FILM REVIEW: SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER

A Filipino teen rom-com-drama film based on Ms. Bianca Bernardino's (SGwannaB) original story posted in Wattpad. The movie was directed by our very own Cathy Garcia-Molina and starred by one of the most famous love team of this generation (as per the reviews and polls), Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. 

The story rotates on finding Mr. Kenji Delos Reyes after receiving a report that the plane he was flying with had an accident. Kelai (Kathryn) and Kenneth (Daniel) meet one another  in airport for the first time with the same goal: to find Mr. Kenji Delos Reyes. As they are looking for Mr. Kenji Delos Reyes, Kelai tells the story of why she is also looking for Mr. Kenji. 

However, a flashback was being shown as Athena (portrayed by Kathryn also) meets Kenji (portrayed by Daniel also) as a gangster in their campus. One day, Athena's beeper kept on receiving messages from 'Kenji' saying that he will wait for her to come back to him. Knowing that the messages are not for her, will a love unfold by destiny? Or will this confusion can ignite a love that is stronger than any person could ever bear? 

REVIEW:

Story Line (MOVIE VS BOOK)

It's not the actual book that I've read. The world just shared that MS Word with the color codes as to refer who is talking. The writing style of the book says that the author is still a newbie but the pacing is good. The build up and the chemistry is good. The vibes was fresh. And the end, it's not new to me but I felt the emotions. 

The movie, well it's unique compared to the book (story written). Especially the addition of the subplot. But it was fast paced. Kenji and Athena's relationship lasts (as per Athena) for 2 months only. Though I cannot remember if Athena emphasized that on the book. But the ending? It sucks. It's totally crap. 

Casting: 

I can understand that they want to let the audience feel the older generation feels throughout the movie. Like the retro kind of style. And I understand that they don't want to copy the whole book (100%). But, the feels are really different. Fans of the original story were disappointed due to the fact that the original characters were Fil-Koreans. 

On Daniel Padilla:

Yes he got the angst, he got the aura. But, it already looks normal on him. It doesn't feel different from his other roles before.

On Kathryn Bernardo: 

The bubbly and energetic personality of her outshone her other characters. But since she is portraying a young character, I am not sure if she learned a lot from this movie. 

Setting: 

Average. I am even disappointed at the view of Mt. Mayon. They failed to promote it. 

Cinematography: 

Disappointed. Bad. 

Old style/retro theme or whatever do you call the time period of the movie doesn't concern the cinematography of the film. 

FINAL VERDICT: 

Bad day means BREAKTHROUGH

Dogs and Cats used to be my best friends back at home. Tracing my very first pet is a domestic dog, (as-kal short for asong kalye transl. as street dog or as-pin short for asong Pinoy transl. as dog from the Philippines) back when I was in Grade 2. Sad to say, he died.

During my college years, I started to like Feline Family. I started with the mother cat until she multiplied. A lot had died including Cutie (which I called Kyowti) and Couscous (which is from someone's neighbor).

Then a Dachshund came into my life, Aaron. He was with me until he got Parvo virus. It was my first time to bring a dog into a vet doctor and I am with him everyday. But as unlucky as he was, he also died.

Losses of these cute friends never failed me love them. I even wanted to own a black cat. But everyone is against it. And I don't care.

As the picture says, bad luck never happens just because you own a black cat nor a black cat passed by. Bad luck is just, literally, a thing not for you. I used to think that having a bad luck is meant for you to have a bad day. But, maybe the moment wanted to teach you something.

For example, I am having one of the worst days, weeks or a whole MONTH out of bad luck.
1) My salary for this month is less than the half of it.
2) My pair of shoes is giving up on me. And it's not the right time for me to buy a new one. (Yes, that's how frugal I am).
3) Sales are declining. If not for my corporate accounts, I am seriously dead.
4) Bed bugs sleeps with me. And the skin rashes are getting worse.
5) And last but not the least, I was harassed one night while passing a dark alley. I knew Dubai (at least in my neighborhood) is safe. Cops are everywhere. But, he f*cking touched my ass. And I was so shocked I thought I'm gonna die. Maybe he had a knife and he will kill me. (Thank God I am 100% safe). So how bad is that?

So, what's the point of all this rant?

I believe in breakthrough. 
There are lots of definition of this word. But this is my favorite meaning:
The definition of a breakthrough is overcoming something and achieving something. 

I just wanna share this powerful statement that made me believe of breakthroughs.

So, for all of you, beautiful and wonderful people of the world, who thinks they are on the same page as I am, always remember that the best is yet to come. Bad days are made for us to fully appreciate the good days.

Let us claim that the best is yet to come! We deserve to be happy. And happiness comes from within..... and as per Ketut Liyer:

“Smile With Face, Smile With Mind, And Good Energy Will Come To You, And Clear Away Dirty Energy. Even Smile In Your Liver.”

~ Ketut, from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love