Original subtitles

"A review by Gab Tolentino"

"It would be at least controversial to say,"

"That this is the best film of the decade."

"I'd be shunned by Scorsese fanatics."

"Excommunicated by the circle of young critics to which I belong."

"I nevertheless stake what little reputation I have on this claim."

"Though it unfolded as an epic reminiscent of Raging Bull or Goodfellas."

"I left the theater covered in goosebumps and hairs on end..."

Oh, Phil...

Gab, where are you?

I'm at the coffee shop.

Coffee shop you say?

You busy?

Why?

We came across a Facebook post.

It's about an Auraeus retrospective later.

Supposed to start at three.

Do you want to go? G?

Yeah.

What about... What about Ogie will he be there?

It was Ogie who sent me the link. This was his idea.

Alright, sure, okay...

Are you coming?

- Alright, I'll be there. - Perfect.

What the hell?

Are you fucking dumb?

- What don't you understand? - Fuck you!

I won't get money 'til next week you bitch!

- What? - Your kid needs milk, you fucking bum!

What the fuck do I care?

- Ask your mother! - You're fucking worthless!

No you're worthless, fuck off!

What, are you retarded?

I don't give a shit!

What about the DVDs?

Where'd you put the money from DVDs you bitch? Get the fuck off me!

You're not even pretty!

- You're hideous! - You piece of shit!

Do you want to try me?

You dumb fucking bitch! You're not even pretty!

We're done! Get the fuck out of here!

Get out of my life!

You're going to die alone, you bitch! You're fucking dumb!

You and your mother can go to hell!

Good riddance!

You worthless piece of shit.

You just knocked me up, you pig!

Here's the hitter.

Hit it when I tell you.

What?

Can't one of the boys do it? This is embarrassing.

What do you mean embarrassing?

You'll be touching one, one day!

But Father...

Do you want me to hit you with it?

Do as you're told! Get in position!

Alright boys, who wants to become a man?

Me, sir!

Ballsy, eh? We'll see about that.

Chew on that.

Daisy...

When I tell you, hit it alright?

- You ready kid? - Yes sir.

- What's your name? - Beneng, sir.

What's your full name?

- Benigno Dumired sir, - What?

- Benigno Dumired sir! - Hit it!

Alright, spit that out!

Stupid little...

Why'd you swallow?

- What's your name? - Agong!

- What's your full name? - Pantago Magilad!

Hit it!

Okay, spit it out!

Me next!

Shit.

- What's your name? - Paeng!

- What's your full name? - Apae Bubochoc.

- What? - Apae Bubochoc!

Hit it!

Mara, do you mind lending me some cash?

Business at the theater's been slow lately.

Lorna, I'd really like to help.

But I'm strapped for cash too.

I just paid my light and water bills.

Come on please? I'll pay it back as soon as I can.

Where's your husband?

Why don't you ask him for help?

Your husband is such a deadbeat.

What about your uncle?

Can't you ask him for help?

Sell him your CDs.

Just so you can get through the month.

Alright, I have to go. Just hang in there.

Let's go.

But why?

- Ogie, let's go. - Why?

Is he serious?

Where is he?

Still watching the movie.

Psst.

That's enough. Let's go!

I've already seen this at CineManila.

But why is that now...

You're just not in the mood is all.

No it's definitely not that.

There's something wrong with it.

- I know this won an award. - Yeah it did.

But it wasn't really...

It was almost done and you couldn't even wait?

For what?

The conflict is done.

The protagonists were celebrating!

What's the point of seeing the ending?

Well there might've been a twist at the end.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

When the writer suddenly goes off the rails,

and twists the ending just for the hell of it.

So you're happy with the ending you expected?

Well, no... I don't even like the damn thing.

I just thought that you two could use the company.

How is walking out, company?

We couldn't even see it right.

At least I got through the denoument.

Fuck, I gave that the benefit of the doubt,

because it was Aureaus Solito's second feature.

I followed his theater career,

and Maximo Oliveros was good!

But this "Tuli" retrospective is just.

There's something wrong.

Why? Because there was girl-on-girl?

Easy.

So what's your verdict?

I leave my judgment...

for tomorrow's blog.

As for you two,

finish up your pieces on this,

so we can settle the score.

How can we write a review for a film we didn't even finish?

Plus, I have to put that off.

I'm still in the middle of reviewing "Salo".

"Salo"?

"Salo"?

Of Paolo Rivero and Kristoffer King?

No, Pasolini.

"Salo"...

"120 Days of Sodom". Ugh...

I remember you gagging at it.

God, if only I could rinse my eyes out with this beer.

But you finished it. Right?

Only out of morbid curiosity.

Nothing more.

So...

Does this review of yours have a title yet?

I have a suggestion.

"I swallowed Pasolini's shit."

All yours.

It wasn't that bad, okay?

What?

Listen here...

Mundane...

That's our threshold for violence and indignity.

Hold on there... Fuck Gab,

you're giving it the Jury Prize!

I don't even want to hear it.

Let's just say that the damn film reached my discomfort threshold.

Fuck that piece of trash.

Wasn't that the point?

It's meant to disturb you.

Gab, I don't need a lecture on the cinema of the unsettling!

What the fuck is your problem?

You ask me a question and then get pissed when I answer?

Do you want a discussion or a fist fight? Come on!

- Come on! Get up! - Hey, hey, hey!

Really, after one beer?

After one beer?

Oh no sir,

We're chill. We're just having a debate.

You two are unbelievable!

Can't you guys get over that fucking film?

This asshole started it!

Him getting upset doesn't mean he's right.

Is that even a question?

You saw it, you both saw it.

One...

It's devoid of any aesthetic.

The craftsmanship is trash.

And two...

It lacks restraint!

You can always

get the message across,

without having to resort to overtly

graphic violence!

And what the fuck

was with the literal shit, man?

The film was already shit,

the characters don't need to be fed shit, too!

How about I shove shit down your throat?

Can't your dumb ass get the point?

No restraint, no aesthetics.

What you feel right now, is exactly what the director wanted you to feel!

Now if you can't stomach the way the director dissects themes of

authoritarianism and nihilism,

that only means two things:

One, you're too stupid to get the film.

Two, you're a weak piece of shit!

Is that it Gab?

You're bending over for Pasolini?

I guess that really is your aesthetic!

Ain't that right? Everyone said you jerked off to "Irreversible!"

You fucking degenerate!

Fuck you!

Every cinephile knows that you got off on "The Tree of Life!"

At least I got off to Monica Bellucci!

You're the one who hasn't outgrown the bullshit cinema

of Terrence Malik!

"Lacks restraint"? You arrogant fuck!

How about restraining your dick? Fuck off, you fag!

You're the fag here!

You fascist faggot!

Everybody relax!

Sit down!

Phil...

Sit down!

Gab?

Fuck you guys.

I'm done.

Pay the bill.

Hello, Ogie...

Hello, bro.

Come back!

I'm on the road.

Phil's gone.

Tell him if he's seen "Batch 81," We'll do a fistfight. Just ten seconds.

Dude, you're insane.

The problem with your BFF is that he's a fucking hypocrite!

He doesn't like extreme cinema,

but he shares the politics of fascists and dictators!

Bro, I can't put up with that guy!

Last fucking day!

It's the last day that it's screening!

And he's just gonna fucking walk out?!

This ain't fucking Cannes!

How about I fuck him in his eye sockets!

Come on, you know Phil.

He has this superiority complex, just like RB does!

Well... It was just a simple film!

All he had to do was sit down and enjoy it! But he had to bring his shit into it!

Fucking killjoy!

Did he hear a peep out of us when

he made us watch the fucking stream of consciousness film

that was five fucking hours long?!

What's it called?

See? Neither of us even remember!

Even the title was pretentious!

Yeah that fucking thing. Whatever. Fuck.

He came out of the theater beaming like a fucking kid.

His tongue was about to fall off singing its praises!

Do you even remember anything that happened in those five hours?

Fucking cinema of fuck...

Ogie, would you do me a favor the next time we're at a screening?

Just don't invite that fucking prick.

Or just don't invite me!

It's for your own good, bro!

You don't have to go through this again.

Alright, yeah sorry sorry.

I'll talk to you tomorrow. Alright.

Here's your ticket, sir.

Sir, how about a condom?

- Just twenty apiece. - No thanks.

What about a Snow Bear sir?

- No thanks. Thank you. - Are you sure? You'll need this inside!

Sir, how 'bout a lovely date?

- No I'm fine. Thank you. - She's new, and young!

- Are you sure sir? - No thank you.

Hi cutie, want some fun?

Hi, are you open for business?

Fuck off!

Rude.

Hold on there, missy.

What are you doing here?

What?!

You bitch!

This is our territory!

What do you think you're doing here?

Isn't this off limits for you?!

Why don't you fuck off?

Why don't YOU fuck off!

