Movie review/feature article
5 Free Filipino Films to Watch
While in Quarantine
Published in: Metroscene Mag, April 28, 2020
Social isolation can be frustrating and numbing. As our social relationships slow down during the
enhanced community quarantine, the best way to rekindle our souls is to view movies that embody the
frailties of human stories. Recently, movie producers have been spoiling us with films uploaded for free
streaming. Fancy a movie or two amongst this big list of free movies?
These five movies are perfect to remind us of the world we'll soon be free to see.
John Denver Trending
The film that sweeped awards from Cinemalaya 2019 is finally available for free streaming on iWant.
This independent drama masterpiece marvels with its brave take on social media bullying, revealing the
often abused stretch of the internet's influence beyond screens.
Starring the raw and brilliant young actor, Jansen Magpusao, and the timeless Meryll Soriano, John
Denver Trending details the most human of struggles, and how our digital reputations are as vulnerable as
the truths we carry within.
I'm Drunk, I Love You
Originally released in 2017, this independent romantic-comedy flick that revolves around the narratives of
bestfriends, beer enthusiasts, and almost lovers, is TBA Studios' most recent surprise in their YouTube
channel.
How can one drunk confession change the dynamics of friendship? In a final trip before their graduation,
two friends find out the taste of confessional aftermaths that no chaser could ever erase. Starring Maja
Salvador, Paolo Avelino, Dominic Roco, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, this film will hit you harder than
alcohol.
Edward
Set in a public hospital, Edward follows the story of the titular teenage boy left to take care of his sickly
father. In time with the present conditions of our society, the film awes its audience with its
gut-wrenching truths in our healthcare system, and the little attention it receives from our government.
Originally released exclusively for the 2019 Cinemalaya, the film can now be streamed on iflix for free.
Lead by Louise Abuel as Edward, and Ella Cruz playing the role of the love interest, this coming-of-age
tale dramatizes how one can carry the burden of societal and political faults at an early age.
Bliss
Disabled from an accident in a production shooting, an actress was forced to reside in her secluded home
under the care of her secretive husband, and an eccentric and cruel nurse.
Another treat from TBA studios, this critically acclaimed psychological thriller shows the transitions from
fame to madness, as the lines between reality and dreams begin to grow shorter. Starring Iza Calzado, Ian
Veneracion, TJ Trinidad, Adrienne Vergara, and Micheal De Mesa, this film delights in the most
terrifying tumults of immutable horror.
Bar Boys
Perfectly timed with the coming release of the Bar Exam 2019 results, Bar Boys gives viewers a peek into
the hardships and successes faced by law (and non-law) students -- from long tedious note reviews and
shaky recitations, to barkada hangouts and online gaming. The film presents the story of four friends,
whose dreams were built on thick law school handouts and DOTA.
The makers of the film uploaded the full copy of the movie on Youtube last March 17, in view of the
'enhanced community quarantine' in Luzon. Played by Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano, and
Enzo Pineda, this film will make its viewers sob tears of both joy and sorrow.
Flicks like these have an undeniable universal appeal. From friendship and family, to truths, kindness, and
cruelty, these films cover the ground on what it truly means to be human. And what else could be more
human, than celebrating art in the comforts of a home and familial safety?