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P H I L I P P I N E S ♥
Storywise, Got 2 Believe is the typical hate turns into love story. We have wedding planner Toni, who struggles to find love and is considered to be an old maid by her family and friends. Toni is usually the bridesmaid, but never the bride, and this contributed to her temper.Albeit her single life, she still believes in love and happy endings. So, where does our leading male comes in? Lorenz, a wedding photographer, often captures epic moments of Toni as a bridesmaid, making her a laughingstock. Lorenz's candid pictures is the reason why Toni doesn't see him as a good guy. But certain circumstances will change that, as the two will try to work together due to benefits and opportunities.
The story of Got 2 Believe can easily be found in a lot of books, movies, and TV series today. I personally love the trope of hate becoming love, but that's not the reason why I gave such an overly used trope a high score. Got 2 Believe remains as a legendary story in the Philippines due to its fresh introduction of romance, and the way it takes its turn of events.
The characters are sincere, and although you may want to slap them sometimes due to their actions, they are honestly worth watching. I think one of the reasons of why the characters seem this way is the polished acting, but we'll get to that later.
While you may have seen the premise of Got 2 Believe before, its showing of the authenticity of love is certainly something to look out for
? ACTING/CAST ?
Now, let me say this first. As a part of Generation Z, I have never come across the cast of this movie because they're not as popular as they are before my generation. But I will tell you this, I am not a fan of love teams. The Philippines' entertainment industry is usually popular for its set of love teams, but I, for one, have unfortunately not become a fan of a single one.
This is because some of the popular love teams that gets the movie and TV series deals do not usually ooze the same chemistry they do outside of the camera. What I'm trying to say is, some of they are honestly better in variety shows.
Got 2 Believe offers us the tandem of Rico Yan (playing Lorenz) and Claudine Barretto (playing Toni), both artists that I am not familiar with. You can say this is the first movie I've watched of this tandem. I am not disappointed.
Barretto really gave me the impression that Toni is this woman who envies but at the same time is sincerely looking for love. Amidst it all, Toni is dealing with her relatives who are desperate to see her married. Meanwhile, Yan made me swoon over Lorenz's charm and wit. I can't think of anyone suiting his character more than him.
Both acting was phenomenal, and I even developed a little crush on Rico Yan by the end of the movie for his charm and wit as Lorenz Montinola (RIP Rico Yan).
How can I say this? Their chemistry is just oozing! It's like they were made for each other, and I swear, my fingers curled a lot of times that it hurts.
Aside from the main characters, I have grown a soft side for the side ones. I love Vhong Navarro's character. He is Lorenz's sidekick on the movie, who is quite idiotic but says all the right words when needed. He's this little comic relief that the movie needed.
The things I usually complain about the TV shows and movies today is the lack of chemistry and bad acting, but I never found myself complaining about that stuff while watching this movie. While the cinematography and shots are not that great compared to the movies of today (the movie was made in 2002 where technology is just growing, so it's quite understandable), Got 2 Believe never made me notice that as I get immerse on the shouting, the ugly crying, and just plain happiness of the characters.
? MUSIC ?
I only recall two music from this movie, one which I cannot recall entirely, and one that is phenomenal. There's this song that the movie played when Toni tries to maintain a happy vibe as her best friend gets married, it was "Ikakasal Ka Na", which ironically enough, suited the scene. This song is like a bitter person wishing luck on a former lover or person of interest's marriage. That part was seriously sad, but at the same time, funny.
Then there's that phenomenal soundtrack, Got To Believe, which was sang by Side A (I think it's a cover but I honestly don't know).
"Got to believe in magic, tell me how two people find each other/in a world that's full of strangers/ Got to believe in magic, something stronger than the moon above/ Cause it's magic when two people fall in love" (this is the chorus of the main soundtrack, Got 2 Believe)
The lyrics are so touching and tugging, that I honestly found myself being a lovesick romantic!
? REWATCH VALUE ?
I'm not gonna lie, I cried buckets when this almost 2-hour movie ended. I just wanted to see more of Toni and Lorenz that I cried that much.
I even found myself unable to watch anymore movies or TV series after that. It took me a week and a half to get over that movie. I didn't watch the entire movie over that course, no, I'm usually lazy to replay it again, but I did watch certain scenes that made me feel as if I'm watching the movie for the first time again.
