Cliched in a way only John Hughes could love still, the movie should receive some props for tackling a once-in-a-blue-moon Filipino American storyline however, for pure film technique and writing, one is much better served owning a copy of "The Flip Side" which, absent of half the hype "The Debut" brings, remains the only Filipino American film to be selected for the Sundance Film Festival. And that should speak volumes.… Expand

I'd be lying if I said that this movie didn't hit really close to home. This movie speaks to all second and third gen filipino americans and I'm glad to see someone had the drive and motivation to bring it out into the big screen. And the movie kicked butt too.

This movie is true to life. It is great to see how the filipino culture and background are brought to the bigscreen here in the U.S. The use of comedy, romance, and confrontation was a key factor in the movie because it can involve many other cultures and race's. This is a heart touched movie for me, because i can definitively relate to it. Lets keep these types of filipino-american films comming cause they're great. SLAMAT.… Expand

I thought this movie was phat. I also think my book that i wrote is the best book ever written in the world. Every single child that has read it could understand every word. Peace out my brothers.

I love the fact that Filipinos are getting out there and getting heard. We have to transcend in media, and that this film makes a good effort earns it a couple points there, but it's story lacks in dealing with the complexities that is the trend among filipino fathers and sons. It touches on it, but abandons it when tying to achieve the romantic Hollywood theme. The short film was much beter. But all Filipinos and Asians for that matter keep up and raise up in the world of media, we all need each other!! Good effort!!… Expand

This is not just an ordinary Filipino film, but an introduction for the Philippines unity with America's entertainment bounderies. This film brought warmth to American's perspective of the Filipino culture. An excellent example for an average Filipino lifestyle back home. Perfect movie for the family and friends. A UNIVERSAL A++++

Whassup yall, Wana express the greatest thankz to director Gene Cajayon and all the film crew and the actors n actresses for blessing Philippines and the filipino communities around the globe with this great movie. This film gave us Pinoys n Pinays who grew up overseas from the motherland a chance to tell our stories n to contribute our experiences to the western world.This movie gave us recognition to a wider audience and has done well to make known the beauty of filipino western culture.As a Pinoy Brit I big this movie up to the fullest and I definitely wna encourage all Pinoys n Pinays,especially those who grew up overseas to big this up with me. This is something we should all be proud about. By tha way a shout out to Joy Bisco-you are so Fine! Maganda ikaw!!! Got so much more to say but can't express my appreciation in words. Neways all us Pinoy brothaz n sistaz here in U.K are 100% with movie. Nothing but love. Maraming salamat!! Peace Shortcut… Expand

This movie was able to show the cultural aspect of being a fil-am but it doesn't really stand up to my standards as a widely accepted cultural movie like the "Big Fat Greek Wedding." The plot is boring and very predicatable. It's more of a high school play than a full-length film. The actors from the Philippines who played their role well suffered terribly by the very bad dialogue and poor directing. If you invite Eddie Garcia to your movie, it better be good since he is a legend and must do him justice in a film. I bet if you made a really outstanding story Eddie Garcia and some fil-am guy would have been enough to make the first fil-am movie a hit. A grand-dad and grand-son story line would have made this a better movie. Of course you have to change the title to something else. I congratulate all the actors who appeared in this poor film and please next fil-am film-maker make a better film than this one. I felt I was watching a cultural dance show and basketball game for novices.… Expand

It kicks ASS!

With its mix of fresh and seasoned talent, and a terrific script that captured the essence of growing up as a Filipino-American, director Gene Cajayong has put together a gem of a film worthy of acclaim and community pride. After waiting almost two years for the arrival of "The Debut" in Chicago, I was finally able to see what my bi-coastal brethren have already claimed as a "must see". No thanks to Hollywood, but the dedication instead of the film?s cast and crew, I was able to appreciate the spirited production and a well-rounded movie (Fil-Am) soundtrack. Now, the story line may have been told before, but the culture represented and the delivery of the message is pure "pinoy". Rare is an American film starring a Filipino and a Filipina?rarer still is a film about Filipino-Americans. It?s about time, and I hope this is not the last. So for non-Filipinos, this film is a great "primer" about a proud people with a rich cultural heritage you may have known little about. For Filipino-Americans et al, go out and support this film because it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will touch you to the core. The film is in English and definitely has mass market appeal (i.e. entertaining). To my fellow Filipinos, "Welcome to our 'debut'!? To the producers of the film, "Good luck on your grassroots movement!" I think I?ll go out and see this again?it may never reach Blockbuster if people don?t go out and see it in the theaters!… Expand

This movie did an excellent job of capturing the filipino culture and showing all the problems Asians in general face in America. Everything in the movie is believable and does not exaggerate any reaction -- despite some of the claims of some of these reviews saying that it's "melodramatic" or Ben is "overassimilated." My best friend is half filipino, and I've witnessed many of the conflicts she had with her mom that totally were in tune with this movie. And I am well aware of the Americanization of the younger Asian American generation from having experienced it myself. It was as if the writer was writing my biography! I definitely recommend this movie to everyone!… Expand

This is not just an ordinary Filipino film, but an introduction for the Philippines unity with America's entertainment bounderies. This film brought warmth to American's perspective of the Filipino culture. An excellent example for an average Filipino lifestyle back home. Perfect movie for the family and friends. A UNIVERSAL A++++

This is not just an ordinary Filipino film, but an introduction for the Philippines unity with America's entertainment bounderies. This film brought warmth to American's perspective of the Filipino culture. An excellent example for an average Filipino lifestyle back home. Perfect movie for the family and friends. A UNIVERSAL A++++

This is not just an ordinary Filipino film, but an introduction for the Philippines unity with America's entertainment bounderies. This film brought warmth to American's perspective of the Filipino culture. An excellent example for an average Filipino lifestyle back home. Perfect movie for the family and friends. A UNIVERSAL A++++

I loved the debut, but i can't find it on video.

A touching movie when annabelle and ben were outside touching each other's hand a touching moment.

I think that it is great that a Filipino is finally entering the mainstream with "The Debut". It is wonderful to see such an under represented group of people who have such a large impact on America finally being recognized. However, I do not think that it is fair that many Filipino writers and Filipinos in general are hailing this as the best thing since sliced bread. The plot is over-dialogued and not so original, and there are several awkward moments throughout the movie where things seem more like a Disney After-School movie then a full length feature to be commended. Also, the focus on Filipino culture is way too extreme. Although the movie is enjoyable becuase I do recognize the cultural indications, as an educated person, I cannot help but feel like the plot and dialogue in general are aimed at a 6 year old little girl.… Expand

An amazing film. Written and portrayed from the Filipino voice instead of being tweaked by Hollywood's capitalistic, money-driven hand. About as real as a film ever could be. My filipino friends have laughed, cried, and been validated by this film. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.

Great film, I helped pay for it. I talk about it every day to my students in my AP Government class that i teach. Oh by the way, I'm a 4-year Stanford alumni and I got 5's on all my AP tests. I love my Honda Civic. I denounce those who drive the SUV's. If there's any deficencies in my writing, please contact me at home because thats the AP mentality.

Forgettable.

This was a great movie that went through most issues in today's American-Filipino life. I really loved how it showed how life can be difficult. It had an extremely good theme to it. Funny and entertaining as well! :-D