I viewed it as though it were something else entirely.

Learning that there would only be five episodes crushed my heart. I thought we would see more of our heroes on the screen. Having watched the anime in elementary, I wanted to learn more about them. It would be interesting to view them from a different angle and age.

To my dismay, it wasn’t the case. You will see the lost opportunity of the live action if you have watched the anime, which I highly recommend. And even though I love the “Yu Yu Hakusho” anime, that doesn’t mean I should be dismissive of the live action version. I viewed it as though it were something else entirely. To be honest, I enjoyed it. I like how they introduced our characters and made the story flow naturally even though they altered some major plot elements and arcs.

Read More

The series is excellent; it is exciting and never drags

Don't be stupid. Live your life to the fullest until the very end. - Daikichi Karube

Oh, Alice in Borderland, I'm super pleased. The pace of the series is excellent; it is exciting and never drags. Although I've never stood on the precipice or borderland of life and death, I can imagine that it will be a very challenging intellectual and spiritual journey given its proximity to the edge of life and death. This is what Alice in Borderland informs us of.

The Alice in Borderland the series is excellent. I am very happy with everything they presented after two seasons. I don't need a third. But as long as the execution is excellent or would outperform the first two seasons, I'll keep watching. The narrative was very entertaining.

Read More

It was beautiful in a cinematic sense but frightening in real life.

First things first, have you seen Netflix's Kingdom? The zombie series currently has two seasons released in 2019 and in 2020. I ask because Kingdom: Ashin of the North, a bonus tale of an untold backstory is now streaming on Netflix.

You can watch it even if you have not seen the original series; however, I do not recommend it. If you are a new viewer, I feel it would be best to be familiar with the series before delving into Ashin's tale.

Moving on. Kingdom: Ashin of the North, or rather, Ashin gave the words tragedy, betrayal and vengeance a whole new meaning. Seeking and knowing the truth is her breaking point. And revenge is the only thing someone who is in Ashin's situation can desire. It was beautiful in a cinematic sense but frightening in real life.

With the direction and execution, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is able to support the series and excite the viewers. I honestly can wait for the third season.

Read More

Go Ahead is the type of series you can't forget

Caring neighbours and nosy neighbours, there is a difference. But one must carefully draw a line so as not to interfere too much in one’s private affairs. These were my first thoughts when I started watching Go Ahead, a 2020 Chinese television drama series that revolves around three non-blood-related kids who became each other’s family.

I am not saying it was a bad start, okay? It was a very effective introduction that successfully grabbed my attention. Seeing too many telenovelas, K-dramas, J-dramas, and other series on various platforms Go Ahead is the only family drama I was willing to see through.

I give Go Ahead a perfect score because the effort of everyone who made this series radiates. I honestly did not expect the intense quality Go Ahead was going to give when I first saw clips online. The story, actors, music, basically the whole production is wonderful. Go Ahead is the type of series you will not easily forget.

https://clarisays.com/2021/04/26/reelview-thoughts-on-go-ahead-2020/

Read More

A beautiful film through and through

I adore The Boy Foretold by the Stars because the film knows what it wants to convey. It is well-written and directed by Dolly Dulu.

Which reminds me, I did a little research. The film is base on a play, Ang Hangal, which director Dolly wrote in college.

“The story is based on my personal experience back in high school. It’s a very personal story that I wanted to share with the audience. It’s not just a passion project, it’s a material that carries a very important message specifically for the members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the director told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. 

No wonder you can feel a sense of genuineness (Is this a word?). There was no hint of pretentiousness. I guess we also need to thank the wonderful actors, especially Adrian Lindayag, the actor who portrayed Dominic.

Every time he appears on the screen, my heart and mind would say, I hear you, I feel you, and I understand you. He surely identifies well with Dominic, so he was able to convey what the character wanted.

If you get a chance to catch this, please hit play. The Boy Foretold by the Stars (2020) is a beautiful film through and through.

Read More

a well-made series

I did not know anything about “Alice in Borderland”. I approached the series without any expectations. But just a few minutes into the series, I already knew I have to and will finish watching it.

You see, I was so impressed with the introduction of the characters. It was is nicely done that it won’t matter if you are new to the story. The narration and direction made sure I fully grasp and never let go.

