HENERAL LUNA: THE HYPE AND THE SUCCESS

Historical film about the Philippine - American War? No one is interested about that! Surely, the director got some balls to risk it. But it's a bloody success! At least for me. And that's a break from all the typical love stories and films about mistresses (for goodness' sake - another post is coming up about this). So this is a change in our movie industry.

So what's the film?
Heneral Luna is an indie film from Jerrold Tarog which was released last September 9, 2015. It is a Filipino historic biopic film portraying Gen. Antonio Luna during the Philippine - American War.

I saw the trailer and it is interesting enough. But of course, I am slightly disappointed since it will not be released here in Dubai. Well, they showed it once. In the Philippine Consulate!!! Can you imagine that? So okay, the first thing that comes to my mind is to download it through torrent or to watch it online since there are no pirated DVD's here.

Yes, I admit I download movies from torrent. There are times that we want to watch a film but it is not showing in the cinema anymore but it doesn't mean I wasn't supporting the film. Right or right?

Then I saw this picture....

I got mixed opinion about it.

I felt happy and proud. Filipinos never pay attention to history! One controversy from this film's hype is the reason why Apolinario Mabini was seated all throughout the movie. Some are asking and some are making fun of it that it was considered now as a controversy. It's not that teachers didn't mentioned about the case of Apolinario Mabini. It's not because all youth in the Philippines are just a bunch of shit. It's just that Filipinos aren't fond of HISTORY. Let alone the Philippine History! So hearing that the movie was a success and that the Filipinos are still booking their tickets to see the film, was an overwhelming news for me.

At the same time, I was disturbed of the picture itself. The picture says the whole expenses for this film is about Php70 Million. However, Wikipedia and the world wide web says it costs Php200 Million. I am sure that if I were to ask people to do something, I will get the facts straight first right? Because it is misleading. If I am not a fan of this hype, I can say that, if it's just Php70 Million then why are you still grumpy if your team already earned a lot from it? I can say that but I am not. We can't please everybody of what they say, but please, let's tell them the real figure.

And since I am guilty of using torrent, I am disturbed from the last line.

"For once, do this country a favor."

Yes, I can do a favor by not downloading it from torrent. I respect copyrights and all. And I think I understand the effort and expenses of an independent film.

But, I've got one question: What is the deepest why of this film? Is it to earn money alone? Or is it for us to see the message of the film?

I heard this one principle but I forgot who said it and whoever that person might be, I will quote:
"Don't let our goals be mixed up with money issues (lack thereof or targets) because if we do, the goal is not a goal anymore but a mere wishful margin of numbers." - Anonymous

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: 

FILM REVIEW: THAT THING CALLED TADHANA

A Filipino Independent 'Romantic-Comedy' yet Minimalist Film starring Angelica Panganiban (Mace) and JM De Guzman (Anthony) directed by acclaimed rookie director Antoinette Jadaone.

The story rotates on finding an answer to the question "Where do broken hearts go?"and tells the story of Mace, struggling to meet the airline baggage requirement who meets a man, Anthony, who comes to her aid. Both in despair of love, where do broken hearts go to mend their hearts?

REVIEW:

Characters/Casting:
On Angelica Panganiban - She is not the girl next door type whom every girl can relate to. Her looks depicts different a different class, like the lady with a class type.Her script 'Am I ugly?' doesn't suit her. Though I believe that this film is a good learning platform for her. As I reviewed her journey during the film, she devoted her time to fit in Mace's shoes. I appreciate her effort for trying.
On JM De Guzman - He's the boy next door! The next big John Lloyd Cruz of the new generation. The one whom you think will not hurt you rather the one who will cry for you. I want more of his acting skills in this film! Bitin!

Setting:
I am not satisfied. There are lots of picturesque places in Baguio. From what I heard/see in the social media, a lot of people wants to go to Baguio and Sagada because of this film. So, I thought the views are stunning. But it was so short. They've just showed Mt. Kiltepan. Sagada has more to offer. I know it's just indie film so the budget is kinda tight, but we all know that travelling in North can not be not that expensive.

Plot:
Well since it's a minimalist plot, it's okay. Not more than that. I just hoped that the team behind this film can do something like the 'Before' Trilogy. Not a bad idea right?

Screen writing:
Mixed emotions. I love the ad-lib of the two. Though the 'hugot' lines, I want more. I crave for more. The lines seems so subtle for me. There are more painful words thrown in this world than these lines. There are more break-up scenes that will make your heart cringe in despair. You know that.

But we cannot disagree to the fact that some 'hugot' lines are relate-able.  Still, I see a lot of room for improvement.

Cinematography:
High Definition, yes. Average.

Sub-titles: 
What the fuck? Use more appropriate terms next time.

FINAL VERDICT: