Raise the Red Lantern by Zhang Yimou

     This movie was alright. It wasn't really the most likeable one, considering the different characters. Songlian seems to be the protagonist in the story, but her character is so complex that it makes you think otherwise once you reach the middle. In fact, I don't think the story has a clearly defined set of protagonists and antagonists(except for the Second Mistress, but even that can be debated upon). The movie shows what the Chinese culture is really like. It shows that not everyone can be happy. People have to make sacrifices for others. The ending was understandable considering all the problems that Songlian faced. I bet anyone with that amount of trauma would become crazy, too. As for the technical aspects of the movie, I found each of the scenes visually appealing. The lanterns brightened the mood for the scenes, and the intricate designs of the houses were fun to look at. The actors also played their roles very well and made every scene lively.   

City of God by Fernando Meirelles

     I definitely enjoyed this movie more than Yojimbo and Raise the Red Lantern. I loved how the story started in medias res and then turned into a series of entertaining flashbacks. The subtle humor was also nice. It's saddening to see that this was based from a true story, though. The violent scenes were also depressing, and the fact that kids get dragged into these problems really serves as an eye-opener for everyone. This may only be a movie but the fact is these problems exist today, and these may worsen if nothing will be done. One thing I liked about the story was that most of the characters valued their family and people whom they're really close to. I liked how Lil Ze cared for Benny when he got shot even though their friendship seemed to be drifting apart. It also showed that every person, good or bad, has a soft spot in them. The movie also presented the fact that people CAN and DO change if they're determined enough. Overall, I found this movie great since it not only entertained but also presented the truths and dangers of our world.

Yojimbo by Akira Kurosawa

     This was an entertaining movie to watch. The director really showed what it means to have honor - to be a Samurai. Although Sanjuro(the Samurai) seemed to be a greedy mercenary at first, it was revealed that he actually has a good heart and cares for other people. All he wanted was to bring about peace in the town. Each scene in the movie was visually endearing albeit being in black and white. The music was also used effectively and it shows the traditional Japanese culture. The movie also brings in a lot of humor through the dialogue and characters. My only issue was that almost everyone looked alike, so it was hard to distinguish one from the other. The ending was good since peace was finally restored in the town.

Kawala by Paolo O'Hara

     This was my favorite play out of all those shown during that day. The diverse characters were really amusing to watch. Each person had his or her own story to tell. The stage set up in a way that you really need to get your imagination going to enjoy the whole story. I think that's the beauty of watching plays such as these. It involves a two-way interaction between the actors and the audience. As for the story, I found it really amusing. Every scene was unpredictable especially the last one where the seemingly angelic girl apparently has a relationship with the priest. I also loved how everything was seen in the point of view of the elevator boy, as it gives viewers a sort of objective perspective on things. The message at the end was really touching too. It emphasizes on doing something you love instead of doing something which may earn you a lot but won't bring satisfaction.

Streetlight Manifesto by Ed Lacson, Jr.

     It was my first time to watch one act plays such as this, and I'm glad that I got the chance to. I love the creative use of the streetlight in the story. It was used to set the mood of the scenes, and to induce some humor. The actors played their roles very well, and the scenes were fast paced. The props were made of everyday objects such as illustration boards but that didn't bother me from appreciating the scenes. The atmosphere of the theater during this play was eerie and filled with suspense. As for the story itself, I liked it except it got me questioning in the near end about who's right and who's wrong. Does killing only corrupt people justify the act itself? Can true peace ever be attained? Who can we trust?

Some Families, Very Large by Jose Dalisay

     This story shows the harsh realities in our lives today. Some people are really distraught by poverty and are willing to do anything for money, even going as far as calling other people 'family.' I pity Sammy because he's all too young and innocent to be experiencing all these things. He only believes what his father says, which we all know isn't true. I'm not sure whether or not I should pity the father, as I don't know what caused him to lose his job in the first place. I can see that he loves Sammy very much though. I believe that the story is set in Christmastime because everyone seems to be good during that season. Beyond that is the fact that this may symbolize change or a new beginning for the characters in the story. The optimistic feel at the end was a nice touch though, where Sammy, Felipe, and Mrs. Navarette were only imagining things, probably of a better tomorrow.

Smaller and Smaller Circles by FH Batacan

     This is awesome and easy to read. I like the author's creativity in the way he makes priests into detectives. He gives priests a fresh look compared to the boring, church-bound stereotypes. The author effectively describes important details, creating images in the mind of the reader. I must admit, having read this book during the night gave me some chills. The grotesque murder scenes were stuck in my head, just like a movie. Anyways, I also liked how the author dedicated a few pages to the murderer's thoughts since it created the feeling of suspense and mystery. I found the whole book entertaining, and the various characters lived up to their roles perfectly. I only wish that this book were longer because the finding of the killer seemed too abrupt. The way he was presented also seemed too fast. I wish he was an integral part in the story in a way that he was present around the priests in the earlier parts of the story, so as to avoid suspicion. Either way though, I still enjoyed it. The feeling I got when reading this was as if I were in a theater, where everything seems up close and realistic. Kudos to the author for making a great novel. I'd definitely recommend this one to my friends who are fans of the genre.