Do you own this theater?

Doesn't matter who owns it!

I don't...

give a shit!

We don't want parasites like you

loitering around in our territory.

Fuck off.

Leave...

Leave!

What a waste of my time.

Sir.

Hey!

What do you want?

Do you want to enjoy the movie?

Want me to show you what 4D feels like?

What are you talking about?

Everything you see on screen

will be brought to life.

Would you leave me alone?

Oh don't be like that, sir...

Why are you treating me like this?

If you don't leave me alone, I'll beat you up.

What?

I'm trying to help you here,

and this is what I get?

Your dick's too small anyway.

Rot in here!

Fuck you, You animal!

Come in, it's open!

Uncle.

Hey, what are you doing here?

What brings you?

I just wanted to sell you these DVDs.

Let me see...

I already have this.

And this.

I already have all of these!

Uncle, do you have some cash?

That's exactly what I don't have!

If I had any you wouldn't find me in this hellhole!

A theater without fucking air conditioning.

I'm sorry. I just ran out of milk for the baby.

Well, where's your husband then?

Where's Kulas?

I don't really know.

That motherfucker.

What does he think his life is? A movie?

I'm really sorry. You're the only one I can still ask for help.

Why'd you have to get knocked up by that creep?

I'm really sorry.

My dear!

My dear!

My dear...

Can you still work?

Yes.

To be honest, I tried.

But that gay hag kicked me out.

Which one?

Sugar.

Sugar?

Sugar is here?!

Wait...

What's the rate these days?

300.

It's still 300? It hasn't changed?

That's for handjobs.

You're my godchild.

I'm not letting any of these creeps fuck you.

And,

just stay in the Lodge, upstairs.

It's international up there.

There are no limits.

Anything goes.

What about Sugar?

I'll handle her.

I need the money.

Money again? Seriously?

It's the boss!

Sugar!

Good morning, sir!

I'm off. See you!

I heard you were being salty.

Oh I would never! Have I been anything but sweet, sir?

You were bullying her!

Oh her! Oh yes...

- Her, oh yes. - You know her?

Of course, I know her!

She's my godchild!

So?

- Oh really, your godchild? - Yes!

So what exactly is the problem sir?

You were fighting with her!

What? Bullying her?

No, that was just a silly joke.

- A joke? - Just a joke.

Just a joke she says.

Yes, a harmless joke.

Okay.

Watch yourself!

Oh come now, sir.

Smokes.

How many do you need?

Here take all of it.

Say the Hail Mary, five times.

But it wasn't penitence last time!

That's the same amount of sin, right?

Father, I've had relations with...

Miss, are you available?

Come on.

How long have you been doing this?

Not long, father.

Does he plan on leaving her?

I'm not sure father.

I've been saying things to Bitoy, about Teresa...

because I've noticed that

he likes Teresa.

But not that much. I know Bitoy really loves me.

But, Father,

if she doesn't stop pining for Bitoy,

I'll keep ruining her in his eyes!

And sometimes,

Miriam asks me,

to give Bitoy her letters.

I opened one.

That's when I found out,

- that Miriam was jealous of me. - Sir?

Sir?

Sir?

Do you wanna have some fun?

Come on, sir, I just need money for the baby.

Come on, sir,

I'll make sure you have a nice time while you watch.

Don't you know what we're watching?

This is a cinematic masterpiece.

I've never seen this in a theater.

And obviously,

you don't care about the viewing experience.

So if you don't mind,

just leave me alone.

Oh sir, I've seen this already.

Actually, this one's my favorite.

Look, in the next scene,

the guy who is getting married is Cesar Montano.

He wasn't famous yet.

See? You didn't even notice.

There, it's Vangie Labalan and Roy Alvarez.

See?

Told ya.

I know this movie's actors by heart.

See?

I know this better than anyone.

I've seen it a hundred times.

Is this your favorite too, sir?

"Isla" is your favorite film?

Of course! Celso Ad Diaz made that, right?

You mean Celso Ad Castillo.

Right, I probably remembered it wrong.

You know, I have an entire collection of DVDs of his.

"Celso Ad..."

"The Ultimate Collection."

- I've never heard of that release. - I have it. Really!

It actually comes in three volumes.

One... two...

three!

Okay.

Alright, let's do this instead.

If you answer all three of my questions correctly,

I'll take you up on that offer.

But if you don't mind,

let's do it after the film?

I really want to focus on viewing.

Deal?

Oh, alright.

