While mainstream movie continue to chunk in huge amount of earnings in Philippine cinema, 2017 is also a big year for the indies. Not only did these films hit the mark with the critics but some of them also earned their way to box-office. Here are my top movies for 2017.
1. Kita Kita
Who would have thought that a simple love story starring an unusual couple turned out to be one of the gems of 2017. Empoy and Alessandra De Rossi impressed and made us see the beauty of true love. Kita Kita makes us realize that we love not for what we see but what we feel. Both critically and commercially successful, this film refueled the careers of both it lead stars. Kita Kita was simple and pure and that is all we need.
2. Smaller and Smaller Circles
This Raya Martin film has mystery written in the best way possible. We are treated to a brand new genre of movies and surely was compelling and superb. Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero were the cherries on top as they delivered exceptional performance adding to the greatness of this masterpiece.
3. 2 Cool To Be Forgotten
This coming of age drama is one of the gems of 2017. We are immersed to how a young individual fights his way to some things he have not experienced or felt. Delivered in a subtle but effective way, we see how people's desire and motives can trigger certain actions. Khalil Ramos did a breakthrough performance that is worth every applause.
4. Seven Sundays
Family drama has always been a staple for Filipino films. And for 2017, we are treated to a star-studded movie that touches simple but relateble family scenarios - from happiness to conflicts and everything in between. Aside from the wonderful screenplay and story, Seven Sundays triumphed with its stars. Ronaldo Valdez was specifically heart-felt in his every scene. Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Enrique Gil and Cristine Reyes all upped the drama and we did shed a tear or two.
5. 100 Tula Para Kay Stella
JC Santos and Bella Padilla starred in this wonderful romance film that show all the beauty of love and every heartache there may be. In this movie, we follow the love story of two unlikely pair as their relationship blossom. 100 Tula was both heartfelt and sincere and the unlikely twists makes you wanna cry.
6. Deadma Walking
Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman shined in this stellar film about life and the various colors. We see how each person view life and where each one derives their happiness. We are brought into a world of whimsical fantasy and a powerful friendship that stays till forever. Deadma Walking is a breakthrough in its own right and is one of the best from 2017.
7. Ang Larawan
Ang Larawan brought back the flair and hype for musical movies. This 2017 film wonderfully woven into a masterpiece of sounds and music stood out to be different in all the good ways possible. The ensemble cast all performed exceptionally well making every scene compelling.
8. Siargao
Cinematography at its finest. This Paul Soriano helmed film showcases one of the wonders of the Philippines while incorporating a story about life, love and personal choices. This may not have the emotional punch like most of the dramas from 2017, but it stands out as something light and simple.
9. Love You To The Stars and Back
Prepare a tissue or two. In hindsight, this film looks and light-hearted rom-com like the rest but deep inside it is packed full of emotions. The idea of having people leave is always a difficult thing which puts people at their saddest moments. Joshua Garcia once again showed how talented he is and makes us dive into his world loving him more and more.
10. My Ex and Whys
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil is one of the hottest love teams of this time. And the formula for success on this film is simple - be true and sweet and everything else will fall into place. But not only is this a rom-com but the storyline for this film is a tad more mature than your regular Filipino romantic films.
11. Patay Na Si Jesus
Jaclyn Jose simply spells greatness. In this dark comedy, we joined Jaclyn's character on a road trip to visit the remains of his estranged husband dragging along her children. Hilarious and very witty, Patay Na Si Jesus joins humor and irony and combines them to make a memorable movie worth watching by everyone.
12. Respeto
This Indie hit seemed a simple hiphop film on the surface but man we are caught into a surprise. This movie is one of the more poetic masterpieces in years and by the end credits, one would definitely shed a tear. This is one of the few ones that will stay for us for long. Director Treb Monteras II delivered this in a dynamic and at time gritty way.
13. Star Na Si Van Damme Stallone
Perhaps one of the more underrated comediannes of our time. Candy Pangilinan showed perfect timing and brilliance in this heart-warming film. Dealing with a story that focuses on a child with down syndrome, this film touches at the innermost corners of every heart.
14. Kiko Boksingero
Simple but truthful, Kiko Boksingero surprised everyone with a compelling storytelling and wonderful ensemble performance. Noel Comia as the young boxer showed innocence beyond his years. This film made headlines with a handful of awards and nominations from the last year.
15. Nervous Translation
Looking into the eyes of a young one often exposes us to the truthfulness of things. Nervous Translation mixes a lot of wonderful ideas and compiles them to have a collage that is a masterpiece. A young girl who shows little understanding of the adult world reacts in a way that she mimics her elders. Witty and one of a kind.
Here are the rest of the best movies from the year that was.
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