This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Luigi Almuena) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Nora Aunor stars, in what is often deemed her finest performance, as Corazon de la Cruz, a Filipina nurse. Living near the US Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, she dreams of a better life in the United States… until the unspeakable happens.
Directed by Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara, Once A Moth is a long-lost, rarely-seen landmark of Filipino cinema, here miraculously salvaged and restored despite weather-worn elements and a missing first reel. A timeless, galvanising, anti-imperialist classic conceived as a protest film against the unending occupation of the Philippines by foreign powers, it gives their wings back to those attracted and irrevocably burned by the flame of the American Dream.
directed by: Lupita Aquino-Kashiwabara (Credited as Lupita A. Concio) starring: Nora Aunor, Jay Illagan, Gloria Sevilla, Perla Bautista, Eddie Villamayor 1976 / 110 min / 1.85:1 / Tagalog DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
2K restoration by ABS-CBN
Featurette on the restoration (9mins, 2023)
Before and After (1min, 2018)
Restoration Trailer
Booklet with
Archival Photographs courtesy of the Mowelfund Library and Audiovisual Archives
New writing by scholars Jose B. Capino and John Labella
Interview with Digna Santiago
Interview with Marina Feleo Gonzalez by critic Aaron Hunt
New art by Luigi Almuena
Optional English Subtitles
Overall rating: 4.680851 / 5 from 47 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Once a Moth is a limited edition slipcover featuring a restored classic Filipino film. Customers praise the film's historical significance and quality of the restoration. The slipcover is exclusive to select retailers and the website, with only 1,000 units available.
"Amazing movie with a great release and package design" — Jake R.
"Once A Moth is an incredible and important film, and should be known by more people." — Ben. Z.
"An incredible film about American occupants in the Philippines, This movie is an absolute masterpiece." — Ewan G.
Reviews
Great Anti-Colonial Cinema
"Phenomenal Filipino cinema, bristling with anger"
— Dukes A. (5/5)
Loved this
"Great and humane crime drama"
— Nick C. (5/5)
Moth to a Flame
"A powerful and biting piece of modern anti-imperialism. It’s great that such a film has been restored."
— Matthew A. (5/5)
GREAT movie!
"Each Kani release I’ve obtained keeps adding onto my enthusiasm for Kani. What a great movie this is. Go in blind if you love a good domestic drama. The transfer looks great too! Excellent, under appreciated film. I love the art with slipcover too."
— Scott W. (5/5)
Not the best transfer but an important release
"It's great to see an important but obscure film like this get a release. It still doesn't look too great, but it's better than anything else you'll find. The booklet is excellent and the packaging is cool."
— Matthew M. (4/5)
Must see
"Really enjoyed this film. An important drama with thematic depth that will reward on rewatches. The look of the film is rough in some parts but this is probably the best it will look given the circumstances. Great slipcover art too. Highly recommended."
— Gregory L. (5/5)
Another really interesting Filipino film
"Another really interesting Filipino film from Kani. One of the best partners labels."
— Dave C. (4/5)
Great release
"Great release"
— Ian C. (4/5)
Happy to have
"Happy to have"
— Ian C. (4/5)
Once a Moth
"a fantastic film with very strong performances"
— Chris Z. (5/5)
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