First & Last 004
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 9:00AM We're bringing back one of our greatest hits like an aging band on tour.
CAN YOU GUESS THE MOVIE FROM ITS FIRST AND LAST SHOT?
The answer and a note on the film are after the jump. But try to guess in your head before clicking to see the answer...
Scroll down for the answer!
This was a tough one.
It's Jun Lana's Bwakaw (2012), the Philippines entry for Best International Feature Film at the 85th Oscars. And it's just a lovely film. We were surprised to randomly discover that its streaming on Netflix right now! It's a dramedy about a lonely 70something gay man who adopts a stray dog he names "Bwakaw". If you've never seen it, it's well worth a watch. 2012 was a crazy memorable year in the Best International Feature category so this lovely miniature unfortunately didn't stand a chance. The finalist list was somewhat strange that season but the nominated shortlist that the Oscars came up turned out to be one of their strongest. I had the pleasure of talking on CNN International about it back in the day.
- Amour (Austria) - A deserved winner and up for multiple Oscars
- Kon-Tiki (Norway) - Norway's third biggest hit ever in US release
- No (Chile) - Chile's first nomination in the category and an altogether amazing film!
- A Royal Affair (Denmark) - Mads Mikkelsen was already an international name but this helped put Alicia Vikander over the edge. Terrific historical drama
- War Witch (Canada)
The Philippines, first and last
Reader Comments (4)
Well as a Filipino, it's shameful I haven't seen this yet! Putting it in my queue right away.
First: Glenda Jackson R.I.P.
My ranking:
1. Amour
2. War Witch (such a fantastic film, which should have won almost any other year)
3. A Royal Affair
4. No
5. Kon-Tiki (totally undistinguished commercial job)
I'd definitely replace Kon-Tiki and No with Barbara (Germany) and Beyond the Hills (Romania). At least the latter made the shortlist. I haven't seen Bwakaw yet, but I definitely want to hunt it down.
Ursula Meier's SISTER was completely snubbed!
Didn't recognize it with the first shot, but easily did with the last shot. I was just initially in denial that a Filipino film will be selected in this game. Haha!
Loved that you loved this film, Nathaniel. Eddie Garcia's performance was precious and touching.