Insightful, Hopeful

Inspired by Minh's* blog entry, I am listing my favorite movie themes here. For me, the music in a film, adds to its appeal and important in defining a story, and creating a beautiful scene. Too bad it is not utilized much in Filipino movies, perhaps one of the reasons why the Philippine movie industry is struggling.

Personally, I have liked movies because of it's catchy theme songs - "Change the World" (Phenomenon), "It Might Be You" (Tootsie), "A Whole New World" (Aladdin), to name a few. Here are the other songs I have loved that were used as movie themes:

American/International

"If I Never Knew You" (Pocahontas) - I have to confess, I haven't watched Pocahontas. But this song caught my attention when it was played on the radio. I was surprised when the DJ announced it was from the movie Pocahontas. Such lovely lyrics.

"Go the Distance" (Hercules) - I didn't get to appreciate the movie because I watched in on VHS and the copy I borrowed was so blurry. But the song is so moving because Michael Bolton sang it with so much emotion.

"Something There" (Beauty and the Beast) - This was played while Beast and Belle were throwing snowballs at each other and were started to feel something for each other. A true "kilig" moment. It's a very light song with a nice Christmassy intro.

"I Will Follow Him" (Sister Act) - This is just one of my favorite songs from the soundtrack. It is one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. Some good motown music with gospel songs that start slow and increases tempo at the middle. I didn't know it was called "Motown" back then, I just knew it was good music :)

"Looking Through the Eyes of Love" (Ice Castles) - One of the best songs I know. I even learned to play this piece on the piano (the one I learned was arranged for a beginner), that's how I loved it. Truly, a romantic melody.

"Theme from Color Purple" (Color Purple) - An instrumental piece. The movie stars Oprah. I do not own the original soundtrack but I heard this from a compilation album. Such a moving piece.

Filipino

"You Are My Song" (Wanted: Perfect Mother) - The movie was fun, but is not one of my favorites. The song, however, is one of those I don't mind hearing over and over again.

"Kailangan Kita" (from the movie of the same title) - This song for me is applicable to all kinds of all, most especially the Unconditional love from above.

"Pangarap na Bituin" (Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala) - Ok, I didn't like it upon watching Sharon Cuneta's movie, maybe because I was still too young then, but I appreciated it because it is played as the theme of the Korean drama "Jewel in the Palace". It's a very inspiring song, full of hope, that dreams can come true.

Other songs include Rainbow (Crying Ladies) and Reflections (Mulan) which I posted some time ago here. I actually mentioned "If I Never Knew You" in that post too, but I like the song too much that I don't mind posting it twice :)

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*I don't really know Minh personally, but his blog is one of those I read. We have the same interest - computers and music, the type of music I like. In a way he's sort of my internet "crush", I can't think of any other way to describe it. Maybe because he's such an achiever and he is nationalistic (to Vietnam), in a way that I hope many Filipinos should be.