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05/13/03
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The Debut (2000)
74
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:23
Fresh:17
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.3/10
Theatrical Release:May 18, 2000 Limited
Box Office: $1,533,516
Synopsis: 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... [More]
Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar
Director: Gene Cajayon
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Reviews for The Debut
Familiar in its story arc, but fresh in its energy and lucky in its choice of actors.
03/22/02
Top CriticA delightful coming-of-age film that becomes universal by way of its subject matter.
03/21/02
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06/03/06
Predictable but heartfelt, and valuable in that it is one of the first Filipino-American productions.
10/10/02
The unabashed earnestness of everyone involved allows you to forgive some of the shortcomings.
10/05/01
No review available.
10/07/05
The Joy Luck Club did the "white people are ignorant" story with less obviousness
08/15/03
Mostly the situations, albeit compressed, ring true; the characters are admirably multi-dimensional, and there are welcome doses of humor that compensate for any contrivances.
11/15/02
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07/21/05
A heartfelt, crowd-pleaser of a story.
12/19/01
Director Gene Cajayon, with co-writer John Manal Castro and a charming cast, continually subverts expectations.
11/15/02
A universal coming-of-age story as illuminating as it is entertaining.
10/05/01
Top CriticAn earnest and predictable little indie.
10/18/02
Top CriticA neat blend of well-drawn major characters and drama, music, dance, romance and humor that generates considerable charm and achieves a heartwarming resolution of its generational conflict.
10/17/02
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10/17/03
As well-meaning as an after-school special and only slightly more inspired.
04/10/01
A smart, engaging demonstration of how the conventions of the coming-of-age comedy-drama can be adapted and given new meaning.
06/04/01
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08/07/08
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