Bliss (2017) Trailer Impressions: A Dark Journey Down the Rabbit Hole of a Broken Actress

Bliss is a psychological thriller from Artikulo Uno Productions under the direction and screenplay by Jerrold Tarog starring Iza Calzado, TJ Trinidad, Ian Veneracion, Shamaine Buencamino, Audie Gemora, and Adrienne Vergara with a May 10, 2017 theatrical release. Let's check out what this R-18 psychological thriller from the same makers of Heneral Luna has to offer.


Bliss
Plot / Synopsis

Spoiler Warning: Detailed Plot Synopsis courtesy of Referenced Source Material. Read at your own risk.

Bliss revolves around the character of Jane Ciego (Iza Calzado), an actress on the verge of burnout. This prompts her to produce a film to boost her chances of winning an award but which only results in her literal downfall. That's because Jane figures in an accident in the middle of a 30-hour shoot. The accident has left her paralyzed and she becomes "trapped" inside a house with her husband, Carlo (TJ Trinidad) and a nurse, Lilibeth (Adrienne Vergara).

She wakes up everyday to the same scene, looking up at a smoke detector. Carlo would serve her breakfast, leaving only after asking her to sign a check to buy equipment for a restaurant.

All throughout the film, Jane would hear voices and other noise inside the big house. She would often follow the sound, only to wake up as if she was dreaming.


While Jane is trapped inside the house, the other characters go about their business. There’s Lexter Palao (Audie Gemora), the director of Jane’s film, who hopes that she gets better so she can promote her film. There’s also Jane’s mother (Shamaine Buencamino), who also wishes the same thing so she can go on living the life of a stage mother.

The film also shows the backstory of Rose, a nurse wanted by authorities for sexually molesting her patient. It turns out that Rose was in the same audition as Jane when they were younger, but failed to make it into showbiz. She became a nurse, and a fan of Jane.

At some point in Jane’s repetitive life, she becomes confused whether she is living her life or dreaming of a scene from her movie. Her husband Carlo turns into Joshua (Ian Veneracion), and she becomes Abigail. Jane’s sanity begins to crumble as the horrors pile up in a symphony of blood, tears and madness. What was supposed to be a simple dream for Jane soon becomes an endless nightmare.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Watch Bliss Official trailers here:









Bliss Official Trailer Impression
Bliss Film Trailer Review


What can be said about Bliss (2017) official movie trailer? Well, Bliss official movie trailer has piqued my interest. We really don't have that many Filipino film titles that falls under the psychological thriller genre, so when something like this comes along, it probably is worth taking a closer look. Does it automatically indicate quality? Well, not really but for what Bliss trailer has showcase it seems to be so. Oh, don't take my word for it, take the recognition given to Iza Calzado with the Yakushi Pearl Award in the 2017 Osaka Asian Film Festival as a testament. All seems well, right? Not quite yet as their next big obstacle is the MTRCB and its initial X-Rating classification.


One of the biggest newsmaker and free "unintentional" (?) publicity for this film is when it was initially given by the MTRCB with an X-Rating for scenes featuring prolonged frontal nudity, excessive violence, and masturbation (More info here), but later on got an R-18 rating after submitting their appeal to the ancient conservative prudes at the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Who knows, maybe those initially "controversial" and "alarming" scenes (recognized by an international Film festival) from the film were left on the cutting floor as according to the specifications of the moral and conservative connoisseur of the MTRCB lead by MTRCB chairperson Rachel Arenas and their shining board members. Should I name them, well that is already overkill on the roadkill already. Well, in a land of conservative Catholics filled to the brim with Star Cinema romantic movies, it was probably really so scandalous to include blood and "gratuitous" scene that should never be seen or done by adults... NOT! Hahaha but I digress, we are already making so much commentary on a matter of taste and moral righteousness of the MTRCB that we have forgotten about the film that can only be compared to a "little Hollywood film" called Mulholland Drive from 2001.


I was really invested and was like asking so many questions about the trailer. We have already ruled out the supernatural element as its genre doesn't indicate it as so, all we have left now is a thought-provoking film. Who dunnit, why, and how will it end? Although most of the identity of the characters have been showcased in the Bliss movie trailer. It was really only became clear when you read its synopsis which might be a spoiler in itself and thus why I included a small spoiler warning in the Plot/Synopsis section of this movie trailer impression for 2017's Bliss. Its either an official PR material from the Bliss production team of ABS-CBN (official source of the plot) that overdid it. But I am not complaining that much...call it a minor nitpick. My curiosity was piqued and will be checking Bliss once it hits the theaters on MAy 10 .