If not that feeling, I find myself noticing things I didn't noticed the first time, how their eyes sparkled, the hesitance, the smallest of gestures- everything!
This movie is worth watching, and is great for rewatching !
? OVERALL ?
I gave this movie a really high score (9/10). If you'll watch the movie's trailer, you may notice the basic editing and compare it to the movies of today but let me tell you this: do not let the trailer shoo you away. Do not let the basic editing shoo you away. Remember, this movie is made back in 2002, where technology is just growing. Considering that, this movie is a work of art.
Aside from the disclaimer, Got 2 Believe has a legacy of its own. This movie is considered by critics as one of the greatest romantic Filipino movie of all times. It really is a movie that will make you believe in love once more.
Perhaps the saddest thing about this movie is not that it has ended, but rather, this is Rico Yan's (the leading man) last film before he died later that year (RIP)
Fancy words aside, this movie is a phenomenon of its own ?
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In comparison to other Filipino romance movies, the story of this movie stands out. Maybe it's because of its dose of unpredictability, but this movie is definitely not your average Filipino romance movies.
For the record, I think this is more of a story about friendship than love. The story's cover is basically Carson's 7-year-old feelings for Dio, a best friend who seems to be oblivious of her love for him. The cover of the story may seem like a hopeless love but do not let the description fool you because the story isn't merely a love story.
It's a depiction of graduating students questioning the future and what they will become of. This story uses alcohol as a plot device, making it quite the movie. It's a refreshing splash of reality that doesn't give its typical happy ending.
? ACTING/CAST ?
Let me start this off by saying this: while I am a huge fanatic of Filipino movies, I find myself not keeping tabs and being a fan of several hotshot artists. The only Filipino artist I consider myself a fan of is Paulo Avelino, so you can guess that my bias for him will play a major role on this criteria.
Now, the reason I am a fan of Avelino is not because of his good looks (if that's the case, I would've followed loads of actors already). I am a fan of Avelino because of his acting skills- which is fresh and precious each and every time.
This movie did not change that perspective. Avelino played the role of Dio pretty well!
Dio is this seven-year film major who suddenly decides that he won't be attending his graduating after persevering in his major for seven years. He is this man who seems to not be afraid of time and pressure from reality. This perk makes him appear mysterious and enigmatic. Add a dose of his love for music alongside his heavenly voice- it's not question why Carson fell in love with him. Paulo Avelino portrayed this type of character perfectly. Considering the roles he usually partake in, it's surprising how well he got into the act.
Now, let's talk about our female lead, Maja Salvador. I know Salvador as she is considered one of the veteran actresses in the Filipino industry. I cannot refute that.
I've seen Salvador's movies (I've even watched her famous TV series, Wildflower, but dropped it due to some other reasons) before and I can tell you, the characters she usually play are pretentious, classy, and intimidating. But in this movie, Salvador played Carson- alcoholic, boyish- but lost in love with Dio. This was a fresh sight to see for me, as at some point, I thought- this is Carson, not Salvador. Albeit the sharp eyes, Salvador appeared in the movie as boyish and less caring of her choice of words and slurs, as she drinks bottle to bottle, and gives us the hopeless yet thoughtful Carson.
? MUSIC ?
"Minamahal kita! (I love you)
Ba't di ka maniwala! (Why won't you believe me?)
Anong kailangan kong gawin (What do I need to do?)
Upang seryosohin mo. (For you to take me seriously)
Ang aking sinasabi (What I'm saying)
Tungkol sa pag-ibig ko sa 'yo. (Is about my love for you)
Maniwala ka sana, minamahal kita! (I hope you'll believe me, I love you)"
Having a cast that has good voices and a male lead that loves music sure has its perks. I'm Drunk, I Love You covers a lot of OPM songs that are considered classics. One of the scenes that I love in this movie is Carson and Dio's duet of Maniwala Ka Sana (the one quoted above).
The choice of song for the climax is sad and beautiful too- it's Hanggang Dito na Lang (its literal translation in English is 'just up here' but I dunno) by Jimmy Bondoc.
The choice of OPM is something I appreciate ?
? REWATCH VALUE ?
Although it's a beautiful movie, I can't say that I'll rewatch it again. Maybe some scene of Paulo Avelino or Maja Salvador singing but other than that, none.
