MovieChat Forums > Sigaw (2005) Discussion > what a disappointment

what a disappointment


I heard about this film by accident, normally I don't watch many Filipino movies because in actuality many of them are so terribly executed w/ wooden actors to begin w/, though earlier Filipino classics are exempted. I was really hoping that finally, a Filipino movie we don't have to be embarrassed about, boy was I wrong! I'm not trying to be critical or insulting but how can people find this to be a good Asian flick? Not only was it predictable but the acting was unbearable to watch! What really gets to me are the many Filipinos here excited about a remake, 'don't you have an ounce of dignity left in you?' Let us entertain the idea that this is a good film, any other non-American would be flabbergasted at the thought of remaking their favorite movies, & here we are actually rooting for it? Why do you want it to be remade in the 1st place? Perhaps the mediocrity of the film can be erased/covered w/ an American version?

I admit, I, like many Filipinos enjoy many American (international) movies & music, there is no denying it most especially the former are staggeringly better than what we have produced so far. & what gets to me even more is when a Filipino film is given a bigger budget, it's wasted on the FX or whatnot, why don't we start small like Indie films? A good solid story w/ a great script & honed by actors who can actually act & not be chosen simply for face value! Aaaggghhh!

I'm sorry but I just had to vent I was really hoping that this film would be as good as so many people here recommended but it just wasn't. I just watched a Thai film entitled 'Shutter', now that is a good Asian horror flick.




Treason like Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

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I'm sorry you feel that way. I myself am sick of high-budget Filipino movies with no quality to them at all (teeny boppy flicks and romance flicks that make me sick to the stomach, and don't get me started on the action films).

But Sigaw, for me, is great. I never expected to enjoy it. Actually, I begged my parents not to buy it but I was surprised with my reaction to the film. Being a dreaming-to-be director/cinematographer myself, although the story is quite common, it's the setting, lighting, the acting (slash out that b**** Angel Locsin please, and Richard's mediocre acting) as well as the music which tells 90% of the story.

The reason why Filipinos are so eager for the remake?

1. Filipinos are always proud of their kababayans.

2. Filipinos are always want to prove themselves worthy of respect (which we deserve)

3. Again, pride for the nation.

Sigaw would be (I believe) the first Filipino film to make it into an AMerican remake, and the first time in a long time in which we'll see a much-loved Filipina actress, Iza Calzado, onscreen.

And just on a note, the reason why no one replied to you yet, besides me, is because they have other opinions on the film. We Filipinos are all rooting and praying for Yam and Iza. Go rant away with other people who share your opinion.

ANd if this film wasn't quality, see the international awards.

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Thank you for your honesty.

However, if you are going to review a film, the usual review formula is: (1) What Worked?, (2) What Didn't Work?, (3) Recommendations. Moreover, you have to be specific, including actual scenes that would support your case. Anyway, your post does indicate that you are not a film critic/reviewer, so that's excuseable (I guess).

If you only wanted to voice your opinion of the film, the same still applies regarding specific details -- if you want your opinion to be given validity. Otherwise, it would be construed as merely ranting.

Lastly, I would suggest that you watch the film again (or any flm, for that matter) with a clean and balanced slate. Your first sentence already suggests your bias against Filipino films. If you watch a film looking for negative things, then you will only find negative things. (This applies to life, as well, so be careful how you perceive things).

I, myself, do not watch a lot of Filipino films because of same prejudicial biases you mentioned, which are sometimes proven correct by our very own films.

However, our basic difference is that when I hear of a Filipino film making waves, good enough for us to hear on the "other side of the world", I pursue it, and watch in anticipation of the GOOD ASPECTS of that film. I make myself forget of previous forgettable Filipino films, and just watch the one in front of me.

BTW, international professional critics actually liked "Sigaw". It was well-liked internationally, it was enough for the producers to take notice. These critics do this for a living, and have actually gone to school to be able to do this full-time. I guess that gives their opinions some validity.

Try watching it again, without the prejudice this time.

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However, if you are going to review a film, the usual review formula is: (1) What Worked?, (2) What Didn't Work?, (3) Recommendations. Moreover, you have to be specific, including actual scenes that would support your case. Anyway, your post does indicate that you are not a film critic/reviewer, so that's excuseable (I guess).

