What is heroism in your mind? Is it being the toughest dude around, shooting all the bad guys, saving beautiful hostages, and knowing how to pose while flexing your muscles carrying your latest paramour? Or maybe it is about giving up your life to go to war zones in Africa, where you use your medical skills to save the lives of orphans? For me, heroism can be found in the Filipino team behind the movie Ignacio de Loyola.
Like the original film, this one follows a group of scientists and friends who attempt to prove to the world the existence of the supernatural. The twist? What was previously an all-male ghost-busting team, is now all-female.
“Horror movies sending chills down the spine” may be clichéd, but have you ever wondered why that happens? Think of your dog, when a stranger passes your gate. It barks, seemingly angry or afraid, and the hair on its back stands up as a response to fear.
You are probably sick of all the political bickering on social media. Despite taking part in a lot of it, I have to admit it often gets too much, and I just want to shut the whole thing down. Run away to Badjao shack on a coral atoll where it is just me and the fishes. So why not go to the movies for some escapism? No luck there, if you want to watch the blockbuster du jour the Russo brother’s Captain America: Winter Soldier. It’s all about taking sides on political stands but amped up with super-powered fisticuffs.
The reactions from friends and family have been universal upon mentioning I watched Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis. “You watched an 8-hour movie. Why?” I admit I might not have been so interested in a John Lloyd/Piolo starrer had it not been for the fact it received an international award from a film festival I very much respect. We rarely get art house in the mall multiplexes, and while I love blockbusters, sometimes I feel like I need a change.
