ATTN Movie Buffs: You Can Now Stream These Hard-to-Find Filipino Films Online!
Jun 23, 2020 • Meryl Medel
Unless they’re being shown in the cinemas, it used to be quite difficult getting to watch certain Filipino films. Even when DVDs and the like became more popular with western films, Filipino movies did not have the same demand, especially with piracy rampant in the country. But with the growth of streaming services all over the world, audiences can easily access much more media instead of waiting for DVDs or Blu-Rays to come out. And the same goes for these Filipino movies that used to be hard to find — because you can actually stream them now. Check them out below.
Smaller and Smaller Circles (2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqNqZJS–Bw
Director: Raya Martin
Starring: Sid Lucero, Nonie Buencamino
Based on the book of the same name, this film follows two Jesuit priests trying to solve the mystery of the deaths of young boys in Payatas and catch the serial killer all while navigating the murky waters of the politics of the government, the Catholic Church, and society’s lack of empathy.
Where to watch it: Youtube
Ordinary People (2017)
Director: Eduardo Roy Jr.
Starring: Ronwaldo Martin, Hasmine Kilip, Maria Isabel Lopez, Sue Prado, Ruby Ruiz, Raymon Lee
This award-winning Cinemalaya entry tells the story of two teenagers who become young parents struggling to live in the slums of Manila. But when their baby is kidnapped, they
Where to watch it: Netflix, starting June 26
A Portrait of The Artist As Filipino (1965)
Director: Lamberto V. Avellana
Starring: Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana, Naty Crame-Rogers, Vic Silayan, Conrad Parham
A classic based on the play of the same name by literary giant Nick Joaquin, this story follows the Marisagan family, particularly sisters Candida and Paula, as they try to keep up with the high society of mid-20th century Old Manila. Their family becomes the center of attention when their father, a reclusive painter, refuses to sell his self-portrait despite the fact that many are making offers for it and their family desperately needs the money.
Where to watch it: iFlix
Badil (2013)
Director: Chito S. Roño
Starring: Jhong Hilario, Nikki Gil, Dick Israel
When the elections in their barangay come ever closer, a young man witnesses how dark the world of politics is as he takes over the duties of his father, the Kapitan, to make sure vote buyers continue to harass vote buyers just before the election.
Where to watch it: iWant
Bar Boys (2017)
Director: Kip Oebanda
Starring: Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano
A group of friends try their luck at law school, but they’re all tested by the pressures of friendship, family, relationships, and beliefs, even as they try to focus on the big day of bar examinations.
Where to watch it: Youtube
Bliss (2017)
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Starring: Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, TJ Trinidad, Michael de Mesa, Adrienne Vergara
Actress Jane Ciego simply wanted to produce her own film and earn the respect of the film industry. But when an accident leaves her impaired, she is forced to stay home under the watchful eye of her husband and her unusual nurse, starting her descent into madness.
Where to watch it: Youtube
The Dance of Two Left Feet (2011)
Director: Alvin Yapan
Starring: Rocco Nacino, Paulo Avelino, Jean Garcia
Marlon just wanted to impress his dance teacher, so he asked Dennis, their teacher’s dance assistant, for some help. But how come things get more complicated when their sessions lead to a deeper friendship and Marlon developing feelings for Dennis? And they’re even cast as lead performers in their upcoming dance showcase.
Where to watch it: GagaOOLala
Dormitoryo (2017)
Director: Emerson Reyes
Starring: Ces Quesada, Charles Aaron Salazar, Vandolph, Kate Alejandrino, Jun Sabayton, Wowie De Guzman, Max Celada, Sheen Gener
A group of college students lives together in a dormitory managed by a lonesome widow, all going through different struggles and challenges.
Where to watch it: Youtube
Have you watched any of these? What did you think? Tell us below!
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