Where to watch: Most of Cabral’s notable films are available on MUBI, KTX.ph, and the Criterion Channel (specifically the "Kinatay" restoration).

Whether she is playing a prostitute, a policewoman, a ghost, or a lawyer, Mercedes Cabral brings the same relentless commitment: You will not look away. And for that, she remains one of the most vital screen talents of her generation.

What makes this a "notable movie moment" is the choreography of terror. Cabral does not scream into the gag; she hyperventilates. Her eyes dart wildly, looking for exits that don’t exist. When the first blow lands (off-screen), her entire body convulses like a live wire. By the time the scene ends, the audience is as exhausted and traumatized as she is. This performance forced the world to recognize that Philippine cinema could produce a level of visceral realism rivaling any European art house film.