The Debut Film Analysis

The Debut (2000) was a film presenting the positive aspects of the Filipino culture, using the real problems and relatable issues that teenagers face. This film is one of the first films I’ve viewed which portrays an Asian culture as what it truly is. Unlike many other films and scenes in Hollywood cinema, this film did not use negative stereotypes or derogatory topics as its main base. Director Gene Cajayon is from the Filipino agency and grew up in its heritage; this reflects on the films true use of Tagalog, traditions, relationships, and cultural values. What was particularly enjoyable was the scenes of dancing and singing that are accurate presentations of the Tinikling dance with string instruments. Although the quality of the acting in the film is debatable, it was satisfying to see an Asian culture accurately presented. Filipino-American director Gene Cajayon wanted to present the issue that many young minorities face—conflicting between the surrounding culture and thier own culture. In this picture, we see Ben is facing the problems of accepting his own Filipino culture, in …show more content…
Rather than being directed by the white agency, this film was directed by a Filipino-American agency. This aspect changed the filming and content of the movie from being viewed with the typical strategies of othering. The characters were not casted as the Hollywood Orientals, but strictly as Filipinos—because that is who they were supposed to portray. Films like Broken Blossoms (1919) and The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) merged together aspects from different Asian cultures, making them into their belief of Orientals. In contrast, in the scene at Ben’s house, there is Filipino décor and artwork entirely presenting the culture appropriately. The most important piece that makes the characters unusual is the fact that they are presented