At last, I’ve seen this movie after few months of waiting. When I first heard that Ken Zhu will be doing a movie here in the Philippines, I said, c'mon, that's unbelievable. But when F4 had a presscon in Korea in September, and he was asked about it, he said it's under negotiation. Thereon, I became ecstatic on the said the project.
Anyway, the story started with how Pam (Iza Calzado) met Rico (Joem Bascon) in Manila. When they became couple, Rico brought Pam in his hometown in Batanes, married her there and led a simple life. This romance is then cut short when tragedy struck Rico while he was fishing and died right there and then. But when the sea claimed his life, it cast out another one--Kao--a Taiwanese fisherman who encountered mechanical trouble with his boat and swam for his life. Kao didn’t know that he has set afoot on the island of Sabtang, Batanes. Incidentally, Pam was there to relive the memory of her late husband. At first, Kao was hesitant to talk to her not until she brought him to her place. That’s where a beautiful love blossomed.
Basically, the first hour dwells on the love story between Pam and Rico while the second half is devoted to her and Kao.
So let me start first with what I hated in this movie--it’s Pam’s hair. I swear, the choice of wig was horrible. And she looks awkward with it. I wish she just let her hair curled first since she is a career woman in Manila and then half-way, she used her real hair with extenders until waist. Anyway this length is typical for a country lass and looks more natural.
Second, I didn’t like how Pam and Rico first met. Her phone was snatched on her way to LRT and then she bumped onto Rico whom she thought was in cahoots with the thief. When she was about to call a police, he had a seizure. In real life, who would want a husband with epilepsy. I have nothing against about the disease but let’s be realistic. I know the scriptwriter wants to emphasize that her meeting with him was something distinct. It should have been better if he was the one who helped her to catch the thief…that’s more natural and courageous on the part of a guy.
And third, there were less “moments” for the two of them. Yeah, there was a kissing scene but they were on the bed. How I wish there was also a scene where they create memories together and at the same time used the beauty of the place to its full potential.
Basically, the first hour dwells on the love story between Pam and Rico while the second half is devoted to her and Kao.
So let me start first with what I hated in this movie--it’s Pam’s hair. I swear, the choice of wig was horrible. And she looks awkward with it. I wish she just let her hair curled first since she is a career woman in Manila and then half-way, she used her real hair with extenders until waist. Anyway this length is typical for a country lass and looks more natural.
Second, I didn’t like how Pam and Rico first met. Her phone was snatched on her way to LRT and then she bumped onto Rico whom she thought was in cahoots with the thief. When she was about to call a police, he had a seizure. In real life, who would want a husband with epilepsy. I have nothing against about the disease but let’s be realistic. I know the scriptwriter wants to emphasize that her meeting with him was something distinct. It should have been better if he was the one who helped her to catch the thief…that’s more natural and courageous on the part of a guy.
And third, there were less “moments” for the two of them. Yeah, there was a kissing scene but they were on the bed. How I wish there was also a scene where they create memories together and at the same time used the beauty of the place to its full potential.
Meantime, there are two scenes that I love here--first, is when Kao wanted to swim back to sea to go back to Taiwan and Pam got mad at him. She was nagging in Filipino and Kao fought back in Mandarin. That was really cute. Second is when she was reunited with Kao on the shore. He said something like this: “At first, I didn’t want to talk because I thought there was nothing left for me, but then I met you…” Gosh, that was so romantic.
As to Ken’s characterization, Kao is a far cry from the Ximen we all knew. In “Meteor Garden,” he was a brat and cutie-cutie but here, he matured not just physically but an actor as well. His role is like tailored maid for him. In fact, I also fell for Kao here ’coz this character is sensitive and caring. He didn’t spoke too much words, but you can really feel his gentleness.
As to Iza, she acted pretty well and had chemistry with Ken. But I personally don’t like Iza to be the lead here. Period. I hope the role was given to other actress but due to scarcity of leading ladies in the country nowadays especially that match well with Pam’s profile, she is the best fit (though Judy Ann Santos was the first to be considered in her role).
In terms of musical scoring, it lacked drama as well in its theme song sung by Jolina Magdangal. Though there was one song by a guy which I find ok but I dunno the title. What I also like about chinovelas and jdoramas are its theme songs that match well with the story, scenes and pacing, as if you are virtually transported to another dimension, you know what I mean. This is again below my expectations.
Nevertheless, I would like to commend the movie’s producer, Ignite Media and GMA Films for without their initiative, who would have thought of this collaboration. I have lost my belief in Filipino movies but this time, it aroused my interest once more and made me go back to the cinema. I just hope there would be more project like this to help bring back the glory of Philippine movies. And of course, to Ken for believing in the project and squeezing it in his hectic schedule even though his management was against it in the beginning. Hsieh Hsieh ni! I hope this would not be his first and last project in the Philippines.
All in all, the movie has a perfect storyline...yes, it is beautiful but it could have been much better.
As to Ken’s characterization, Kao is a far cry from the Ximen we all knew. In “Meteor Garden,” he was a brat and cutie-cutie but here, he matured not just physically but an actor as well. His role is like tailored maid for him. In fact, I also fell for Kao here ’coz this character is sensitive and caring. He didn’t spoke too much words, but you can really feel his gentleness.
As to Iza, she acted pretty well and had chemistry with Ken. But I personally don’t like Iza to be the lead here. Period. I hope the role was given to other actress but due to scarcity of leading ladies in the country nowadays especially that match well with Pam’s profile, she is the best fit (though Judy Ann Santos was the first to be considered in her role).
In terms of musical scoring, it lacked drama as well in its theme song sung by Jolina Magdangal. Though there was one song by a guy which I find ok but I dunno the title. What I also like about chinovelas and jdoramas are its theme songs that match well with the story, scenes and pacing, as if you are virtually transported to another dimension, you know what I mean. This is again below my expectations.
Nevertheless, I would like to commend the movie’s producer, Ignite Media and GMA Films for without their initiative, who would have thought of this collaboration. I have lost my belief in Filipino movies but this time, it aroused my interest once more and made me go back to the cinema. I just hope there would be more project like this to help bring back the glory of Philippine movies. And of course, to Ken for believing in the project and squeezing it in his hectic schedule even though his management was against it in the beginning. Hsieh Hsieh ni! I hope this would not be his first and last project in the Philippines.
All in all, the movie has a perfect storyline...yes, it is beautiful but it could have been much better.
1 comment:
Wow, Ched, I didn't know much that you are so into this- passionately!
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