Watch The Debut

The Debut is a coming-of-age drama that was released in 2000. It is directed by Gene Cajayon and stars Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, and Jayson Schaal. The movie follows the story of Ben Mercado (Dante Basco), a Filipino-American teenager who is about to turn 18. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to pursue his dreams.

The movie takes place in the early 2000s in Los Angeles, California. Ben's family is getting ready for his sister's 18th birthday party, which is also going to be his debut. A debut is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age party that is held when a girl turns 18. However, Ben is not interested in the customs and traditions of his culture. He dreams of becoming a comic book artist and is secretly working on a graphic novel.

As the preparations for the party are underway, Ben is dealing with several conflicts. He feels out of place in his own community and is trying to find his place in the world. He is often treated as an outsider by his Filipino friends, who think he is too Americanized. On the other hand, he feels like an outsider in his school as well, where he is often the target of racism and prejudice.

Ben's family is also going through a tough time. His father, Nestor (Eddie Garcia), is a proud Filipino immigrant who owns a struggling Filipino restaurant. He is having a hard time accepting Ben's desire to pursue art and wants him to follow in his footsteps and take over the restaurant. Ben's mother, Teresa (Tirso Cruz III), is caught between her loyalty to her husband and her love for her son.

As the day of the debut approaches, Ben finds himself at a crossroads. He has to choose between his family and his dreams. He also has to confront his own prejudices and understand what it means to be a Filipino-American. With the help of his friends and family, Ben finally realizes what he wants and who he is.

The Debut is a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the Filipino-American experience. It deals with issues of identity, culture, and tradition in a nuanced and sensitive way. It showcases the struggles and triumphs of a community that is often overlooked in mainstream media. The performances by the cast are outstanding, with Dante Basco giving a standout performance as the conflicted and determined Ben.

The movie also features a great soundtrack, with music by Filipino-American artists such as Bamboo, Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and Pinay. The music adds to the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the film, capturing the spirit of the Filipino-American community.

Overall, The Debut is a must-watch for anyone interested in Filipino-American culture and the immigrant experience. It is a powerful and moving film that will leave you with a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.

The Debut is a 2001 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 60.