The Debut (2000)

A young man struggles with his desire to study art when his family thinks he's headed for premed studies. Conflicts between Filipino traditions and expectations vs. personal dreams in the contemporary world erupt at his sister's debut.

Director:

Gene Cajayon

Writers:

Gene Cajayon, John Manal Castro

Stars:

Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Jayson Schaal

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dante Basco	...	Ben Mercado (as Danté Basco)
Jayson Schaal	...	Doug
Brian Card	...	Dave
Mindy Spence	...	Jennifer
Nicole Hawkyard	...	Susie
Brandon Martinez	...	Rick
Ernie Zarate	...	Tito Lenny
Gina Alajar	...	Gina Mercado
Emelita Moll	...	Tita Connie
Gina Honda	...	Tita Florie
Tirso Cruz III	...	Roland Mercado
Bernadette Balagtas	...	Rose Mercado
Rawlins Apilado	...	Jun
Derek Basco	...	Edwin Mercado
Joy Bisco	...	Annabelle Manalo

Storyline

The story revolves around Ben Mercado, a talented high school senior who has rejected his Filipino heritage. The long-simmering feud between Ben and his immigrant father Roland threatens to boil over and ruin the 18th birthday party of Ben's sister Rose. But to Ben's surprise, his sister's celebration challenges his sense of misplaced identity, and the way he regards his father and grandfather. In one night, Ben faces the true nature of his relationships with his family, his friends, and himself.

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Plot Keywords:

based on short film | party | birthday party | high school | thug | 

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Taglines:

One night can change a lifetime.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The close-up hands, at the end of the film, browsing through Ben's portfolio belong to writer John Manal Castro.

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Connections

Featured in The Slanted Screen (2006)

User Reviews

Surpringly touching film

Having grown up in a Cuban-American family I was surprised at how similar the cultures represented in THE DEBUT are to my own. Although I am aware of both countries' Spanish colonial influence, I think many Americans from ethnic backgrounds will find the same connection to this film.

I universal story that does not shy away from its roots, THE DEBUT is actually a great film. The actors may not be the most experienced but they certainly come across more honest than most of the "polished" teen stars today.

One of the many striking performances comes out of left field from the villain tough boy with the gun (I don't know his name). When he starts getting slapped around by mama his expression is priceless and the scene strikes a cord into memories of the "tough guys" of my youth.

A memorable independent film with a heart as big as Asia. With a little sharper editing this could have been MY BIG FAT PHILLIPINO DEBUT.

Set aside your preconceptions and enjoy.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Tagalog Filipino

Release Date:

13 August 2003 (Philippines)

Also Known As:

The Mercado Family Debut

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,745,778

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,745,778

Company Credits

Production Co:

5 Card Productions, Celestial Pictures, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1