Bulong

Bulong is a hilarious, spine-chilling, yet intriguing 2011 Filipino horror-comedy movie. This unique blend of various genres was brought to life by the exceptional Filipino director, Chito S. Roño. The movie brilliantly oscillates between the realms of the ordinary and the supernatural, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The movie is headlined by a strong starcast of Vhong Navarro, Angelica Panganiban, and Bangs Garcia. Vhong Navarro, a well-known Philippine comedian sets the comic undertone of the film, while Angelica Panganiban and Bangs Garcia contribute to the drama and suspense.

The story revolves around Conan (Vhong Navarro), a simple hospital aide with a humdrum life, who overhears an unusual Filipino belief about whispering wishes to the dead while attending a funeral. Conan, desperate to improve his fortunes, decides to put this belief to the test. He whispers a wish to the corpse of his patient, leading to a series of thrilling, eerie, and gut-busting situations.

Despite his initial skepticism, Conan quickly realizes his wishes are, in fact, coming true. He's ecstatic, but soon, he discovers an unsettling twist - his whispered wishes are coming true with devastating consequences. What follows is a roller coaster of events that makes this movie a delightful watch.

The movie becomes inevitably more engaging when Conan seeks the help of Oprah (Angelica Panganiban), a fake spiritual medium who knows more than she reveals. The character of Oprah adds an interesting dynamic to the plot. She has her own comical and peculiar approach to dealing with the supernatural world, which adds hilarity to the intense, moody backdrop.

The appearing and disappearing ghosts, the sudden flickering of lights, and the chilling background music all contribute to the horror atmosphere that the director intended. The dexterity of Chito S. Roño in bringing forth the setting’s eeriness is flawlessly executed, thus making the narrative even more interesting for the audience.

Bulong also features Bangs Garcia in a key role that shakes up the plot significantly. Despite having lesser screen time than Navarro and Panganiban, Garcia leaves a lasting impression through her pivotal role.

What makes Bulong a must-watch is its refreshing tonality. The movie's ingenious blend of comedy and horror not only horrifies but also makes its audience roar with laughter at the same time. The tongue-in-cheek humor, often combined with well-timed jumpscares, gives the film a unique appeal. The mature handling of the movie's eccentric humor, coupled with comedy derived from fear, help Bulong stand out in the landscape of Filipino horror-comedy films.

The performances of the main cast are another highlight of the movie. Vhong Navarro, with his impeccable comic timings and expressions, adds charm to his character. Angelica, with her intense role, brings depth and intrigue to the film, while Bangs Garcia enriches the role she is entrusted with.

The film also boasts an engaging script, witty dialogues, and a compelling narrative that would keep viewers glued to their screens till the very end. Bulong brilliantly brings out the cultural nuances of Filipino folklore and superstitions, thus helping viewers to understand more about the culture.

In summary, Bulong is a thrilling and entertaining horror-comedy film that effectively explores Filipino superstitions around whispering to the dead. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, Bulong offers a unique and compelling blend of horror and comedy that will leave you entertained. With compelling performances from the lead cast and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns, the movie is certain to keep you engrossed right until the final credits roll. If you're a fan of horror, comedy, or a mix of both, then Bulong is one entertaining watch not to be missed.