The first real 'ex-couple' on screen -- made all the hype
There's a lot to unpack here so buckle up. Here we go~This is one of the prime examples of how to get the right cast. More than the movie itself, most of the people including me possibly got intrigued and watched this because of Joshua and Julia.
As a context for non-Filipinos or someone who's not really into showbiz tea, it may be unusual in other countries but in PH, when an artist is labeled with a 'loveteam' they usually have shows back to back to back. Like all you'll see is a bunch of shows and movies with those 2 people partnered up over and over again -- which is probably the reason why most 'loveteams' do end up being romantically involved off-screen which will make the fans go more wild and the more reason for them to lead on more shows or movies. JoshLia is one of the most popular 'loveteams' on and off screen in the Philippine media so it was a shock to everyone when they broke up 5 years ago. The break up was also mixed with other controversies that beg to ask the question if the cause of the relationship's downfall is a third party -- and caused people to pick sides. I won't be able to tell which is the truth but just letting you know it was a thing.
Fast forward to 2024 and JoshLia is back on screen with their role as ex-lovers. I can't speak for everyone but when I saw the trailer, I went nuts. Since they are real-life 'ex-lovers', it kind of blurred the line between reality and fiction. There were scenes that made me think about whether it was still scripted or were the lines just naturally came out from their past breakup and I think that's what really sold the movie to me. Upon watching it though, I'm surprised that it delivered.
There were a few notes though, I personally think that the Filipino movies have already come a long way, but there's still waaaaay more to improve on our overall movie production. The western movies are way way more advanced than what we have. With that being said, I would say that I did enjoy watching it. There were scenes that I didn't like much or character decisions that were a little questionable even in reality but I guess it still delivered some relatable lessons on relationships -- what things to avoid and what things to do more. Oh, and the lines -- fire 🔥🔥🔥. I've been thinking about them until we get back home.
While this might not be for everyone. I think it's a good weekend watch -- alone or with someone or with an ex?
Was this review helpful to you?
Love you to let you go.
The movie captures the delicate shift from the purity of puppy love to the harsh realities of adult turmoil. As Juancho and Zy, portrayed by Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, navigate their evolving lives, they face some challenges to retain their relationship. The early stages of love, filled with magic and intensity, often give way to the pressures of adult responsibilities; shifting dreams, evolving aspirations, and the distances that grow between people sometimes make it hard to get back to its previous shape. These challenges strained their most profound connection; once-vibrant feelings faded over time.The character Juancho is childish, extremely intense, and passionate about everything he does—to that extent where he forgets about everything else, even himself. On the other hand, Zy is calm, collected, and rational with her feelings. She had goals to achieve but didn't have the supportive hand to fight with her. They both loved each other, but their hearts were not ready to settle.
>What I liked:
~This film holds many flaws, but that's where it holds its beauty. There's something about Filipino movies that makes me feel emotions like no other. They're painfully raw and vibrant with all kinds of emotions enough to make me feel alive.
~The characters were comforting in their own way. Juancho's charming retriever energy was infectious; it's emotionally impossible to not love a character like this. For Zy, I could see what she meant about "man up" ,and the frustration of defying your own feelings felt a bit selfish, but it's what she chose for herself.
~If you think, why should I watch realistic things when I know reality is shitty? I believe that watching those dreamy k-dramas can cloud our brains with false hopes and unrealistic expectations, but watching these types of things makes you realise, even if reality is overwhelming, it holds its meaning in every lesson we get from those shitty situations.
~I wonder what they actually felt about working together as exs when they were once together.
It's like perfect ex story doesn't exist, they said hold my Bicolano chilli🌶️!
>Room for improvement:
~ Even though both of the characters were flawed, that doesn't justify cheating. No one deserves to be cheated on. They handled that situation better. But I'm happy with how they wrap up the ending.
Overall, a warm, overwhelming weekend watch. Nothing over the top, nothing underwhelming, just the right amount of realistic portrayal of people and their uncontrollable situations.
Was this review helpful to you?
Is it Love? or is it just an addiction?
So this is a story about the extremely impulsive chef, who pretty much forgets all decency to cling on to the object of his obsession and the person, who forgot about herself and became that object... until she finally realised being that object is not really good for her.However as addcitions go, once tempted it is a little bit to easy to relapse...
Either that or it is a story about true love, second chances, holding on no matter what.... Love will find a way... What once was broken can be fixed.
Or maybe it is both?
A thing this movie does pretty well is show that love is not always enough, and that there is indeed a love that brings both down when it should be making you stronger and better.
I am not relally sure if they ever get to showing love at all or if we just get to witness a bunch of people with obsession... But somehow these people seem to call it love.
That said, it kept my attention, leads and friends in this are mostly charming, the kisses are decent and the food and scenery is lovely.
Was this review helpful to you?