Ah! Alice in Borderland. I know Netflix has a habit of cancelling great shows. But I hope we get to see this series through the end as Alice in Borderland is such a well-made series.

Though set in a parallel world, it mirrors the world today. I hope people are trying to understand the story and forget that everything is fiction. The attitude, outlook and behaviours are not a sham. These people exist today.

Read More

I enjoyed watching Eerie because every scene presents classic and stunning visuals. This reminds me of director Mikhail Red’s work in Birdshot (2016). It’s so well-crafted that it doesn’t matter if it’s a day or night shot. Every element you see on screen is a feast for the eyes. That as well as the actors.

Bea Alonzo, who is known for romance and drama genres showed off her versatility in Eerie. Charo Santos-Concio, on the other hand, has an incredible screen presence. Whenever she’s there, I wanted to run and hide or just go to class. Or, pray that I’m not in her class. Anyway, they both shined in Eerie and I honestly want to see them together in this type of film again.

Now for the story. They touched many other topics – bullying, corporal punishment, education system, and domestic violence to name a few. I honestly think touching certain topics outside the supernatural can be beneficial. It can make the story more interesting and deep; however, they could have just picked a few that would support the original structure. Then they can delve into those deeply so the audience has something even more solid to hold onto.

I say this because I only remember how beautiful the film was and how great the actors were. I am a fan of such storyline but I have yet to see the perfect one. Judging by Birdshot and his latest projects, I think director Mikhail Red will soon present it. This is after all his first foray into the horror genre.

Read More

Visually Gorgeous & Clever

Before sharing my thoughts on the film, let's first tackle the fascinating creature that Filipinos love. The manananggal is an ordinary human female by day. When the moon rises, she performs a ritual which involves rubbing a certain type of oil on her waist and transforming her into a vicious, half-bodied monster with huge bat-like wings!

Yes, you read that right.

After the ritual, this creature of Philippine mythology and folklore would leave her lower body hidden in the bushes till dawn while her upper body flies off to search for food. They usually prey on pregnant women by sucking the unborn infant from the womb but eating human heart is also on their list.

Now let's talk about Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B.

The film started by showing what Jewel (Ryza Cenon) probably sees every day as a human - the sky, the buildings and the streets. Then we were shown how Jewel lives her day - eating balut and feeding her pet turtle. During the first few minutes, we can conclude that Jewel is a shy person and doesn't want to be around people too much.

But when Jewel met and befriends her neighbour Nico (Martin del Rosario) and his grandmother (Vangie Labalan), we start to see more about her as a person. Plus based on the jokes she makes about her life and her actions, we can validate that she is indeed holding onto her humanity.

"Wala akong boyfriend kasi wala namang nagmamahal sa 'kin e. Masama akong tao, hindi mo lang alam." - Jewel, Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B

Honestly, I think this is the most "human" manananggal I have ever encountered in Philippine cinema. Yes, she still does the ritual I mentioned earlier as well as eat human hearts. But this creature is usually portrayed as mysterious and they don't try to hide that making them easy to be identified.

Despite that, I am not mad about this film's version as they made the character a bit more intriguing. It didn't even bother me that there was no explanation as to how Jewel became a manananggal. The audience just accepted it because the story and her character was very well put together. Besides, the film isn't really horror but more on romance.

It is also worth mentioning that there were some social commentaries cleverly inserted in the film. To hide the manananggal's feeding activity, Jewel places a sign on her victim's saying, "Huwag tularan Pusher ako" which is very timely.

Moreover, Jewel's transformation from human to monster is visually gorgeous. I must say, Ryza Cenon did a superb job.

Read More

Unconventional But Beautiful

Kita Kita is unconventional. The producers took the risk of presenting something unusual. To everyone's surprise that so-called "unconventional" worked wonders!

Casting actor and comedian Empoy Marquez alongside the beautiful and talented actress Alessandra De Rossi is the best decision ever. Sure Marquez is not the cute guy next door but the role given to him and his portrayal made everyone fall for him. It's also worth mentioning that Marquez and De Rossi has an incredible chemistry making their "AlEmpoy" love team a huge hit.

