An award-winning English language film for the whole family, "the Debut" revolves around Ben Mercado (Dante Basco), a talented high school senior who has rejected his Filipino heritage. The long-simmering feud between Ben and his immigrant father Roland (Tirso Cruz III) threatens to boil over and ruin the 18th birthday party of Ben's sister Rose (Bernadette Balagtas). But to Ben's surprise, his sister's celebration challenges his sense of misplaced identity, and the way he regards his father and grandfather (Filipino film legend Eddie Garcia). In one night, Ben faces the true nature of his relationships with his family, his friends, and himself.

Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film.

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The plot is nothing new, but the message and its delivery are pure "pinoy". The mix of fresh and seasoned talent keeps the energy going throughout the entire film. But what stood out to me the most are the scenes showcasing Filipino food, music, dance, and (I'm almost ashamed to admit) the fresh-off-the-boat (fob) humor. So to the general public, "This film is in English, has mass market appeal (i.e. very entertaining), and it doesn't hurt that it broadens one's horizon." To my fellow Filipino-Americans, "Welcome to our "debut"!" Go out to see it now because if we don't watch it in the theaters, it may never reach your local video store!

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Great movie!Oct 30, 2003

I am African-American, but have many Filipino friends. Iwas very impressed by this movie. It had a little bit of everything for everyone. The movie was done with great class and good detail. Best of luck to all of the production crew and cast members for future projects. It would be nice to see sequel to this film. Maybe call it, "Debuted - All Grown Up! I would also like to see a PG or PG-13 movie by the same creators.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

DebutFeb 12, 2002
By Vani
Coming from Arizona, where the Filipino population is miniscule compared to California, I was ecstatic when I heard about "Debut". I thought that it depicted life as a Filipino-American to perfection. It addressed such issues as alienation and acceptance from both cultures and the struggle in defining one's identity. From the cars and DJs to the lechon and barrel man, this movie calls attention to so many aspects of life as a Filipino-American. It also does well in portraying the traditional Filipino family structure. Great movie!

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Its about time Filipinos are represented!Oct 15, 2003

I've been visiting the Debut's official website for about a year now and I finally I was able to watch it on DVD (i live in Toronto and it never made it here on big screen). Was it worth the wait? Yes.
I enjoyed seeing Filipinos represented in a film that depicts a glimpse into Filipino-American life (and Canadian for that matter). Life imitates film and if there is no represenation of who you are on film, its quite hard to find what it is to be Filipino. This is a landmark film. Good job!
The so-so points... Somebody else wrote a review that I agree with. It seems like the film skimmed a lot of important issues but never really got deep into it. I loved the fact there was the native dance and singing (boy, that was great!), however scenes to establish the characters more would have been beneficial. A few more scenes such as the bathroom discussion between Ben and his father, or (what I believe to be the best scene) when the Lolo is scolding his son.. Great acting in that scene by great actors.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely enjoyed the movie and was very impressed. Good work and kudos to all that had a part in making this film a success.

Lets do away with the Crab mentality and support Filipino talent in all areas. You with me?!

Now I have a new crush.. Bernadette Balagtas ;)

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

the Debut makes a great debutFeb 19, 2004

I am a Filipino American and i personally enjoyed this DVD. It featured great actors including Dante Basco (& his brothers, the Basco brothers), Eddie Garcia, Tierso Cruz III, and many others. This film does show the world a little bit of the Filipino- American life and how many Filipinos are living. This film took 8 years to create and that 8 years produced a very creative movie. This is the first time Filipinos see themselves on the big screen and I think that they probably liked what they saw. The Debut does show how important education is to their culture. The Philippines being a third-world country and their major export humans, it is true that many believe that the only way to be successful is if they become a lawyer or a doctor. I don't blame them because it's a very difficult life in the Philippines, trust me. Ben Mercado, the main character, is in this position. His father wants Ben to go to medical school, but Ben wants to go to a Fine Arts Academy. I won't give out the rest of the story but all I have left to say is that "The Debut" gives the restof theworld a taste of the Filipino lifesytle and culture. *****fIvE sTarS!!*****2 thumbs-up

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