10 QCinema 2023 Movies We're Most Excited to See

(SPOT.ph) QCinema International Film Festival 2023  is set to showcase over 60 local and international movies across 10 diverse sections. Whether you're looking for a restored classic in 4K or an experimental film from an emerging director, expect that there's something for you at this annual festival happening at different malls in Quezon City and nearby.

The film festival runs from November 17 to 26 at Gateway, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Magnolia, and UP Town Center.

These are the QCinema 2023 movies we're excited to see (in no particular order):

Gitling (2023)

Gitling, an entry in the recently concluded 19th Cinemalaya, stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of the power of language. Directed by Filipino filmmaker Jopy Arnaldo, the film tells the story of a Japanese filmmaker, Makoto (Ken Yamamura), who visits Bacolod to showcase his movie at a local festival. There, he meets Jamie (Gabby Padilla), who helps create subtitles for his film in the Ilonggo dialect and introduces Makoto to the beautiful city of Bacolod. As the narrative unfolds, Gitling delves into the complexities of translation and the profound impact of words on our understanding of the world.

Chungking Express (1994)

Part of QCinema's list of Restored Classics is the beloved Wong Kar Wai film Chungking Express. It is known for its unconventional narrative structure, vibrant cinematography, and exploration of love, loneliness, and the passage of time. The film is divided into two loosely connected stories, both taking place in the bustling Chungking Mansions in Hong Kong. It will be screened in 4K.

Perfect Days (2023)

Wim Wenders’s new film, Perfect Days, co-scripted by him with writer-director Takuma Takasaki, is a bittersweet quirky-Zen character study set in Tokyo. The film explores the life of Hirayama, a middle-aged man employed as a toilet cleaner, who leads a serene and contemplative existence. The story delves into his daily routines, interactions with others, and personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of Tokyo.

All of Us Are Strangers (2023)

A hauntingly beautiful study of family, love, and loss, All of Us Are Strangers by Andrew Haigh is a film that delves into the depths of human emotion and connection. This metaphysical ghost story set in London follows the journey of Adam, a 40-something screenwriter played by Andrew Scott, as he navigates the complexities of his past while embarking on a new relationship. The film explores the themes of loneliness, grief, and the search for connection in a world that often feels alienating.

Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (2023)

Directed by Radu Jude, the satirical film Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World is a deliriously free-wheeling go-for-broke spirit that takes a scalpel to our mad modern condition. The film mocks crass commercialism, cultural misogyny, corporate greed, worker exploitation, bigotry, social media hate, and the many systems and forces conspiring to crush us all. The narrative follows production assistant Angela, who works insane hours driving to and fro at the behest of her bosses.

Divine Factory (2022)

Set against the backdrop of the bustling city near Manila, the documentary Divine Factory by Joseph Mangat unveils the intricacies of a workshop dedicated to crafting statues of Catholic saints. Serving as a microcosm, the factory becomes a lens through which the complex tapestry of economic, social, and religious dynamics in the Philippines is explored.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange is another offering for the Restored Classics lineup. The story is set in a bleak and violent future where youth gangs roam the streets of a decaying city. The protagonist, Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), is the charismatic and sadistic leader of one such gang. The gang engages in acts of "ultraviolence," including theft, assault, and rape. Alex's love for classical music is a notable contrast to his brutal behavior.

Scrapper (2023)

In Scrapper, a comedy-drama film by Charlotte Regan, Georgie, a 12-year-old residing solo in her London apartment, faces a sudden upheaval when her estranged father, Jason, unexpectedly reenters her life. Despite his attempts at connection, Georgie remains steadfast in her resistance to this unforeseen paternal presence. As they navigate the challenges of their altered dynamics, both Georgie and Jason discover that maturity and personal growth are journeys they must embark on together. 

National Anarchist: Lino Brocka (2023)

Directed by Khavn, the documentary National Anarchist: Lino Brocka doubles as a biopic about the esteemed filmmaker. Brocka was known for socially conscious masterpieces that fought corruption and oppression even in the most tumultuous periods of our history.

The Taste of Things (2023)

The Taste of Things, directed by Anh Hung Tran, unfolds the culinary tale of Chef Eugenie and her employer Dodin, whose bond deepens over two decades, resulting in dishes that captivate the most renowned chefs worldwide. However, as Dodin grapples with Eugenie's hesitancy to fully commit, he expresses his feelings through the language of food.

QCinema International Film Festival 2023 runs from November 17 to 26 at Gateway, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Magnolia, and UP Town Center.

Also read:
10 Award-Winning Asian Films You Need to Watch at Least Once
10 Classic Pinoy Films That Deserve a Remake