How about you guys? What do you think about this seemingly controversial (at first) and internationally recognized film? What are your thoughts about MTRCB ratings and what probably have been cut in the R-18 version of the film? Do you think the adult Filipino movie going audience are not prepared to see such adult themes on the big screen as what the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is somewhat implying? Share your thoughts and opinion about Bliss (2017) official movie trailer in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

Taklub Trailer Impressions: Brillante Menoza - Nora Aunor 68th Cannes Film Festival Entry Capturing the Tragedy of Typhoon Yolanda

Taklub is a Center Stage Productions drama film under the Direction of Brilliante Mendoza and written by Honeylyn Joy Alipio starring Nora Aunor, Julio Diaz, and Aaron Rivera. Taklub was first screened on 19 May 2015 (competing) in the Un Certain Regard section at the 68th Cannes Film Festival. Taklub won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival 2015, the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention.Let's take a sneak peak at the official international trailer and what Taklub is all about here.


Taklub
Plot / Synopsis

“Taklub” is a film that captures the reality of post-Haiyan situation in the city of Tacloban, Philippines back in 2013, treating it like a documentary that capture actors blending-in with real people coping-up with the outcome of the devastation.


Taklub (Trap) is a story of three major characters - Bebeth (Nora Aunor), Larry (Julio Diaz), and Erwin (Aaron Rivera), whose lives intertwined after Super-typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Typhoon Yolanda) hit the city of Tacloban (Eastern Visayas) leaving the breathing figures in search of their dead ones, of keeping their sanity intact, and protecting what little faith there may be.

Watch Taklub Official trailer here:


Taklub Official Trailer Impression
Taklub Film Trailer Review

Here are some additional information and production notes about Taklub for your information...

After Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in 2013, director Brillante Mendoza was asked by others if he would make a film about the disaster, to which he thought could be insensitive for him to exploit the tragedies that have occurred for the victims' lives. Some months later, he was asked by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to create a documentary film about climate change. For it to have a better impact towards audiences, Mendoza suggested to make a narrative film instead.

Source: Wikipedia

What is there to say about Brillante Mendoza's Taklub? His credentials alone is more than enough to give you an idea to what the quality of the film is. The trailer itself shows well-shot tidbits of a drama-heavy film that attempts to capture the tragedy that was Typhoon Yolanda when hit the country back in 2013. With excellent cast of actors, a compelling tragic premise, cinematography, and film direction (as far as the trailer has shown,) Taklub can already be considered one of the better "quality" Filipino films. Many local film critics and quality film afficionado in the country is already interested to see Taklub. Let's hope that it hits local theaters soon.


How about you guys? What do you think about this 68th Cannes Film Festival entry by Brillante Mendoza? Have you seen any of his prior works? If you have seen them, how does this compare to his previous films? What do you think about the film's premise focusing on the tragedy of Yolanda? Share your thoughts about Brillante Mendoza's Taklub (Trap) in the comments section below:

Bwakaw Trailer Impressions: A Story of Self-Discovery, Life, and Friendship

Bwakaw is a 2012 comedy drama film written and directed by Jun Lana starring Eddie Garcia, Beverly Salviejo, Soxy Topacio, Rez Cortez, featuring Princess as "Bwakaw". Bwakaw is produced by Cinemalaya, APT Entertainment, and Octobertrain Films which first premiered on CINEMALAYA: Philippine Independent Film Festival last 21 July 2012. The film is locally and commercially distributed by Star Cinema and has a nationwide (Philippine) theatrical release of 5 September 2012. Bwakaw will also premiere in the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2012 New York Film Festival. Let's check out what Bwakaw has in store for the Filipinos and the rest of the world.

Bwakaw
Plot / Synopsis

Shot in a style and rhythm which recalls neo-realist classics like Umberto D, Bwakaw is, in part, about those people who have been left alone on the margins of society — but it's also about self-discovery. A chance and ugly encounter with a cab driver blossoms into a friendship, and eventually desire. The experience changes Rene, putting him in touch with feelings he's hidden for far too long, and softening his interactions with people. But, as Rene, discovers, the path he's about to take comes with its own risks.

Source: NYFF 2012 Bwakaw Official Trailer

Watch Bwakaw Official trailer here:


Bwakaw Official Trailer Impression
Bwakaw Film Trailer Review

Bwakaw is currently out in Philippine theaters as I made this trailer impressions. I saw Bwakaw last week when I ran some errands at a the local mall here in the Philippines, sadly, I was not able to see it right then. I am fully aware of its theme, story, and quality content after seeing its trailer a couple of days ago and hearing rave reviews about this Cinemalaya independent film. So after re-watching the trailer again what should I do now?

