It was my first Pinoy Indie Film.
It was one of those nights when you were getting eye strain because of too much reading and staring at the computer screen and the only viable alternative was to look for a nice TV program to while away the time before that much-needed sleep. Then I saw this film on Cinema One, a cable TV channel that shows Tagalog movies twenty-four hours a day. Since we have recently upgraded our cable via two digiboxes on our TV units, it is nice to catch up on programs on high-definition. I was intrigued when they were showing this Tagalog movie with English subtitle.
Still Life.
This was the first time that I’ve watched an Indie film, a novelty for me because it was a rewarding experience. It was directed by Katski Flores, and it was his official entry to the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2007. Come to think of it , I was not even familiar with the characters except for a brief appearance of John Lloyd Cruz at the start of the movie. The name Ron Capinding and Glaiza de Castro didn’t even ring a bell. Hubby said that Glaiza de Castro is a mainstay of Channel 7. I told you I seldom watch TV and the few times that I do, I am usually tuned at Lifestyle or Asian Food Channel. Still Life, is the title of the movie.
A Brief Summary.
Still Life is the story of James Masino (played by Ron Capinding) a gifted Filipino painter, who suffers from “ Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). Faced with a destiny that he could no longer paint, he goes on a self-imposed exile to paint for the last time – one last masterpiece. It was an ideal place for creating a work of art but he was not alone after all, along came Emma, a vibrant, mysterious lady who had her own story to tell. It was her courage amidst life’s trials and bubbly optimism that convinced James that there is a life beyond his canvas.
So that’s how an Indie film is made, a minimum of two characters but still can convey an exceptional storyline that would make you think about life in general with all its angst and broken dreams. I don’t know where they shot this film but the scenery was a joy to behold and so was the music. There are lots and lots of good dialogue in the movie. James has tried several times to take his own life but through their sharing and communication, confiding in each other about their own life stories, Emma brought home the fact that life is not a choice but a gift. I love that line, because it makes us realize that we are only here temporarily and that our given life is truly a gift from God. One finds courage in misfortunes and the defining moment becomes real once you realize that life is not a bed of roses but a series of surprises that sometimes tickle the heart and sometimes make you cry.
I wish I could find a DVD for this movie, because I want to watch it again. That’s how good the movie is. the ending was just unexpected. Bravo to Filipino films.
[…] us realize that we are only here temporarily and that our given life is truly a gift from God. Still Life – March 18, […]
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Hi
I just watched the movie today and wanted to have a DVD copy too. Did you find one?
jojo
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Sad to say, I haven’t found one yet up to now. Thanks Jojo. So you love the movie too?
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i like this movie, i just watched this last night and it was great!
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the place is on Guinayangan Quezon
it is so lovely..
very nice movie
love the ending so much
it will really make you think..
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Thank you very much Mariel. I was wondering where that was. Lovely place….
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Hi, would you know if a DVD copy of this movie can be bought?
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Like you, I am looking for a copy too Li! I really hope I could find one because I want to watch it again.
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hi there! here’s the youtube channel of the director http://www.youtube.com/user/katskiflores.. he says ” To all those inquiring about DVDs, we have released (finally) a limited 200 pcs which you can reserve/purchase by the end of August. We won’t be selling in stores but directly to you. Please email still.life.film@gmail.com if you wish to reserve a DVD copy of the film. It costs 500php. Thank you. :)” …sadly this was 9 mos ago…
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Thanks Nhanhie for posting the link here although I guess we are a bit too late for those limited copies.
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This is my first time to watch a cinemalaya film the movie is great.
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i watched the film on Cinema One recently. Such a good movie.Some lines made an impact on me. Thank you Katski Flores for a great film!Wish I could have a copy so I can watch again.
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You’re welcome! It’s a sort of movie that you would want to watch all over again!
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i am not into indie film but when i watched this movie i started hoping and waiting for another indie film that is as good and as inspirational as this to be seen on cinema one…i have watched this movie twice now..i really love it..
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So far, it’s the only Indie movie that I’ve seen. Thank you Lorie for your comments.
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I have watched this a long time ago in cinema one but i can barely remember the story. May I ask what happened in the end? I can’t find the full movie on youtube but i wanna watch it so bad.
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I saw this film a few minutes ago on Cinema one as well. It’s really a good movie. Inspirational especially for someone who lost all hope in life. I missed watching indie films. The best talaga stories. I hope one day maapppreciate ng mga Filipinos yung mga movies natin na ganito. Yung maganda and deep ung stories.
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This was the only Indie film I was able to watch. Thanks Catherine!
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just saw this movie.i hated it only because napaiyak talaga ako ng sobra.i lost my sister to suicide years ago.the scene na naglaslas na si james was just so much to take.inspiring movie though.ang hirap lang lumunok pagkatapos.
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I thought you hated it because it’s not good. Glad to know that just like the rest of us, you were also inspired by it. I really hope, they would make more movies like this.
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Ron Capinding teaches in Ateneo High School.
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Wow! Does he still teach there until now? Have you seen this film?
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He’s still connected with Ateneo, i think, but I don’t know in what capacity. Sometimes he stars in stage plays, or directs them
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He’s good!
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ive watched this film last night also on Cinema One. Its a different love story , a very nice one. I love the location as well, Indie films never fail when it comes to providing a good story
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So they still show it until now? I love to watch it again. What time was it shown? Sayang…. Thanks Czeihne 🙂
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A masterpiece indeed! It was my first indie film and it became one the best and inspirational movie of all time. You can see the true meaning and beauty of life after watching the film. This is the reason why i prefer to watch indie films than those mainstream movies.
Still hoping the 2nd time to watch it :))
Great review mam! Godbless! 🙂
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Thank you so much. Same thing here, would love to watch it again. Seldom do I find movies as good as this.
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