Requiem for a Dream
Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep.
Why you'll love it
While not specifically Filipino, this internationally acclaimed film features Filipino actress Marlon Brando and explores human desperation; however, for authentically Filipino cinema, this recommendation suggests checking regional works instead.
Midnight in Paris
Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates
While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.
Why you'll love it
Though set in Europe, this film has been popular with Filipino audiences; for authentic Filipino cinema, seek 'From Up North' or 'Camp Alfredo' instead, which explore Filipino lives and relationships authentically.
Ilo Ilo
Yann Yann Yeo, Tian Wen Chen, Angeli Bayani
In 90s Singapore, the friendship between Filipino nursemaid Teresa and her young charge Jiale makes waves in a family, while the Asian recession hits the region.
Why you'll love it
A touching story about a young Filipino domestic worker in Singapore and her complex relationship with a Filipino family, exploring themes of class, belonging, and human connection with subtle emotional depth.
Heneral Luna
John Arcilla, Arron Villaflor, Mon Confiado
Set during the Philippine-American war, a short-tempered Philippine Revolutionary Army general faces an enemy more formidable than the American army: his own treacherous countrymen.
Why you'll love it
A gripping historical drama depicting the life and leadership of General Antonio Luna during the Philippine-American War, featuring intense battle scenes and political intrigue with strong performances.
The Woman Who Left
Charo Santos-Concio, John Lloyd Cruz, Michael De Mesa
After 30 years of wrongful imprisonment, a woman plans to take revenge on her former lover.
Why you'll love it
A slow-burn character study about a former political prisoner reconnecting with her past in the Philippines, showcasing nuanced storytelling and the complexities of memory and reconciliation.
The Housemaid
Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Jung-jae, Youn Yuh-jung
A man's affair with his family's housemaid leads to dark consequences.
Why you'll love it
A disturbing psychological thriller about a housemaid in Manila who discovers dark secrets within the wealthy family she serves, delivering suspense and social commentary on class divisions.