If you’re anything like me, you are always on the lookout to add Filipino period films to your Letterboxd lists. These movies transport you to a specific period in time, exploring the culture and lifestyle of the Philippines during that period.
These films don’t just flex costumes and vintage aesthetics (although, yes, I love accurately portrayed fashion). They represent a fictionalized portrayal of our distant past, often mirroring stories that remain relatable to this day. And if you’re like me, who loves a good historical drama but also secretly watches for the awkward old-school script and stunning set designs, you’re in for a treat.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for Filipino period films that will transport you through time. From epic dramas to thought-provoking stories, these movies showcase the best of Filipino cinema.
Oro Plata Mata
YOUTUBE | ABS CBN Star Cinema
Kicking off this list is Peque Gallaga’s 1982 classic epic, considered one of the best Filipino films ever made. Set during World War II in Negros, Oro Plata Mata (Gold, Silver, Death) follows wealthy families as they attempt to survive the chaos of the Japanese occupation. Undeterred by the looming crises, these families initially brushed off the news of the incoming attacks. Until the war has affected them. And the rest went downhill after.
The film unfolds in three parts, following the main characters as they move through a symbolic decline: beginning with a life of wealth and ease in the city (“Oro” or Gold), shifting to a relatively comfortable refuge in a rural hacienda (“Plata” or Silver), and ending in the mountains, where they fall prey to guerilla bandits (“Mata” or Death). I particularly liked the exodus scene that basically ushered the characters out of the oro and into the plata. The mata scenes, on the other hand, were horrific. The way the scenes were captured felt like you were there first-hand, witnessing the torture that they had to experience.
The powerhouse cast did a stellar job shaping the roles of their characters. I was profoundly awestruck by the likes of Joel Torre, Sandy Andolong, Cherie Gil, and Liza Lorena, among others. I would also like to applaud the cinematography of this film. It might be a three-hour film, but every scene is a visual treat; every frame could pass for a painting or a meticulously shot photograph. It isn’t considered Gallaga’s masterpiece for nothing. With its gorgeous direction, jaw-dropping twists, and an eerie Japanese invasion backdrop, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You can watch Oro Plata Mata on YouTube and Netflix.
Barber’s Tales
YOUTUBE | Jun Robles Lana
Probably what I consider the best Jun Lana film to date, Barber’s Tales is a 2013 film that explores the complexities of being a woman in a land plagued by sexism, traditionalism, and the silent brutality of Martial Law.
Set in the 1970s, at the height of Martial Law, a widowed woman takes over her late husband’s barbershop—a move that shook the traditionalist core of the highly patriarchal barrio where she resides. As she slowly goes out of her shell, she begins to challenge gender roles, ultimately participating in the growing resistance against authoritarian rule.
Eugene Domingo’s performance was a masterclass in quiet resistance. Each nuance in her delivery carried all the weight of her anger and frustration, all leading up to that climactic ending.
I’ve always admired Jun Lana for consistently incorporating social consciousness into his storytelling. He doesn’t just entertain; he provokes his audience, challenging them to reflect on the reality of the country in which we live. Setting Martial Law as the backdrop of this film subtly unveils its atrocities: censorship, militarization, and the oppression of those who dared to oppose the administration. More than just a period piece, Barber’s Tales serves as a poignant critique of one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history.
You can watch Barber’s Tales on Netflix.
Liway
YOUTUBE | Kip Oebanda
Liway is another period set during the Martial Law era. This 2018 film, based on actual events in director Kip Oebanda’s childhood as a political prisoner, tells the story of a boy growing up in a prison camp during the Marcos dictatorship. He is unaware that his mother (who is codenamed “Liway”) is a rebel fighting against the dictatorship.
The story is told through the eyes of Dakip, offering a unique perspective of both wonder and confusion amid the horrors of political repression. Through Dakip’s innocence and curiosity, we embark on a poignant journey of awakening, gradually revealing the harsh realities of Martial Law from the perspective of a child. I particularly love how the film uses shadow puppetry as an allegory for repression and Liway’s resistance against tyranny.
Glaiza de Castro’s performance as Commander Liway is chilling, with her rendition of “Himig ng Pag-Ibig” as the cherry on top. Storytelling is top-notch, carefully weaving a tale of resistance and resilience, as well as a mother’s determination to protect her son from tyranny. Raw and personal, Liway will surely hit right in the feels even after the credits start rolling. Similar to Dakip, may we never forget.
You can watch Liway on YouTube.
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon
YOUTUBE | ABS CBN Star Cinema
Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976) is a cinematic gem that unpacks what it means to be Filipino in a lighthearted yet thoughtful way. The film transports viewers to the tail end of Spanish rule, where Kulas (played by Christopher de Leon), a young boy from the province, embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of his lived experiences.
Through Kulas’s journey, we as the audience get to reflect on the same question: What truly makes us Filipino? Is it our bloodline, the people who shape our lives, or the inherent traits we embody and show to others? We witness Kulas stumble, rise, and stumble again, until he eventually finds clarity in the answer to his lifelong question. It feels like a road trip film, the way we get to travel with Kulas throughout different places in the country.
