Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Life was intended to have us play our roles and no matter how we lose the game there will always be a silver lining!

The Weinstein Company in association with Mirage Enterprises present…

The film was based on the debut novel of Matthew Quick of the same name which was published on September 2, 2008. There had been pieces of the story that had strong influences from the Writer’s life in which he exclaims his love for the city’s American football team while trying to sway away from its publicity regarding betting and gambling.

A comedy-drama, directed and Screenplay was written by David O. Russell (Three Kings) he comes back from 2010’s “The Fighter” which won the Best Supporting Roles for both Actor and Actress. Like one of his quotes “There’s nothing better than an actor who is really, really hungry to show everything they’ve got.“ which was a very inspiring catalyst for all those who was taken in his wing and became winners not just for the movie industry but most of all for the audiences to venerate from.

Nominated and won numerous awards including Best Screenplay at the BAFTA’s, a Golden Globe for Best Actress and at the same time for the Oscar’s where a young lady achieved these accolades after trying to get back on her feet literally. While at the other side of the pond, there’s a familiar foot print the leading man walks where a few promising and talented actors like Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Leonardo Di Caprio, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Connelly and Jessica Chastain who have chosen lucrative projects that made them better performers throughout their careers.

A tale of a man with a bipolar disorder who was taken out from a mental health facility by his mother which she promised to make sure that her son will not cause any trouble and will be sheltered in their home. Pat Jr. played by the surprisingly diverse Academy Award Nominee Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) who wants to make things better and setting things right by being an optimist. As he sets out to fix his marriage and be able to actually see a “silver lining” in his miserable life after he witnessed his wife sharing a shower with a co-worker. Trying his best to vindicate himself, he starts to change his ideals by being more physically fit by jogging and reading books that his wife Nikki teaches for her students.

The least likely who was taken the bait by the Director because of her youth was Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) who was able to beat very well-known actresses for the title role like Rachel McAdams, Kirsten Dunst, Roonie Mara, Elizabeth Banks, Angelina Jolie and even Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress Anne Hathaway who was tied up with “The Dark Knight Rises” at that point. The 21 year old bagged the part seeing that she has the needed eccentricity, spontaneity, smart, funny and at the same time being poker faced whenever the need arises!

She actually nailed the character Tifanny Maxwell who recently lost her husband after buying Victoria’s Secret lingerie and trying to help another man who was having some car problems. Escaping from all the depression, she tries to move on with life by having a shared dinner with her sister Julia Stiles (Mona Lisa Smile) as Veronica Maxwell, her husband and a well-expected guest…

We can say that life truly has its ups and downs and yet, there is nothing in the world that can replace the love and support of your family especially when you’re looking for your “wedding videos” at 3 AM in the morning or being upset by a certain author’s disposition for his love and commitment! (now apologise)

Supporting casts was headed by Robert De Niro (Meet the Fockers) who plays the Philadelphia Eagles zealot Pat Sr. together with Jacki Weaver (The Five-Year Engagement) as Dolores the constantly emotional mother and housewife. Robert never misses a game in his acting (well not all are picture perfect) you can throw the ball at this wide receiver any day, 24/7 and still score a touchdown! You will easily see in the film that he worships the city’s soaring footballers either win or lose (well it depends on the bet) while trying to have a meaning with his life after retiring and focusing on his new found business in a restaurant that almost gone down the drain if it wasn’t for Tiffany’s advice! This was also the second time the actor and his on-screen son worked together since “Limitless” back in 2011.

Second stringers Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) he portrays Danny a friend from Baltimore’s Psychiatric Facility who goes back to the big screen after some time and sheds some light in his acting and provide a little drama ok, comedy was his forte but he still contributes to the team after going in and out of the game literally (doctor’s advice). On the other hand, John Ortiz (Fast & Furious) is Ronnie the husband who actually had his own anxiety problems with work and his wife. He has played a long line of gangster personas from most of his projects and at least this time, he comes in clean as a family man with domesticated issues for a change.

The overall Production assembled by The Weinstein Company was amazingly entertaining, motivated to get the flow of narrative going while instilling wonderful performances especially for Bradley, Jennifer, Robert and Jacki. They have given time and again inspiring films that actually stand out and compete with box-office greats. Their focused and composed chemistry implies a lasting impression of a seemingly underdog in the race for the coveted awards.

While raking in $171 million the film made way to daylight coming from a few screenings only relying on a gradual easement and by word of mouth to at least give its slow start some catching up since it was up against with giants like “Skyfall” and “Lincoln” before the holidays.

I have a knack for football centric films from “Varsity Blues”, “Remember the Titans”, “Any Given Sunday”, “The Replacements”, “The Longest Yard” and of course “Jerry Maguire” but I really thought that there was something more of a connection with the main character to explore when it comes to playing and winning the game. Well, I was really glad that I was not disappointed in the film since it gave a better reason on how life should be played, how we move on without making it more painful and for us to forgive others as we forgive ourselves. When this epiphany sinks in and manifests itself, from here, happiness will just be around the corner…onward and upward!

Waking the Dead (2000)

“You have to love me too. Not an image, not an idea and not in spite of who I am.”

Polygram Filmed Entertainment in association with Egg Pictures and Gramercy Pictures present…

Let me tell you a story about love and how it manifests in our lives!

From the 1986 novel of Scott Spencer in the same title, it’s a story about a man who came from the Navy, smart, very ambitious, outspoken and a woman who is an idealist, a rebel with a cause, activist. They met and fell in love. Thinking that this relationship they had was going to be full of happy days and all will be just fine, when suddenly there is a hurdle on the road…

Ambition!

It was determined that they have so much will power to give and trying to reach their goals only for the different reasons. The man wants to serve the country and run for the Government and to be a Congressman, fortified with the need to become a good example of this corrupt haven called politics, on the other hand the woman whose adamant will to counter prohibitions by the Government continue to stay in the side of the minority and for the people.

Their lives went on for a couple of years only to be confounded with their own affair, with neither one backing down, indirectly their actions cross paths and led to a loss… the woman was reportedly been killed! Seeing this on national television, the man grieved by the loss of his one true love and asking “was love enough?” for him, for her or even for the both of them?

Everyday the guy goes on with his daily routine and still targeting his goal to be a Congressman albeit the pain inside of him. Everyday this pain grows stronger and as the days pass by, he hears faint whispers, seeing the woman from the crowd, the airport, the rallying people, calls from the telephone, the church, her old apartment. Everywhere he went there was the memory of the woman he loved and its driving him insane.

He calls out to her through his sleep and yet she wasn’t there, just a figment of his imagination. Though the times he keeps on feeling her around he starts to think if she was indeed alive and even when he talks to someone who might have seen her, no one knows where she is or if she was really alive. In spite of his conundrums, he started to realize that it wouldn’t matter if she was an imagination or really was still alive. All he knows is that he loved her and it would be enough to let her know that they are inseparable despite the pain and even to the point putting them in a place where there is much sorrow.

Director Keith Gordon (The Chocolate War) gives prominence to this political drama as he relays the conflicts and tells the story of two lovers with very different backgrounds and goals in life! Their paths to fulfil their purpose has made them farther apart while trying to keep the love they have for each other makes it more hurtful to think if they have to stay together then they might never know what will the future be in stored for the both of them!

Robert Dillon (Revolution) brings in an entirely captivating script between Fielding and Sarah as they unravel the hardships of life especially from two opposing factions! It was done intelligently, so full of emotional scrutiny, zeal, frustration and the hope that is being interacted seamlessly by two of the best performers in the industry!

The always commendable and humble actor Billy Crudup (Inventing the Abotts) and Academy Award Winner Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind) collaborates one more time in this awe-inspiring story that never lets you go! The genuine take on their characters has given levity not just bringing in the background of politics between the United States and Chile which both are fighting for a common cause but in different aspects, the latter works for the Government and the former for the underprivileged minority! Very well executed and a truly remarkable love story that made the film even more susceptible for the human heart!

