wai’s filmography to the big screen. One of the auteur’s most popular films—if not the most popular—Chungking Express (1994), tells two separate stories about police officers looking for love, contemplating loss, desperate for connection. Stylistic, witty, visually intense, and well-loved by plenty of audiences, Chungking Express is a classic many consider to be groundbreaking cinema.
HAPPY TOGETHER
This Wong Kar-wai queer romantic drama stars Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung as lovers in constant push-and-pull. Their tumultuous relationship, further complicated by a new city, financial troubles and a co-worker named Chang, is depicted in Wong Kar-wai’s now-trademark style. It also delves into place, identity, and belonging. This film earned Wong Kar-wai the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival and brought him even further into the international spotlight.
FALLEN ANGELS
Set in 1995 Hong Kong, Fallen Angels tells two stories of a hitman and a mute ex-convict, both wanting to lead different lives and ground themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It delves into redemption and moving on. Like his other works, Wong Kar-wai wanted a story told in fragments, highlighting feel and atmosphere, making place seem like a character of its own.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
In the Mood for Love (2000) is yet another Wong Kar-wai classic, all about affairs, intimacy, time, and place. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung star as Chow and Su, respectively, two expats who realize their partners are having an affair and eventually form a connection. Leung won the Best Actor award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival for his performance in this film.
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