Free TV channels usually rebroadcast Filipino classic films during Holy Week, so this is the perfect time to introduce younger generations to these timeless classics. These different movies were written and directed by some of the best writers and directors of Philippine cinema, telling tales of love, intrigue, and other issues we still face today. Now let’s go back in time and revisit some of these classic Filipino films
Sister Stella L
The story of a nun (Vilma Santos) who becomes involved in a labor strike, Sister Stella was woke before it was cool. At first, Sister Stella doesn’t get involved in the political side of the protest but eventually, she learns all about the government’s abuse of power. Waking up from this sad reality, she fights for the rights of the poor in order to give them proper compensation.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
Himala
When Elsa (Nora Aunor) a young girl claims to see an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she soon becomes the top faith healer of their town. This story is about a young woman who becomes the center of attention because of her magical “healing powers”.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrfgZa-BDkA
When Joey (Christopher De Leon) meets Anna (Hilda Koronel) he’s immediately attracted by her beauty. Little does he know that Anna is a married woman, but this doesn’t stop the two for falling in love with one another as Anna is not happy with her married life. However, reality sinks in and the two have to face the fact that they can’t be together.
The movie is available for streaming on Amazon.
Batch 81
A story of what happens during the fraternity’s recruitment process, and how applicants are changed forever once they apply for the fraternity. Sid (Mark Gil) is a young college student that aims to join his university’s Greek-letter organization Alpha Kappa Omega. He becomes one of the fifteen applicants who are up for recruitment, but he soon discovers the dark side of joining a fraternity.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
Kakabakaba Ka Ba?
When Johnny (Christopher De Leon) arrives from Japan with smuggled high-grade opium hidden in an audio cassette, Japanese gangsters hunt him down. In order to hide from the Japanese gangster, Johnny and his group of friends hide in a church in Baguio. Little do they know that the priests and nuns at the church aren’t who they seem. How will they escape the people hunting them down?
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
T-Bird At Ako
One of the first Filipino films that tackled LGBT issues, T-Bird At Ako is the story of Sylvia Salazar (Nora Aunor), a feisty lawyer who unexpectedly develops feelings for Sabel, a dancer at a local bar.
The film can be streamed on Amazon.
Manila After Dark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCEQg_9TwUw
The story of different people highlighting the different ugly aspects of the city like unemployment, prostitution, and drug addiction. The film was released during the height of the Marcos regime and was critically acclaimed.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag
Julio(Rafael Roco Jr.) is a young man from Marinduque who goes to the city of Manila to find his long-lost love Ligaya (Hilda Koronel). Julio is forced to work as a construction worker where he witnesses the harsh reality of living in Manila. He eventually reunites with Ligaya, but their happiness is cut short by an unexpected tragedy.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon.
What other classic Filipino films can you recommend? Tell us below!
