The Debut
Watch TrailerFilipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Basco) 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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📋 Film Details
| Year | 2000 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Gene Cajayon |
| Runtime | 88 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 5.4/10 (7 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The Debut is an acquired taste at 5.4/10. We recommend checking the trailer and synopsis before diving in.
Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.
A 2000 film from an era before CGI overload, with real performances that still hit hard. Best for: genre fans and those open to something unconventional.
— MovieFinder Editorial
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