Four Films

These are four films I watched from March to May this year.

BEFORE THE RAIN (Milcho Manchevski, 1994). In Macedonian with English subtitles, this film tells the vicious cycle of violence during the war in Bosnia. Once you know the faces you wll begin to understand the story is the tag line of film, which I only made out after watching the film. What I will always remember in this film are the beautifully shot scenes that, as I watched it, made me feel the coldness and atmosphere of the hamlet in that remote locale where most of the happenings in the film took place. The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language award in 1994 at the Oscars. Rating: 4.0/4.0

CONDEMNED (Mario O'Hara, 1984). In this film is one of the most unforgettable display of Nora Aunor's acting genius. The film itself is a masterpiece; to be specific: a believable noir thriller. It also stars Dan Alvaro, Gloria Romero and Leni Santos. Rating: 4.0/4.0.

SHUTTER ISLAND (Martin Scorsese, 2010). Not one of the best Scorsese film, this film, however, still delivers. Scorsese makes a decent adaptation of the Dennis Lehane's bestseller. It stars, among others, Leonardo Di Caprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, and Michelle Williams. Rating: 3.5/4.0

THE RED SHOES (Raul Jorolan, 2010). In 1986, during the night of the People Power Revolution, a ten-year-old boy stole a pair of red shoes from the First Lady's collection. He gave each half of the pair to the two most important ladies in his life. Later we'll learn how these shoes become symbolic of true love - one that waits. This movie is worth my time and money. It stars Marvin Agustin, Nikki Gil, Liza Lorena, Tetchie Agbayani, Tirso Cruz III. Rating: 4.0/4.0.