Yes, you read that right. Once upon a time, there were only two Filipino films on NETFLIX - "Birdshot" and "Metro Manila". If you've read my "Birdshot" review by filmmaker Mikhail Red, you know that this is the first Filipino film released worldwide by Netflix.
Birdshot (2016)
Diego, a rural caretaker, shows his 14-year-old daughter Maya how to shoot a gun to learn self-sufficiency. She ends up killing an endangered Philippine eagle, bringing unforeseen and frightening consequences into their quiet life.
Initial release: October 2016 (Japan)
Director: Mikhail Red
My thoughts: A COMING-of-age thriller: "Birdshot" by filmmaker Mikhail Red
Metro Manila (2013)
Oscar flees from a life of poverty and moves with his family to Manila. They fall victim to the hardened locals until Oscar finds work with an armoured car company.
Release date: 9 October 2013 (Philippines)
Director: Sean Ellis
I honestly think (and probably you do, too) that there are numerous Filipino films that deserve to be seen worldwide. If NETFLIX is one of the gateways, then why not? If you have an account, make sure to catch the following Filipino films.
BuyBust (2018)
After surviving the slaughter of her entire squad in a drug raid compromised by dirty cops, anti-narcotics special operative Nina Manigan is eager to go head-to-head with the drug cartels that hold a bloody grip on Manila. But when her new mission in the city's most dangerous slum goes south, the angry civilians turn on her squad. Trapped between a brutal drug gang and hordes of bloodthirsty citizens, their only option is to fight their way out.
Release date: 1 August 2018 (Philippines)
Director: Erik Matti
My thoughts: Erik Matti Continues to Push Cinematic Boundaries
Heneral Luna (2015)
In 1898, Gen. Antonio Luna (John Arcilla) faces resistance from his own countrymen as he fights for freedom during the Philippine-American War.
Release date: 9 September 2015 (Philippines)
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Kita Kita (2017)
Kita Kita is a 2017 Philippine romantic comedy film written and directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, and starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Set in Sapporo, Japan, the film follows Lea, a Filipino tourist guide living in Japan who goes blind having witnessed her Japanese fiancé's infidelity. Wikipedia
Release date: 19 July 2017 (Philippines)
Director: Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo
My thoughts: Unconventional but Beautiful: Thoughts on Sigrid Bernardo's Kita Kita
Oh by the way! Have you heard the news about a Filipino graphic novel series becoming a Netflix anime series? I am a BIG FAN of Trese, a Filipino graphic novel by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo. Whenever someone asks me about my thoughts on local superhero TV series, I never fail to mention Trese and how much I want it to be adapted on TV or movie. However, I never thought of making it into an anime.
When I heard the news and sir Budjette Tan confirmed the news on his Instagram account, I realized that I never thought of an actress who can portray Alexandra Trese. Since the graphic novel is really good, adapting it into an anime series is probably the best. I feel that they will be able to stay 100% true to what sir Budjette and sir Kajo created.
Make sure to support Trese when it comes out!
Happy viewing!
