Filipino action movies have seen a decline over the last decade. Just do a search and you will find numerous articles discussing the decline and apparent death of action movies in the Philippines.
One likely reason is the lack of available action stars. Gone were the days when recognizable action stars dominated the box office. Action stars such as Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), Eddie Garcia, Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Ace Vergel, Lito Lapid, Rudy Fernandez, Philip Salvador, Jeric Raval, Ramon Revilla Sr, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, and Robin Padilla.
Over the last 3 years only one action film comes to mind, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story. Now that was a good film, albeit a remake of a 1961 film portrayed by Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
Read: Joem Bascon leads in action-packed drama ‘Ang Bagong Dugo’
There could be a number of reasons for the lack of Filipino action movies. Perhaps Filipinos have outgrown cheesy action films full of explosions and unrealistic sound effects. Perhaps they prefer to watch romantic comedies and fantasy films instead.
Perhaps the image of the Filipino male has changed. Gone is the macho image, replaced by males who are more “aristocratic” and in touch with their emotional side, the likes of Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Ding Dong Dantes, Sam Milby, and Coco Martin.
Another reason could be the lack of bankable action stars. One could argue that the last real action star in Philippine cinema would be Robin Padilla. A lot of the action stars mentioned earlier have either retired or gone into politics.
Joem Bascon stars as Anong in ‘Ang Bagong Dugo’
On summer 2014 a new action movie hits the silver screen entitled ‘Ang Bagong Dugo’, or “new blood” in English. Starring Joem Bascon as the lead character and directed by Val Iglesias the movie is full of action sequences from start to finish.
Heavy drama is intervowen in between car chase scenes, prison fights, explosions, and gun fights. Of course there is also a bit of romance every now and then.
This movie is not for the faint of heart. If extreme violence, profanity, deaths, and the sight of blood upsets you then perhaps you are better off watching fantasy films like “Panday”.
His first foray into the action genre, Joem Bascon is more known for his role in television as Javy Santiago in ‘The Legal Wife’.
How well does Joem Bascon perform in his first action film? Is this the resurgece of Filipino action films? Could he be the next Robin Padilla?
Ang Bagong Dugo full trailer video
Ang Bagong Dugo press conference photos