You are right on that regard, I am not a film critic, just an avid film lover. As for the formula; I guess I gave no specific details as I found very little to recommend the film.

(1) What worked?

Now that's a tough one, I've only viewed this film once but let me recollect it's good points. Many of the reviews I've read praised the ambiance of the film, I cannot criticize that nor praise it as the general setting/feel of the film was in my opinion merely acceptable. You mentioned that I may have been biased & I have to admit that I generally am not very fond of Filipino films, as such I watch mainly international (Americans to be specific) ones. Now since these are the films I have exposed myself to, I can only give my opinion based on these types of films (my experiences/history). Films in which I absolutely loved the general atmosphere would probably be 'The Shining', 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1945) or any Shyamalan or Hitchcock production. Many reviewers also criticized it's formulaic plot but I've never had any difficulties in accepting or enjoying such common themes. Most stories follow a certain pattern & given the long history of story telling, I would imagine it would be difficult if not impossible to recreate new patterns as they seem to be so vastly explored at the time being. The scare tactics it employed in its minimalist objective was refreshing to say the least, subtlety is often better than an overbearing sense bombardment as the latter tend to make its viewers numb & desensitized rather than its desired effect - 'to scare the beejeezes (sp?) out of the viewer'.
Therefore in summary, I found the atmosphere acceptable, with no fault in the general plot & a nice but moderated 'chilling' usage.

(2) What didn't work?

Where do I begin, the thing that irked me considerably while watching this film would have to be 2 particular points: the acting & the underdeveloped script/dialogue.

The main actor was so wooden in his performance that it was quite unbelievable (in my opinion) to see him not as the character but as someone acting merely for the popularity of it all. I enjoy many films & the one thing I find pivotal would be its ability to draw me in its story-telling. The ability of movies to make you suspend belief in that brief moment was sadly lacking in this film. During the entire film, I had to force myself to pay attention & finish the movie. Several times I was drawn to playing a game off my cellphone & I usually don't have difficulties in concentration especially in films. I imagine the whole process of movie making is complicated as it relies on so many factors: the story, the acting, the dialogue, the portrayal, & many more I cannot even imagine. But the fundamentals rely very heavily on the first few factors I mentioned & the weakness of the actor's ability to depict the emotion/insight so central for his role is distracting in the whole scheme of story telling. I imagine if Welles gave a monotonous delivery of his infamous 'War of the Worlds', the tragedy that befell on so many gullible listeners may not have occurred - in such events I see the optimistic side of the main actor's weakness but other than a few incidents such as this, it damaged the film incredibly.

As for the dialogue, I may offend people when I say this but imagination was not utilized in the writing of the script. Many times, I wondered if this was done intentionally to display the Filipino's lack of creative expression (w/c I don't agree with as that characteristic is seen in many & any society & yet beautiful prose still prevail in any medium), or to serve the lowest common denominator of Philippine society. A few years back, they used to show 'Sine Classic' & all the old films from the 1950's to 1970's were shown in their full glory (though 1960's was not in my liking). I have a strong appreciation for history, & that program delighted me more than anything. I still have fascination with old films & whenever I get the chance, I watch silent films on Turner Classic Movies. I cannot say I have persisted in viewing these old Philippine movies as I rarely (or never is the accurate term) encounter them any more. The language in use back then seemed like a melody constructed by Bach & such, I often wondered what went wrong in Philippine cinematic standards that instead of improving, we seem to be declining in this artistic medium.

When I was younger, I often thought that perhaps budget & funds were the destructive forces in our Movie industry, perhaps it still holds true. I honestly have little respect for many of todays actors especially the 'Pretend ones' as I call them. I have 2 classification of actors: the Pretend Ones' are those who have joined the thousands of others for money & popularity's sake & not for the art itself, & the 'True Artists' are those on the polar end of the aforementioned spectrum.

(3) Recommendations

Although I am not an expert on films & such, I believe a viewer offers or influences the film they enjoy/hate. The two vital instruments w/c in my opinion devastated this film would have to be the dialogue & the acting. Many of our films portray characters that overact, perhaps this is an attempt to shower our eyes with a facade of 'supposed talent' (talentless or maybe just powerless actors, writers or directors to the powers that be). An improvement or attention on these 2 flaws would've done the film good.

