By RONALD CONSTANTINO
IN PREPARATION – Highspeed focuses on the suggested retrospectives of two National Artists, Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. This is in preparation for the celebration of Philippine cinema’s 100th year in 2019.
Let’s begin with Brocka, called by the revered Bien Lumbera, National Artist and Magsaysay Awardee, “the poet laureate of Philippine cinema” after watching “Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag.”
“Maynila” is conceded to be Brocka’s greatest film and should be included in his retrospective. It starred Bembol Roco and Hilda Koronel.
OTHER CLASSICS – What are the other Brocka classics? There are many and Highspeed selects 10 for that
“TINIMBANG KA NGUNIT KULANG” – Christopher de Leon and Lolita Rodriguez.
“KAPIT SA PATALIM” – Phillip Salvador and Gina Alajar.
“INA KA NG ANAK MO” – Lolita Rodriguez, Raul Aragon, and Nora Aunor.
“JAGUAR” – Phillip Salvador.
“GUMISING KA MARUJA” – Susan Roces.
“INA, KAPATID, ANAK” – Charito Solis and Lolita Rodriguez.
“ANG TATAY KONG NANAY” – Dolphy and Niño Muhlach.
“RUBIA SERVIOS” – Vilma Santos, Phillip Salvador, and Mat Ranillo III.
It would have been perfect if Brocka’s directorial debut, Lea’s “Wanted: Perfect Mother,” is included. But then a copy no longer exists. (Next: Ishmael Bernal retrospective.)
