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« Queering the Oscars: "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" | Main | "Horseplay" and the cinema of Marco Berger »
Thursday
Jun152023

First & Last 004

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)

 

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Reader Comments (4)

Well as a Filipino, it's shameful I haven't seen this yet! Putting it in my queue right away.

June 15, 2023 | Registered CommenterRyan T.

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.

June 15, 2023 | Registered CommenterAmy Camus

Ursula Meier's SISTER was completely snubbed!

June 15, 2023 | Registered CommenterWae Mest

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.

June 15, 2023 | Registered CommenterJuan Carlos Ojano
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