Multi-awarded celebrated actor and director Mr. Eddie Garcia is perfect for the role Rene, a man who finally discovers his true self (preference), but is there still time to celebrate when he lived an isolated life alienating the people around him, not to mention he nears the dawn of his life. Besides the struggle of Rene, Bwakaw also features Rene's new found friendship a stray dog which he slowly grew fund of and become his bestfriend. But when you have little time left to live because of old age, how will you go out with your life with a new identity and a new friend to potentially leave behind? Sorry for doing the summary thing, I just can't help it, the movie is that good that it made me talk about it even further. I really believe and I think a lot can agree that Bwakaw is one of the quality films that most critics have been dreaming to have on the big screen. A break of sort! A break from the over-saturation of repetitive romantic comedy flicks and uninspired horror titles. I would like to thank Star Cinema for distributing Bwakaw locally making it possible for us who haven't seen the film in its original run in Cinemalaya to actually see Bwakaw in its full glory. I am really starting to like what Star Cinema have been doing this past few weeks as this is what the the Filipino people need, an intelligent and quality film that has something to tell, has sense, and has value. The support of the most prolific Philippine film production company is what the sagging Filipino film industry need to usher in again the golden age of Filipino films. I hope that Star Cinema will continue to focus more on making new and promising films which may balance their over-saturation of the Philippine theaters with romantic films. Either that or they can also start redistributing quality independent films. Not just Star Cinema, but all major Filipino film studios can join this noble cause.. that includes you Viva, Regal, GMA, and Studio 5. I hope they would do so in the years to come especially if a film seems to be as good as Bwakaw or Sinapupunan (Thy Womb). I am curious at how the film would unfold. I've read some responses from Youtube about the potential tragic ending that this film may have, well it is probably a no-brainer, but the question is will it be showcased on the film's last moments? No one can really know what kind of end Bwakaw would have. Is death always a tragedy? My biggest regeret last week was not seeing the film when had the chance to. I just hope it is not too late for me to catch this on Philippine theaters. I did that same mistake with I Do Bidoo Bidoo, sadly the film was taken off he theaters that quickly which is really a big puzzle for us who think that it should have a lengthier theatrical run. Bwakaw gets a high recommendation from the Pinoy Movie blogger because of its impressive trailer, its humor, and the drama of a man's struggle and a friendship at the brink of immediate ending. Watch out for the Bwakaw review anytime this week as I wouldn't definitely miss it for anything for the world.

How about you guys? What do you think about the story featured in Bwakaw's trailer? Share your thoughts about Bwakaw official trailer here:

Thy Womb (Sinapupunan) Trailer Impressions: Brillante Mendoza's International Film Fest Entry Thy Womb Starring Philippine's Superstar Nora Aunor

Thy Womb with an alternative Filipino title of Sinapupunan is a 2012 drama film written by Henry Burgos and directed by Brillante Mendoza which stars Nora Aunor, Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe, and Mercedes Cabral. Thy Womb is produced by the Center Stage Productions and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and will make an international film debut to compete for the Golden Lion at the 69th Venice International Film Festival. Mendoza's Thy Womb has also been invited to the Toronto International Film Festival in September and the Busan International Film Festival in October. There is no exact date as to when will the film be released on nationwide theaters, but hopefully a news will soon be available for it. Let's check out this latest film featuring the superstar, Miss Nora Aunor.

Thy Womb
Plot / Synopsis

The film is about a Badjao midwife coping with the irony of her own infertility amid the deprivations of her gypsy community in Tawi-Tawi. A saga of island life stuck between the devil of passion and the deep blue sea of tradition.

Source: Wikipedia

Watch Thy Womb Official trailer here:


Thy Womb Official Trailer Impression
Sinapupunan Film Trailer Review

Thy Womb looks and feels like it is the ideal film for intelligent movie goers, film critics, and alike. When you attached the name of 2009's Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza and a theme contrary to what most Filipino films studios have been spewing and force feeding us through out the years, there might be this initial hostility or alien reception towards this film from the average Filipino film goer. Hopefully it transcends my seemingly ridiculous analysis. Well in any case, this is one movie I personally would want to see. The theme is very much fresh. I've always wondered how would other cultural groups would handle the everyday struggled or special challenges of a Christian Filipino, and so here is one. In an industry that is overly saturated with horror, comedy, and countless romantic films, a drama film like Thy Womb which features the lives of Filipinos who live under a different culture is a welcome thing on my book.

I believe that this trailer is just to inform the Filipinos that Thy Womb is competing for an international Film Festival, so we have to cheer for them, okay? Well that might be effective, but the trailer would be more nicer if they just dropped the voice-over or simply focus on what the film will mostly tackle. Well, this was also included in the trailer, but the introduction of the some of the artists involved in the film is not really that necessary... not unless the movie goers are really oblivious of who Lovi Poe is. Hopefully the trailer would be updated once they've decide to release the film locally. The cinematography looks superb! Tawi-Tawi looks stunning and picturesque in this trailer alone, what more on the actual film. There is also no doubt that the actors lead by Miss Aunor will be on their best feet to lead the film into bagging home the Golden Lion, and they should. This is not just some local December film festival that they want to win over, but some thing on a much higher level and caliber. With organizations like the Center Stage Productions and the Film Development Council of the Philippines backing it up, there is really this high expectation from this film. Hopefully we can soon see Thy Womb on the local big screen.

How about you guys, what do you think of the film's main theme? How about the plot and the actors in it? Share your thoughts about Thy Womb's official trailer in the comments section below: