THAT THING CALLED TADHANA MOVIE REVIEW

Photo by Cinema One Originals

 

-★☆☆☆☆

Here we are again with hyped Filipino movies that give us false expectation about relationship and love: about a broken hearted girl and a desperate slash also broken hearted guy that accidentally meet and unsurprisingly ended up together. Yup, I’m talking about the movie That Thing Called Tadhana.

Besides the very cheesy title, the movie is all about how to get over someone who broke your heart thru WOWs (Words of Wisdoms) and by looking for someone else as a ‘panakip butas’.

We are lured to the practically-impractical and obvious reasons about the Why’s and the How’s about an ended relationship that we people (admit it or not) most of the times dodge the reality because we are too ‘tanga’, ‘bobo’ and all the cliché pitiful descriptions you can have for your crying, broken hearted self.

People are so into the ‘hugot’ lines that they neglect some facts:

1.) You don’t bump into someone after you’ve been dumped accidentally.

2.) BUT If you ‘accidentally’ bumped into someone after you’ve been dumped, and goes with you wherever you want to go, especially and MOST ESPECIALLY when you’re a pretty girl with a voluptuous body… Guuurl, he’a either a rapist or a serial killer.

3.) No one in their right mind who would go with someone they barely know who is purposefully too silent, looks at you creepily and shows you his tattoos.

4.) A stranger freaks out when you make scandalous acts in public. Strangely, Anthony (JM de Guzman) didn’t because fuck Philippine cinema logic.

5.) If you’re with a guy after you’ve been dumped; two days is too long not to bang each other.

6.) With No. 5 being said, you get drunk and ‘forgets’ what you did last night because you were drinking faux Red Horse and singing a Whitney Houston hit wrongly PLUS you’re with a guy you just met; you don’t go to Baguio… SOGO motel is enough.

7.) Adding to no.’s 5 and 6, Mace (Angelica Panganiban) passed out from being drunk… Why did people expect for Anthony to still take her to Baguio? In real life, girls always end up in an empty lot… Naked… And/Or dead.

8.) That game where everytime she mentions her ex, she would give P100.00… with that kind of personality Mace (Angelica Panganiban) has; she would give a million.

9.) You won’t have any stranger-crying-shoulder because they’ll freak out.

Photo by Cinema One Originals

Those trending hashtag hugot lines, (I prefer #WhoGoat) that seemingly nonsensical to those who are not emotional or those who are not in love or those who are too chaka to experience being in a relationship; have been all over my Facebook, Twitter and even in Instagram timelines.

Although this movie seems ridiculous, to say the least, but reality is we just needed someone to share our problems with. We fantasize that there’s someone else to help us up when we’re down and broken and probably fall in love with them… The question popping in my mind on why it’s famous and highly acclaimed it’s because it’s a slap/wake up call (kuno) to people who don’t want to face the reality; who lives a life where they just ignore the truth, living with a lie and relive ONLY the happy moments. That’s why people can ‘relate’ because it’s the first time in Philippine cinematic history that words are real and an eye opener that’s far away from the typical Filipino Jolina-Marvin movies, even to be honest, people already know the truth, but they just play-blind ‘cuz that’s Filipinos: romanticizing foolishness. And that’s where this movie feeds Filipino emotions.

I believe that this movie are for those broken hearted people, those who are left by someone they love, or for those people who just wants to ride with the trend.

Because to be completely honest, those people I know who like this movie are those highly emotional at the moment (or have been completely emotional for many months or years because they haven’t gotten over someone… Hi Jumegs!).

The movie is not practically good because there’s nothing unique, intense or good story to it. Though it was funny at times, real and Sagada scene was heavenly, I have to say: if I’ve seen this film way back when I haven’t found my someone special today or if this someone special would break my heart in the future (hope not): I would love this entire film.

SURPRISED: NOT YOUR ORDINARY PACUTE TEEN MOVIE | SHE’S DATING THE GANGSTER MOVIE REVIEW

– ★★★★

First of all (I have to be defensive about this but…) I’m NOT a fan of Daniel and Kathryn’s love team and I was really hesitant when my partner asked me to watch it, but what changed my mind was that this film was directed by one my favorite directors which gave me one of my favorite Filipino films of all time: One More Chance and she is Cathy Garcia-Molina. Yet, the fact still remains that it was a KathNiel movie still bugs me a bit.

But after watching She’s Dating a Gangster, I could say that it was a “WOW”.

But first let me break the bad, okay, good and the WOW elements in the film.

 

STORY, MAKE-UP, PRODUCTION AND COSTUME

Story-wise, the film started with the pa cute effect Daniel and Kathryn was destined to do. A bit shallow, confusing, corny and cheesy and to be honest, the costume they wore that’s supposed to be on the 80s were a bit off and discombobulated to the real fashion of that era. They were too pretty and too handsome. Was it maybe because of the High Definition camera used? Or was it really poor in production? In that sense, it never captured the 80s feel. But I don’t think any Pinoy films nowadays have captured a past era using costumes and make-up.

Anyhow, as the story progresses and when we got into the middle part: I realized that there’s a depth that captures my attention and gives focus to the story itself. The entire confusing introduction made all sense and you want more answers in the upcoming remaining minutes of the film. And also, I can see the effort of building a good movie on that moment.

And at the very end, it all sums up to giving you an entire emotional bittersweet love affair that will surely crush your heart into pieces.

It captures a love that is sacrificial and deep that in the end will always have a happy end no matter what. The story is just good.

There were really some fun moments in the movie but nothing beats the KathNiel fans that whenever Daniel appears to look pa cute on screen, everyone around is just going wild which gave my partner and I a noisy but hilarious cinematic experience.

 

ACTING

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting for Daniel Padilla to improve and be an effective character. I was shocked even on the first few minutes of the film; he already showed intense characterization that even my partner and I did not fathom.

And to Daniel’s mini-brilliance comes Kathryn’s mini-annoyance. Well, probably because she has to be quirky and all and it’s just so regular of her to do that and that maybe is the reason why we can’t see any improvement in her. But then, she’s still good when she shed’s tears (evil).

 

A RICHARD GOMEZ AND DAWN ZULUETA MOVIE

Yes… when you get to the ending, the part where Richard and Dawn’s characters did meet: they stole the scene from everyone including Daniel and Kathryn even when it’s just seven minutes long! The buildup of the story up to that specific ending makes you think that this film is not just some typical teen movie that you watch and puke right after but it’s the movie you should give focus to and wait for the very heartbreaking yet satisfying ending.

And it was all because of Richard and Dawn’s chemistry and pure acting. Maybe it’s because they’re veteran (they should really be good at it by now) and it was just so believable that it made me cry which I really did not expect to.

The scene where Richard and Dawn’s character meet eye to eye, and everything else was in slow motion, captured the real emotions of bitterness, confusion, loneliness and happiness… everything was just good until Dawn spoke of a one-word liner: “GANGSTER” that made everything in the movie fits like a puzzle which tugs your heart and will bring you tears to the eyes.

Another TBH, I am a CharDawn fan… die hard. UGH!

And because of this, I think it’s about time that ABS-CBN should produce a CharDawn film with great, great, great story and has to be handled well by a director like Garcia-Molina because it will surely be a huge hit not just for matured people, but also for young adults out there.

 

OVERALL

Overall, the movie is really good because it has a deeper sense of storytelling that differs from every one generation storyline films we’ve seen and Cathy Garcia-Molina definitely knows how to pull our heartstrings.

 

She’s Dating a Gangster is produced and released by Star Cinema and was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. Starring Danieel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo with Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta.