I genuinely love this film. It’s witty, masterfully crafted, and a visual feast: a true masterpiece. Monumental, unforgettable, and an absolute must-see. You’ll witness a charming Christopher de Leon here. He was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with.
You can watch Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon on YouTube and JuanFlix.
Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos
YOUTUBE | Cinema One
As I mentioned in my Letterboxd review of this film, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976) is a vital Filipino film that sheds light on the plight of Filipinos during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Nora Aunor delivers her best performance yet (that I have watched). I mean, that scene on the bridge alone killed me. Christopher de Leon (his second film on this list) was stellar as ever, donning a role he doesn’t usually play. Having seen him initially in Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Bembol Roco’s performance was top-notch here.
The film is as human as it can get: from the emotions that each of the characters evokes (props to the three leading actors for their stellar performances) to the characters’ flaws and decisions that ultimately shaped their fates. Apart from that seemingly theatrical Church scene, everything about this screams perfection, thanks to Mario O’Hara’s masterful direction. Also, the scoring made this film so stellar.
The last scene: just perfect. With its gripping performances and narrative, this movie is not just a must-watch for fans of Filipino period films. Like the rest of the Filipino period films on this list, this is a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
You can watch Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos on Apple TV.
Banaue: Stairway to the Sky
YOUTUBE | Star Cinema
Gerardo de Leon’s 1975 film Banaue: Stairway to the Sky explores the trials and tribulations of an Igorot woman (played by Nora Aunor) and their challenges to keep their tribe from being conquered by another tribe. To the best of my knowledge, it remains one of the very few films set in pre-colonial Philippines. In more recent years, television series such as Amaya and Indio have also explored this underrepresented period.
In this film, viewers are immersed in epic tribal battles, glimpses of everyday communal life, and breathtaking views of the Banaue Rice Terraces. Beyond its love triangle trope, the film showcases the strength of a woman-led tribe. This offers us a rare glimpse into female leadership in indigenous history.
I really appreciate the costumes, rich production design, and sweeping cinematography. Storytelling proves why de Leon is one of the country’s best directors. And I can’t stress this enough – being set in Ifugao, this movie is a stunning portrayal of the Cordillera’s culture and traditions.
P.S. This is the third Christopher de Leon film in this list and the second Nora Aunor film. They really have excellent filmographies.
You can watch Banaue: Stairway to the Sky on YouTube.
Cleaners
YOUTUBE | Cleaners Film
Okay, hear me out. While Cleaners might not adhere to the usual definition of what a period film is, being set in the 2000s already makes this feel like a period piece. Directed by Glenn Barit, this 2019 coming-of-age film explores the joys, pains, awkwardness, and the bizarreness of being a student in the mid-2000s. The film weaves together different stories of various students, each with their own struggles as they navigate adolescence and high school.
The film is divided into six different parts, with each scene focusing on a particular character. Glenn Barit cast non-professional high school actors for the roles, adding to the authenticity of the film. The best part of the film? How it was created. Each frame was printed, photocopied, and then highlighted to indicate the protagonists.
I was a high school student in the 2000s, so this film felt like a time machine. It feels like I was being transported back to 2008, when everyone was listening to Typecasts’ ‘Will You Ever Learn’ while pretending to hate everyone and everything. Cleaners is a gem in the Philippine film catalog, and I highly recommend it to every person who, at a point in their lives, became an awkward high school student who just wanted to fit in.
You can watch Cleaners on MUBI.
Markova: Comfort Gay
YOUTUBE | Star Cinema
Markova: Comfort Gay tells the story of a gay man who becomes a “comfort woman” during World War II. Directed by Gil Portes, this movie is a poignant exploration of self-identity, love, and survival.
Based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., better known as Markova, the film immortalizes the plight of comfort women during the Japanese occupation. In doing so, it sheds light on the struggles of the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, many of which have been silenced or forgotten in time.
The three Quizons were stellar throughout the film. Dolphy delivered a powerful performance in a career-defining role that added depth to his decades-long legacy. Epy Quizon and Eric Quizon matched his intensity. They offer unforgettable portrayals that bring Markova’s younger years to life with emotional nuance.
Our history is complex, painful, and deeply human. Hence, may we always remember the stories of individuals like Walter Dempster. We hope for the day the comfort women and comfort gays get their deserved reparations.
You can watch Markova: Comfort Gay on YouTube, Netflix, and Juanflix.
Wrapping Up: Why Watch Period Films Anyway?
It’s a cliche, yes, but getting to know history makes us appreciate the present. Our now is an amalgamation of all experiences – the joys and pains – of people in the past. These Filipino period films really help us appreciate our glorious past. And let’s be real here. Our collective experiences know no time. We are a nation of drama, beauty, and heartbreak, and these period films are a testament to that. That, regardless of time and space, we experience the same emotions and share similar experiences. We have more Filipino period films to look forward to. What’s your favorite?