It's a beautiful and intoxicating movie but it's honestly worth rewatching once.
? OVERALL ?
The cinematography for this movie is to die for. Not only that, but this movie really gives me the 'indie feels' (it is an indie movie).
The characters are something I appreciate, and although the ending angers the majority, I honestly can't think of a better way to end the movie. It's just fitting, considering Dio and Carson.
Although I may sound foolish, I'm Drunk I Love You is a Filipino aesthetic. Underneath its colorful shots and wonderful cinematography is its cold slap of reality. And while it talks about love, I think it's a story focusing more on the strength of friendship ?
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The story of Vince & Kath & James is an overused formula that have been going on for centuries. Yet, the results are still amazing!
Vince & Kath & James talks about Kath, who has a crush on Vince's cousin, James. While Vince does harbor feelings for Kath, he hides it all too well with his carefree and teasing attitude, which makes Kath easily hate him. With this description, you can easily guess the trope used in this story- that's right, folks- it's the typical hate turns to love relationship.
While this is indeed a love story, I think this is a story of family as well. Kath is the sweet daughter who would do anything for her family (getting odd jobs and joining contests that awards money) while Vince is that sweet kid next door who feels indebted to his relatives (aunt, uncle and cousin James) and would do anything for them.
? ACTING/CAST ?
The choice for the main cast here is no question. "JoshLia" (the tandem of Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto) is rising in the Filipino industry, their rising popularity is of perfect use to this movie.
Like I said, I'm not a fan of love teams. However, JoshLia did make me smile more than once so I guess they did a good job in executing their roles. Let's talk about them individually.
Joshua Garcia plays Vince, a sweet and humorous guy who is also smart and hardworking. He's our prince charming in disguise in this story. What makes Vince a character worth rooting for is we actually don't know what he's about in the story. He's like this onion that has too many layers to peel, and while you slowly peel those layers, you can't help but cry. It's a strong statement and Garcia played the character perfectly. I especially love the part where he tears up, cause even I feel bad for him.
Now, let's talk about our leading lady, Julia Barretto. Barretto plays Kath, a hardworking fellow engineering student who shows us girl power. This girl does odd jobs and joins contest for money in order to help her family. She is strong and tough though she looks really pretty. To be honest, Kath is a character you can predict from the get go. But like how I complimented Garcia's job well done, I would like to commend Barretto's.
Kath showed all sorts of emotions throughout the movie- happy, sad, and angry. Yet, as good as Barretto portrayed those moments, that's not the reason why I like her. It's the times that Kath is silent and is just daydreaming or simply thinking or simply rambling on with no interest in her surroundings that made me like her. Because at that moment, with her eyes sparkling, I felt that Kath is so real and vulnerable. Barretto did a job well done on that.
If anyone's curious on who's playing James, it's Ronnie Alonte. Now, to start with, I have no idea that this dude is in the acting business as well. I thought he was just a singer/dancer, but no, he's acting. This made me easily dismiss his character, which I immediately regretted in the end.
Alonte plays varsity player/jock James, who doesn't do well on school and only has basketball to take pride on. In spite of this, James is a really good guy who makes Kath happy, though he fails to do that sometimes because of basketball, which he gives majority of his time on. Let me start praising the director for casting Alonte as James. Just looking at him, he really does suit his role. He just gives off this natural vibe of being the hotshot basketball MVP
These three young stars (although young and still starting) have done a pretty good job in their roles. Their performance is really good
? MUSIC ?
I downloaded every single song this movie has! It's so sweet and soothing. I honestly have no words for it.
As cheesy as it may sound, "Hey Crush" has become my favorite. The song is about someone professing his love to his crush, and it's just so innocent and nice that I play that song each and every time. I honestly think that that song is made for Vince's character.
Then there's Dapit Hapon, quite a melodious song that has a slow tempo and lonely vibe into it. I can say that this song is the deal breaker. The movie comprised mostly of upbeat songs, so you can guess my surprise when I heard this song playing. Nevertheless, it is a sweet song :)
? REWATCH VALUE ?
I would probably replay this movie again if I ever get bored or just miss Vince's cute lines. Did I mention Vince's lines? They're honestly so romantic and to-die for!
? OVERALL ?
This movie uses the overused love formula of penpals, love-hate relationships and family drama. Nevertheless, it did use it right and it did have the viewers swooning in the end <3
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