Dead Sure Explained

Dead Sure
Native Name:
Original:Segurista
Director:Tikoy Aguiluz
Producer:Eric Cuatico
Starring:Michelle Aldana
Music:Jessie Lasaten
Cinematography:Jun Dalawis
Studio:Neo Films
Distributor:Neo Films
Runtime:111 minutes
Country:Philippines
Language:Filipino

Segurista (International title: Dead Sure) is a 1996 Philippine neo-noir drama film directed by Tikoy Aguiluz. The film was co-written by Aguiluz, Jose Lacaba, and Amado Lacuesta and stars Michelle Aldana as the title role.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Segurista was screened in Philippine theaters as well as at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Singapore International Film Festival.[7]

Plot

By day, Karen Fernandez (Michelle Aldana) is a sales agent for an insurance company. She constantly meets sales targets set by her company and is considered as their top agent. By night, she covertly works as a guest relations officer (GRO), which she uses to draw her daytime clients to buy into her insurance product. All of her activities day and night are for one reason: securing the future of her family. Amidst the temptation of falling in love with her clients, Karen is focused on working hard for the money.

A tragedy occurs when a night of having fun went wrong. Resisting the advances of her friend's lover, she flees by riding a taxi. But the taxi driver himself had other plans as he decides to bring Karen to a lahar-infested area and satisfy his lust on her before killing her off. Her death served as a catalyst for change as her beneficiaries finally receive the fruits of her labor.[8]

Cast

Awards

Dead Sure won seven awards in the 21st Gawad Urian Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director[9] and Best Supporting Actor.

The film was selected as the Philippines entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 69th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.[10] [11]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Dirtiest Movie of the Year. Vera. Noel. Pinoy Pop Culture. 9 March 1996. 29 May 2022.
  2. Book: Deutsch, Andre. Variety International Film Guide. 251–252. 2002. Variety. 29 May 2022. Google Books.
  3. Book: Sampung Taong Sine: 1990-1999. 33. 2002. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. 9789718140260 . 29 May 2022. Google Books.
  4. Web site: Is Mel Tiangco in Trouble with ABS-CBN?. Red. Isah. 32. 2 February 1996. Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing. 29 May 2022. Google News.
  5. Web site: The X Factor. Japitana. Norma. 31. 11 March 1996. Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing. 29 May 2022. Google News.
  6. Web site: Bum Steer. Red. Isah. 32. 15 March 1996. Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing. 29 May 2022. Google News.
  7. Web site: Salterio . Leah C. . In a prominent family, Tikoy Aguiluz made a name for himself in the world of cinema . 2024-06-25 . Philippine Star.
  8. Web site: Dead Sure . https://web.archive.org/web/20160309101929/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/437002/Dead-Sure/overview . dead . 9 March 2016 . Movies & TV Dept. . . 2016 . 9 October 2015 .
  9. Web site: February 19, 2024 . Director Tikoy Aguiluz Has Died . June 25, 2024 . Esquire.
  10. Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  11. Web site: 39 Countries Hoping for Oscar Nominations . . 13 November 1996 . 5 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/19990209110950/http://www.oscars.org/pressreleases/96.11.13.html . 9 February 1999 . dead .