In general, perhaps to survive, Philippine cinema needed to lower their bracket to remain afloat but I so wish they decide to get back to the basics of good story-telling & help produce if not a few low budget Indie flicks that focuses on that w/c is lacking in current Philippine movies to compensate for its initial lack of appeal.

If you only wanted to voice your opinion of the film, the same still applies regarding specific details -- if you want your opinion to be given validity. Otherwise, it would be construed as merely ranting.

Although my initial post was an honest opinion, I was also ranting, I needed to voice my disappointment for this film.

Lastly, I would suggest that you watch the film again (or any flm, for that matter) with a clean and balanced slate. Your first sentence already suggests your bias against Filipino films. If you watch a film looking for negative things, then you will only find negative things. (This applies to life, as well, so be careful how you perceive things).

Yes, I am generally biased against Filipino films but when I saw this I had a 'clean & balanced slate' for the said film. I heard so many recommendations (as well as criticisms) which made me very eager to view this in hopes that the medium I love so dearly can share its artistic merits in Philippine society. I viewed this film not looking for negative things, the opposite in fact. One of the reasons I persisted in finishing the film was an attempt on my part to grasp any redeeming qualities that would sway the overall bearing of the film.

However, our basic difference is that when I hear of a Filipino film making waves, good enough for us to hear on the "other side of the world", I pursue it, and watch in anticipation of the GOOD ASPECTS of that film. I make myself forget of previous forgettable Filipino films, and just watch the one in front of me.

It was because of all that you have just mentioned the reason why I viewed the film. There was no difference between us on the premise I carried with me upon entering the movie. I did not even consider our past films as I've viewed little of the current ones & more of the classic ones.

BTW, international professional critics actually liked "Sigaw". It was well-liked internationally, it was enough for the producers to take notice. These critics do this for a living, and have actually gone to school to be able to do this full-time. I guess that gives their opinions some validity.

I have heard & researched on the various appraisal as well as their criticisms on this film. As much as I respect all these professional critics, I always reserve the last judgment/opinion for myself. There have been various films under-appreciated by such critics w/c I enjoyed tremendously, one would be my favorite film of all time 'The Empire of the Sun' - the critics lambasted this one much to my dismay. Also, you must choose w/c critic bears resemblance to your taste & demeanor, I personally don't appreciate Ebert's taste in many films.

Also, prior to viewing the film, I read as many reviews as possible. Most of them gave a rating of 5-7 over 10, that's an average assessment, not necessarily praising the film too highly. Some would even rate it for as low as 2/10, very disparaging but I reserved my judgment regardless of it.


Treason like Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

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I liked your last line.

"Treason like Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

I guess we will agree to disagree on this one.

It's surprising to note that it seems we actually dissect a film quite the same way, and would probably like the same films -- save for "Sigaw".

Let me just voice out the things I liked about the film.

I agree with the mediocre acting, except for Iza Calzado's. I believe her acting was amazing and may have been instrumental in bagging her Hollywood role. I even got interested in checking out her other works, that I signed up for a GMA Pinoy TV subscription. It seems that she's a GMA 7 talent.

I liked the cinematography, that it reflected realism while adding that "there's something lurking in the dark" feeling.

I liked the direction. Despite everything, in the studio-heavy political backdrop of Philipine cinema, Yam was able to pull it off. I have a feeling that if he may have been given a free rein, he may have opted for fresh or small-named actors, rather than putting studios under contract from the studio.

I liked the general ambiance of an indie film.

Anyway, I hope that you are rooting for the Hollywood version. I am -- not only because of the original coming from the Philippines, but also because "Hollywood" decided to retain the original director -- Yam -- and also had one of our local talents tag along.

Have A Nice Day at the Movies.

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[deleted]

I have to agree. I've had this movie available for a while because it was so highly recommended...when I heard there was going to be a remake I figured I'd watch it before the remake, as they are so often far inferior (The Ring, The Grudge, Dark Water, Shutter, etc etc).

I thought this was mediocre at best. And mentioning other movies, this was very derivative...mix Sorum (Korean), Dark Water (Japanese) and The Grudge together and you get this film. Lots of moving shadows with VERY loud jump music...ghost kid in the elevator, floating ghosts with falling hair, etc.

While it may be head and shoulders better than other Filipino horror movies, it still is far behind most Asian horror. Rather than "scary" I found it rather boring and amateurish.

Sorry, just my humble opinion.

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