Movies by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
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In the Navel of the Sea
In a remote fishing island in the 50's, Pepito grows up learning the trade of his mother, Rosa, the only midwife capable of delivering the newborn babies of their community. At first, the young son doesn't mind the unusual arrangement, but as he grows older, he begins to resist the role traditionally meant only for women. In time, Pepito's coming of age intersects with the lives of the other islanders, whose beliefs and struggles become critical impetus to his maturity.
Ikaw ang Pag-ibig
Evangeline spends most of her time working late, editing TV commercials. Her work doesn’t leave her much time to spend with her boyfriend Joey or their son. In spite of having a family, she mostly keeps to herself, enjoying her independence. But when her priest brother Johnny is diagnosed with cancer, she’s suddenly called on to be a possible bone marrow donor. As her dysfunctional family starts to gather around the ailing Johnny, Evangeline is forced to come face to face with her failings.
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Alias Baby Tsina
Baby Tsina a famous underworld figure during the 50's who acquired the nickname because of her ivory skin and slanting eyes. She led the police in a frenetic chase before she was convicted for murder. Ironically it was a crime she did not commit. While in jail though she underwent a transformation and led the other inmates in seeking for reforms in the local penal system. An engrossing film with superior performances from the entire cast.
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Moral
The episodically connected lives of four college friends unfold throughout the incipient martial law years, as they struggle to define their sexual and professional desires and how best to attain them.
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Reef Hunters
Fredo is a fisherman who has endured more than his share of hardship in life; his wife and child both perished in a boating accident, and today Fredo approaches each trip to the sea with the angry determination of a man out for revenge.
Sensual
Written by Jose Javier Reyes. Produced by Regal Films. Starring Barbara Benitez, Lito Gruet, and Charito Solis. Opened on February 22, the first day of 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
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Brutal
A woman after killing her husband and his friends goes into post-traumatic shock and withdraws from any form of communication. A feminist journalist becomes interested in the case and resolves to unravel the truth behind the murders.
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New Moon
Ahmad belongs to the Bangsamoro people. While many of his kind are bent on fighting, thinking that Mindanao is only for the Muslims, Ahmad prefers to live a simple and peaceful life. He works as a doctor in Manila while his wife, Fatima, and his only son, Ibrahim, stay in Mindanao with his mother, Farida. Ahmad is shocked and devastated when Fatima breaks the confounding news. Ibrahim was killed by a stray bullet when vigilantes indiscriminately fire at their village. Ahmad goes back to where he came from Mindanao. Ibrahim’s death did not ca...
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Milagros
Milagros is a prostitute who becomes the maid of a family of four men. With them, she finds the family she never had. With her, each man finds the salvation he needs. Together, they begin to tear each other apart.
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Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan
Rod leaves Helen for his career and she falls in love with another. Rod becomes successful and goes back to Helen who obviously still feels strongly for him. An illicit affair ensues.
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Of the Flesh
When Narcing brings home his wife Puring to their hometown Mulawin in the 1930s, it sets off a series of events that include parricide, infidelity, betrayal, guilt and redemption.
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Then and Now
Joey comes home after nearly a decade of living in the States. With Joey back, the four friends find themselves complete again they reminisce on the good old times, marvel at the changes in each other’s lives. Indeed, a lot of things may have changed through the years, but some things remain constant.
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Madonna and Child
A woman searches for the child she put up for adoption.
The Eleventh Commandment: Love Thy Spouse
A newlywed Sol learns that her husband Roy is a psychotic who alternated between treating her tenderly and beating her up when she disobeys his orders.
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Kapag May Katwiran... Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie
The melding together of two separate stories that share a similar premise - each detail the account of a young Filipino woman who becomes a victim of sexual violence and takes her attacker to court.