This Donny Pangilinan starrer is the PH’s first full-length esports film
Donny Pangilinan is a serious gamer in “GG The Movie,” the PH’s first full-length esports film | Screencap from “GG The Movie” trailer by ABS-CBN Star Cinema/YouTube
We have a rich movie bank about people becoming very passionate about (or sometimes, borderline obsessed with) their craft. While these stories differ in how they tackle the topic (should there be a limit to one’s dedication, or do we all have the right to be as immersed as we can be?), it’s always a journey to go deep into the headspace of someone who’s ready to risk it all.
This energy is exuded in the trailer of “GG The Movie,” an upcoming Filipino film directed by Prime Cruz (“Sleepless,” “Isa Pa with Feelings”). With its title alluding to “good game,” the project aims to depict the “highs and lows within esports and its huge community,” according to its Facebook page.
“Huwag magkakamali (No room for mistakes),” says Donny Pangilinan’s Eskape—a competitive gamer—who seems to be seriously convinced that gaming is the only thing he’ll ever be good at. The two-minute sneak peek also lets us meet the main character’s teammates called “Tokwa’t Bad Bois,” and shows how Eskape doesn’t hesitate to get their heads in the game, especially during a difficult match. A concealed identity called “Icebox” also adds to the air of mystery.
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The Gen Z “Can’t Buy Me Love” actor also stars alongside his real life mother Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, completing the film’s son-and-mother dynamic.
Aside from the film’s focus on the gaming community, the first look also teases an exploration on family issues. Eskape’s mother tries her best to understand and communicate with her son, other family members see no future for the boy, and a mysterious woman (is it his grandmother?) suddenly appears, calling him by his real name Seth.
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With the stereotypes attached to gamers and the “kaka-kompyuter mo ’yan (That’s because you use the computer too much)” running gag, will “GG The Movie” offer a wider perspective about Filipino gamers? After all, this is dubbed the first ever full-length esports film in the Philippines.
In a Twitch livestream, Pangilinan’s co-star Flores honored the community. “Sana na-represent din namin nang maayos ’yung esports athletes natin na kasama, ’di ba? ‘Yung struggles and success na nabibigay ng mga esports athletes natin,” he says in one of the clips posted on the film’s Instagram.
(We hope we also properly represented our esports athletes. The struggles and success they give us.)
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Pangilinan also mentioned that Requiem—the game featured in the film was actually made from scratch. “Shoutout to Metasports and Robosheep for an amazing game,” he added.
The lead’s sister Hannah Pangilinan, who was previously announced as the film’s creative producer, shared on Instagram that “being on set was a dream.”
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“GG The Movie” also stars Baron Geisler, Iggy Boy Flores, Johannes Rissler, Gold Aceron, and Kaleb Ong, among others. It hits Philippine theaters on Jan. 24, and we’re keeping our tabs on international screenings.
