The Philippines has a colorful film history, with stunning big screen masterpieces that shaped the industry and the way we view society. Among the greatest films in the country have even made names globally due to the powerful message and cinematography they possess.
Here are top iconic movies that shaped the country’s cinema:
Dalagang Bukid
Dalagang Bukid (Farm Girl), is a silent movie directed by José Nepomuceno, the Father of Philippine Cinema. The film is about a youthful flower merchant named Angelita who was forced to marry a wealthy old man, Don Silvestre, regardless of her love for Cipriano, a law student. The film released on September 12, 1919, with English, Spanish, and Tagalog captions.
Punyal na Guinto
Another masterpiece by Nepomuceno, Punyal na Guinto—which was released on March 9, 1933—is considered as the first Filipino talkie movie. Nepomuceno was halfway through completing the film when American duo Harris and Tait offered their machines to include sound into the film. It made the character of the Golden Dagger to talk (in Tagalog) halfway through the film.
Orasang Ginto
LVN Pictures Orasang Ginto, which was directed by Manuel Conde, was the first post-war Filipino film. It focuses on Filipinos’ misfortunes and tragedies during and after the war. It was released on March 4 to 13, 1946.
Prinsipe Amante
This 1951 film is the first Filipino colored movie, directed by National Artist for Theater and Film Lamberto V. Avellana.
With such high creative qualities and artistic mind, the ‘50s was named as the First Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, where epic movies like Conde’s Genghis Khan (1950) competed at the Venice International Film Festival.
Uhaw
In the 60s ‘bomba’ or sensual films emerged due to significant studios shutting down following labour issues and uncontrolled corporate commercialism that led big and international franchise films to dominate the local theatres.
Independent and local film houses decided to create adult films, and the first in the country is ‘Uhaw’ (Thirst), which was released in 1970. Despite being a blockbuster hit, it experienced poor production quality including screenwriting and some technical aspects.
Contributed by Shilpi Kakani