Do you think I need a lecture on the importance of confessions?

People have all kinds of beliefs.

And nobody has the right to...

Okay, this is an easy one.

Who plays Lolo Kadyo?

Lolo Kadyo?

Joseph de...

de Cordova?

Joseph de Cordova?

See I'm right, aren't I?

Okay...

who's the writer?

Rosauro dela Cruz.

Nope.

He wrote Scorpio Nights.

Two people wrote this.

The first one,

who was the director himself, was Celso Ad Castillo.

- Who was the other one? - Celso Ad Castillo and...

- Oh no! Three... - Wait!

- Two... - Give me a second.

Joey Reyes.

Right?

- Yeah. - Told you I know this!

Well done!

The men in "Isla"

were symbols of a patriarchal society,

and how they abused power and status.

Even the priests?

The priest, the teacher, the police...

Everyone we've entrusted with power,

are exactly the ones who abused Isla.

This was controversial in the 80's.

In Marcos' time,

censorship was brutally strict.

It was only ever shown at the Manila Film Center.

At the CCP?

Aren't there ghosts there?

Yeah that was the one that

collapsed during construction.

The workers were buried alive.

Urban legend says that

the bodies were just left in there.

They were chasing a deadline

for an international film festival.

If you could travel back in time to...

What did you call it? Manila...

Manila Film Center.

Yeah, Manila Film Center...

would you watch "Isla" then?

Umm...

I don't know.

Yeah, probably, I would.

This film is special.

This was one of the few that defined

Filipino Erotic Cinema.

It may not have been celebrated,

As much as Celso Ad's other works

but it is still one of the most important films in our history.

What?

What happened?!

- Hey! - What gives?

Hey!

The lights are out!

What's happening?

Oh, fuck off!

Give me a minute!

The movie was almost done!

We're watching here! Where is it?

What the hell is this? We're paying customers here!

Come on! Let's go. Hurry!

What a waste!

Let's just go!

Bert! Where the fuck are you?

Get here this instant!

It's the damn projector again!

It overheated on me!

Get your ass here, now!

Uncle, is that going to take a while?

Yes it will!

It'll be a while!

Give me ten minutes!

Fuck this digital piece of shit!

Film was better!

Get out!

For god's sake!

Learn to fucking wait!

You fucking perverts!

Assholes.

Where are you taking me? Hey!

Where are we going?

Just wait. You'll see.

I don't like this.

Wow.

Unbelievable!

It's majestic!

Cinema of Truth!

So what's your name?

Gab.

Gab?

Just Gab.

Okay. Just Gab.

What do you do?

Well...

I write stuff, wherever they'll publish.

Blogging mostly,

about films.

Are you going to write about tonight's film as well?

I won't just write about it.

Wow.

Actually,

I got into a fight earlier, about film, too.

With who?

No one. A fellow cinephile.

We couldn't see eye to eye on how to read a film.

I even challenged him to a brawl.

Was he up to it?

Of course not.

He's all fucking bark,

and no bite.

I lucked out then,

that we both liked "Isla."

If I didn't then...

I wouldn't pick a fight with you.

Tell me about

other films that you like.

You know, from your DVD collection.

Pinoy?

Yeah, let's start with Pinoy.

"Scorpio Nights."

Did you know that...

"Isla," which was made by Viva,

was a direct response to "Scorpio Nights" by Regal?

Really?

So which one's better?

Tonight is better!

Nothing compares to this amazing night!

Hey look!

What's this?

I'm trying something.

Didn't you say, not 'til after the screening?

Cinematic Experience.

Hands up!

So what?

We've done nothing wrong!

We're just here to watch Celso Ad Castillo's opus!

Don't you know that "Isla"

is the greatest contribution to Filipino Erotica?

Unbelievable!

Can't you just let us have this?

We're just putting up with this seedy theater to see this film!

Even if it smells of

semen, sweat and saliva.

Where in the law does it say you can't be a cine...

a cinephile, huh?

You're no different from the police characters

who fucked things up in the story!

You power hungry fiends!

You're the reason why Philippine Cinema is dead!

Ma'am, sorry. Sorry sir!

That's all you have to say? "Sorry?" Do you even know

Celso Ad Castillo's other works?

That's enough, let's go.

Do you even know

that "Isla" was Viva's answer to

Regal's "Scorpio Nights?"

Put them in jail!

Confirmed!

Confirmed!

I didn't catch your name.

Lorna.

There's no need. It's fine.

Don't worry about it.

You didn't even cum anyway.