Introduction

Goodbye America is a 1997 action-drama film that examines how the closing of the US naval base at Subic Bay, Philippines affected the Filipinos and the Americans who had served there.

The film was an attempt to bring Philippine cinema into the international audience.

Outline

As the US Subic Bay naval base’s operations slowly wind down and naval manpower begins to dwindle, Commander Hamilton (Wolfgang Bodison) relies on three US Navy SEAL’s to help keep the base secure. William Hawk (John Haymes Newton), a longtime American sailor nearing the end of a tour of duty, is involved with a Filipina, Lisa Velasquez (Nanette Medved), a representative of the mayor’s office in nearby Olongapo City. Lisa has to deal with the economic crisis that the base’s closing will bring to her community, as well as her own personal problems brought on by Hawk’s imminent departure and the strained relationship of her mother, Anna (Daria Ramirez), and stepfather, Ed (James Brolin).

Paul Bladon (Alexis Arquette), another Navy SEAL at the Subic Bay base, is the son of a US Senator (Michael York), who will be visiting Subic Bay for the base’s closing ceremonies. Senator Bladon is bringing along Paul’s American girlfriend Angela (Maureen Flannigan), though Paul has fallen in love with a Filipina, Emma (Alma Concepcion), a former prostitute who now plans to marry Paul. The third Navy SEAL, John Stryzack (Corin Nemec), is furious over what he sees as America’s betrayal of its responsibilities in the Philippines; he winds up behind bars after a violent incident, but he plans to escape to assassinate Senator Bladon, whom he believes is responsible for the closing of the base.

Production & Filming Details

• Director: Thierry Notz.
• Producers: Charo Santos-Concio, Malou Santos, and Pamela Vlastas.
• Writers: Michale Sellers, Bob Couttie, and RIcardo Lee.
• Screenplay: Frederick Bailey.
• Music: Roy Hay.
• Cinematography: Sharone Meir.
• Editor: Brent Shoenfeld.
• Production: ABS-CBN Entertainment and Quantum Entertainment.
• Distributor: Star Cinema, Quantum Entertainment, and Fox Searchlight Pictures.
• Release Date: 20 August 1997 (US).
• Running Time: 116 minutes.
• Country: US and the Philippines.
• Language: English.

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