Debut, The

Movie Info

Genre(s): Drama

Written by: Gene Cajayon
John Manal Castro

Directed by: Gene Cajayon

Release Date:
Theatrical: October 5, 2001
DVD: September 9, 2003

Running Time: 94 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: Not Rated

Starring Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, and Darion Basco

A young Filipino American's dreams of becoming an animator are in conflict with those of his immigrant father, who is intent on seeing him become a doctor.

Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database Official Studio Site

What The Critics Said

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What Our Users Said

Vote Now!The average user rating for this movie is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 27 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Beverly R. gave it a10:
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

Lovel G. gave it a 5:
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.

Lulani A. gave it a 6:
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.

Bboy shortcut shapeshifterzcrew gave it a 10:
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

James S. gave it a 7:
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!!

Luan L. gave it a 10:
A touching movie when annabelle and ben were outside touching each other's hand a touching moment.

Santi gave it a 5:
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.

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