3 Movies Like Infernal Affairs III (2003)

Though only currently available on Prime Video Philippines, Carlo Francisco Manatad's critically acclaimed drama boasts the kind of directorial vision and technical brilliance that deservedly kept it on the international festival circuit throughout 2021 and 2022—and that deserves to be seen around the world. Through textured cinematography and sound design, and art direction that situates its story halfway between reality and a dazed state of mind, Whether the Weather Is Fine isn't so much a factual retelling of life after Typhoon Haiyan but a meditation on what home and freedom mean to those who no longer seem to have it.

Manatad's background in experimental short filmmaking shines through in how the film seems comprised of so many irregular parts, but the emotional through line is unmistakable. Three incredible performances—from Daniel Padilla, Charo Santos-Concio, and Rans Rifol—illustrate the different ways that people try to escape or cling to hope in the wake of devastation. It's the furthest thing from "resilience porn," as the different perspectives of these characters clash and inevitably push each other away. And while that might not sound like the film offers a constructive point of view on disaster management, its intense psychological focus feels like something we haven't seen on screen before.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Charo Santos-Concio, Daniel Padilla, Francis Magundayao, Johnny Manahan, Joji Alonso, Mercedes Cabral, Nico Antonio, Rans Rifol

Director: Carlo Francisco Manatad

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat (what a mouthful) is mostly formulaic and clunky. Everything tragic that can happen will happen, and they don’t unfold organically, so the film feels like a smushed version of every tearjerker drama produced in movie history. There’s also a surprising amount of death, which the film sadly doesn’t leave enough room to parse through. There is grief, sure, and sorrow, but there are also a whole lot of other things going on that distract from the lessons of those events. But to its credit, The Supremes is headlined by three strong actresses that make the film almost worth watching. The best parts of the movie are when they confront each other. These women are dynamic, passionate, and bursting with so much life, it’s a shame that the film would rather stick to conventions than follow the natural flow of their conversations, outbursts, and celebrations. I know it’s based on a novel of the same name, but it would’ve done well to narrow down the plotlines and tell them in a fresher and more dynamic way—you know, adapt it to film as opposed to just transplanting everything.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Actor: Abigail Achiri, Angela Davis, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Cleveland Berto, Craig Tate, Deja Dee, Donna Biscoe, Jason Turner, Jesse Gallegos, Julian McMahon, Kyanna Simone Simpson, Mekhi Phifer, Russell Hornsby, Ryan Paynter, Sanaa Lathan, Tati Gabrielle, Tony Winters, Uzo Aduba, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Xavier Mills

Director: Tina Mabry

Rating: PG-13