Besides unconventional, Kita Kita is also absolutely beautiful – visually and emotionally. While touring the beautiful Sapporo, we know that there is a grand plan at the end. Kita Kita prepared us by giving a simple path to follow. As we slowly take it, we learn more and more about the characters gaining a deeper understanding of their life, friendship and love.

Sigrid Bernardo's Kita Kita proves that unconventional can also be beautiful.

Read More

Bloody Crayons is Surprisingly Okay

With such a simple and unpretentious story line, it wasn't difficult to enjoy the film.

The direction built was straight and clear. Along that road are nine characters (less after some got killed) which we got to know even if it was just for a short while. When they started playing the Bloody Crayons game, there was a brief harmony among the characters.

BUT that same moment also marks the turning point and emergence of each personality's darker shade. The deception and confusion led to an even more interesting and gruesome series of events.

The young actors' performances were on point but there are those who stole the spotlight. There's Jane Oineza who played Olivia. Switching from killer to victim and back to killer asked a lot from her but she delivered. Yves Flores who played Justin also stole the spotlight with all his outbursts.

With all those together, I found how surprisingly okay Bloody Crayons is.

Read More

I guess this really isn’t a regular horror film.

Director Jason Paul Laxamana’s Pwera Usog may be a horror film but it’s more than that. There’s a moral lesson instilled perfect for the youth… basically everyone. Sure, the film focuses on three millennials who are born in an “electronics-filled and increasingly online and socially-networked world” but moral values are for everyone whether a millennial or not. If you don’t practice moral values, then you’ll surely get your just deserts.

“Pulubi siya. (She’s just a beggar.) No one’s gonna miss her.”

Moreover, Director Laxamana took a different direction. He played with two themes – usog and the origin of the evil spirit who placed the hex – one at a time and then all at once. I have to admit though that there were several silly moments which were surprisingly okay.

There was a scene where Aiko Melendez’ albularyo (a witch doctor/ folk healer) character heals Jean (Sofia Andres) for the first time. Since the classic way of licking one finger and rubbing it on the person’s abdomen or forehead didn’t work, she poured a jar of saliva with magic. Yes, she did! There was also another healing scene where she shouts Pwera Usog! This reminded me of Narda’s transformation to Darna. It was silly AND hilarious.

I guess this really isn’t a regular horror film. In conclusion, Director Jason Paul Laxamana’s Pwera Usog is still decent. It has all the elements of a horror film; not to mention, the silliness that’s rarely seen with a plot like this. I enjoyed watching it and wouldn’t mind watching it again. 6/10

Read More

Touching story, wonderful storytelling

Die Beautiful is more than a transgender’s story. Yes, there are scenes wherein Trisha Echeverria (Paolo’s character) was looking for acceptance, joining pageants and undergoing surgery and so on. You might say, that’s the typical image of gays portrayed in films and TV series. That may be true. But, my dear friends, this is what you call life.

The film presented us with the journey of Patrick /Trisha Echeverria by showing us the many faces of life. Instead of sugar-coating, Die Beautiful gave us reality including the challenges and heartaches in life. Besides the main character’s story, they didn’t leave out the rest of the characters especially the best friend. I would say that the loyal Barbs is the glue that brings the entire story together. Why and how? Well, through the film’s wonderful storytelling.

The storytelling...
A story, no matter how great will become unnoticed if storytelling doesn’t captivate your audience. With Die Beautiful, I was captivated from the beginning. The film used an unconventional narrative structure to tell our lead character’s story. In fact, it was the right move as it explored time making the story even more interesting.

The film began by showing the audience Patrick, an innocent little boy who is being true to himself. He along with his friends are playing the role of beauty queens in a pageant while his older sister, Beth films them. Then his father arrives reprimanding Patrick’s actions and his daughter. After that, we see a bunch of makeup tools from brushes to eye shadow palettes and finally, Barbs fixing Trisha’s make up along with their two high school friends.

Since the beginning, the audience already knew the main character died. From there, we were treated on an amazing roller-coaster narrative from past to present and back to past while meeting the people in Tricia’s life.

I have to say Die Beautiful also has a beautiful ending. On the last night of the wake, people were waiting for the last makeup transformation. Being the best friend, Barbs chose to show the one and true face of Tricia, the most beautiful person he has ever known.

Read More