FILIPINO PROBLEMS: HOMOSEXUALITY, THE VICE GANDA ISSUE, AND THE UGLY TRUTH

Natutuwa, pero hindi nirerespeto. Natatawa, pero hindi tinatrato ng sakto.

That sums up to what being gay is like here in the Philippines, and how treatment is most likely have and still happening. Upon the issue of the rumored Vice Ganda and unknown boyfriend break-up raised an unforgivable and pitiful issue of pre-judgment, inequality and discrimination.

Based on the articles I’ve read and TV show clips I’ve seen in the past few days: first and foremost in The Buzz which Kris Aquino interviewed the indisputably the most famous Gay ever that stayed long in Philippine Television: Vice Ganda, about his break-up with the unnamed lover.

He has hints of initials T and R in his official Twitter account which is the rumored Ateneo basketball star Terrence Romeo. Clearly, whenever that topic is raised, even on his noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’; he always give comical remarks on what really is it but never gives a confirmation on who that person is. Leaving people in question, ‘Is it true or not?’

Hence to the issue in that TV interview; a Facebook account of Terrence Romeo grudgingly posted about how dismayed he is about the said issue and threatens to deactivate it permanently if people tolerate it.

Terrence, on the other hand, then denied, but seems happy and even praised that someone took the initiative to post it.

In addition to that faux-post and partly degrading appraisal is a statement made by Terrence Romeo’s father William, quoting:

“Si Terrence talagang tinuturuan ko ‘yan ng katuturan. So kung totoo man ‘yang istorya na ‘yan, sinuway niya ako. Dahil hindi naman lahat ng oras nakasama ko siya,” he said. “Pero si Terrence, kumpleto ng aral sa akin ‘yan. Pinaiiwas ko siya sa mga bagay na hindi mabuti.”

In the past, being gay is generally unacceptable in the Filipino society because of numerous reasons:

 

1. Religious – As a true blue religious country, believing in everything the church says; we are ignorant of the fact that the Earth is round, the universe is infinite, and science can be the highest form of education we can achieve to become a worthy and knowledgeable citizen. This doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God, it’s just that I have my faith, but not in the same normal people who preaches.

2. Global Standards – Rest assured, the Philippines is not the only nation to appease an abomination to the gay community, but also to the world.

3. Homophobia – to get a textbook definition of this: Prejudice against (fear or dislike of) homosexual people and homosexuality. Or in societal definition nowadays; a person acting straight, disliking homosexuality because of a hidden, unaccepted and shamed hypocrisy within self.

4. Family Standard/Upbringing – this sums to parents’ Religious beliefs, Global standards and/or Homophobia.

 

And some other pathetic reasons you can think of. With this still obvious in our society; I’m definitely sure we’re still in the century where science is denied and ignorance is tolerated.

And now back to the issue as per told by William Romeo and how discriminative his statement is:

“Pinaiiwas ko siya sa mga bagay na hindi mabuti. (I let him keep distance to the things that aren’t good.)” – William Romeo

It’s annoying and unfair because he correlated being wrong with being gay or having an affair with a gay person.

Discriminating gay people on their gender preference or sexual orientation or same sex relations is like claiming you are GOD that you can do or say whatever you want because you are the Law. And obviously, you are not GOD, therefore you have ZERO right to dictate on what preference these people chose to have; not even lecturing on absent verses on the New Testament about how wrong being homosexual is wont exempt you from hell, because in the first place you have judged.

And what I learned about Jesus is that he was here not to judge but to accept and forgive. And that’s one commendable personality one person can have, and definitely that’s what it meant by being Christ-like. And Pope Francis clearly understood that.

If you have nothing good to say, better shut the hell up.

And if you think I am over reacting to this issue; well you’re ignorant to what’s happening outside our nation then. If this was heard in the US; this would be sensationalized.

Vice Ganda is a national phenomenon, he has breached the cinema and the music scene smashing some records. He’s called the Unkabogable (undefeatable) because he’s the only gay person to have reigned in our showbiz who lasted years and still going strong with the ultimate competition that is himself and only himself can break it.

I look up to him.

Because he set the standard of a fact that Showbizness is done with straight people on the top of the charts, and it’s time to be different; it’s time to accept the fact that there are talented people out there, straight or gay, who could redefine total entertainment.

He did also change the way people think about being gay: that respect is somehow subconsciously earned and some people changed the way they look upon us. I can concretely say that because as years passed by, straight people changed the way they treated me; some with utmost respect, some with a cunning fear, and some trying to be close with me with no prejudice on what orientation I might choose.

I felt that sudden change in people surrounding me and in my society. But there’s still that lingering fact that discrimination is going on in these uncharted hearts of people laughing with Vice Ganda or Gays in general.

Natutuwa, pero hindi nirerespeto. Natatawa, pero hindi tinatrato ng sakto.

They adore, but respect is fleeting. They laugh, but discriminate right after. Hypocrisy seems to be floating amidst this battle we’re fighting. The LGBT community has been fighting for equality. I too have been fighting my whole life for equality, acceptance and a resonating cry for RESPECT.

STARTING OVER AGAIN MOVIE REVIEW [SPOILER!]

 

–          ★★★★

WARNING: Heavy Spoiler ahead!

Then we have another Filipino movie themed with a rom-com that stars two of the finest actors in this generation that will surely be a huge hit. There’s this again cliché we’ve all been waiting for.

BUT, Starting over Again is one of my favorite Filipino movies of all time!

Starred by the finest actor today Piolo Pascual and labeled as the Multimedia artist, Toni Gonzaga plus with the direction of the well-known director, Olivia M. Lamasan; this is the movie everyone’s been waiting for.

The fact that the movie was all rom-com from start until the end is a plus point for me; and with its deep and realistic parts, it’s all perfection.

I have to put standards as a real human being and a reviewer, because, truth is, we all become bias in all aspects; and I have to say One More Chance, which teamed up John Lloyd-Bea was for me the best Filipino film in romantic theme movies.

The fact that how close a story to reality is what I love the most, only that the disappointment for me in One More Chance was by the ending, because, not to be bitter; but I really don’t like happy end romantic movies. And although it’s proper for the story, it’s best if the characters Basha and Popoy did not end together. However, it’s still the best for me.

Then we have Starting over Again; which themed a complicated love story. Girl loves guy and goes for him whatever it takes, and guy eventually falls for her, then she left him for no clear reason, then one day, she regrets everything she’s done and wants him back, but he doesn’t want her any longer.

That is a typical love story formula, let’s face it, but the twist was that the female protagonist was the one chasing after the guy and not vice versa; and the fact that I thought it was almost a happy end made me a bit sad, but then when it reached the resolution part; you’ll realize it’s beyond the typical love story we’ve all expected. I was happy with the ending; it was just PERFECT.

The reason why the movie was not a happy end was greatly satisfying; and I’ve always pleaded on my Facebook account that I am hoping that they don’t end up together, although the story was revolving around them. But ending them happy together was for me unfair and unrealistic.

Two people should not end up together again, even when there’s a serendipity sign that you’ve met again and you thought it’s for the reason that you’d have your second chance; NO, it most of the time is just for closure; like the ending of Starting over Again.

The reason why the character of Toni left the character of Piolo was also satisfying; it was just realistic as possible.

Toni is a very promising actress, she’s gone a mile and now she’s taking up a notch in being sexy on screen (which I hated to some actresses because they don’t allow themselves up for sexy scenes when in fact they’re actresses and its disappointing).

Piolo Pascual remains a respectable actor channeling every emotion on screen to the viewers. Truth be told, I almost tear up on his scenes, and not on the desperate and pitiful female character, which I take side most of the times.

Starting Over Again is directed by Olivia M. Lamasan and starred Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga with Iza Calzado and is produced and distributed by Star Cinema.