I do realize how love came to be part of our lives and how it gives us the meaning to move on and be strong despite of so much suffering. Saying I love you would not be close enough to what we really do feel inside. We do have different variations, definitions of love and for me it is something that instils to do a greater good. Letting her know through simple, trivial gestures of endearment to giving up everything, sacrificing everything just to see her happy.

I remember when the couple were arguing in a tube train and Sarah says “It is so infuriating loving you sometimes!” and Fielding replied “the feeling’s mutual.” that part broke me inside knowing that I will never love a woman like this in a lifetime…

In a personal experience, I even get to a point where I sleep in my single bed on just one side thinking that she is sleeping beside me and it still bring tears in my eyes knowing when I look back she is not really there. The longing for everyday that she will be in my arms again, a precursor here and there makes me yearn for her more and still I have to be patient for the right time when she won’t be an imaginary face on my ceiling or on my wall or to the places I go. I don’t lose hope and I’m not giving up for the mere fact she is already in me… and in my heart for always, no matter the distance, we will never be apart!

Sometimes love has a life of its own… and I say, it will always entail preservation not just for itself but for humanity’s discernment to live knowing that there is something existing more than just two people sharing their feelings, being accepted, together as one and still not be able to truly explain what touched them, furthermore, why they will never be apart despite the distance and the pain.

Love never dies nor will it fade!

Tristan & Isolde (2006)

“If things were different, if we lived in a place without duty, would you be with me?”

2oth Century Fox in association with Scott Free Productions and Franchise Pictures present…

Based on historical standpoints of tales and legends commonly derived from French poets Beroul and Thomas while German writer Gottfried von Strassburg continued the tradition of retelling the tale of the fated lovers. A timeless tragic story that even predates King Arthur’s legend between Lancelot and Guinevere’s forbidden love has been influential even up to this modern age.

A story of two kingdoms at conflict, two lords and two souls destined to be…tormented! Set from the medieval period, the premise encompasses a tale of longing and loss, love and sorrow.

After Rome left, the walls of Britannia and Ireland had grown stronger with fortification. Their hatred for one another has no bounds, one ruler wants to unite their scattered lands and the other wants to rule them all. From the aftermath, comes healing and rebuilding. Along this line comes two losses one from a mother to a daughter, a natural death and father to a son who was robbed of his youth from war mongerers from the West coast.

As The King of Ireland wants more and he sent his best warriors to claim him more slaves while Cornwall was making a new life from grave losses. A fearless and noble Knight stood up for this atrocities, his name was Tristan for it meant sorrow which was anointed to him since the death of his mother when he was born. After another attack, the Council of leaders agreed that they should regroup and counter attack while the enemy are still in their lands. The bewildered James Franco (Your Highness) led the charge and fought bravely, but unfortunately was struck by a blade with poison and upon the return of the survivors, his news of death brought great sorrow to their ruler.

As he was given his last rites by friends, his boat comes to shore of Ireland where the young Princess Isolde played by upstart Sophia Myles (Underworld) was at the beach looking for a way out of her wedlock. Upon seeing him, she knew and felt that he was still alive and hurriedly secured and gave him shelter and medication. The actress gave her best in portraying the lady torn between two lovers but still found wanting which not much was expected for a beginner in terms of a leading role but in some ways she was able to convey her sadness and it helped develop her interaction with James and Rufus.

As days and months passed, their fateful meeting has become more consummate with feelings of affection and intimacy. A day came, when one of the King’s men found the sword of their fallen comrade at the shore. Tristan and Isolde made a way to depart knowing that they are not meant to be, feeling lost both separated with a broken heart. While I also commend Rufus Sewell (A Knight’s Tale) as Lord Marke of Cornwall for his gallantness and Mark Strong’s (Rock n Rolla) as his would be next in line Lieutenant Lord Wictred (even his name never slips up for villainy) 0continuous stride for ruthlessness and oppression!

Both these actors have a knack for villainy but fortunate for the former he chose to be at the side of good for once it’s been a long while since his starred in sci-fi thriller “Dark City”. While the latter is still making waves to be at the wrong side of the law and he would not want it any other way!

The film was greatly influenced by the Scott brothers, respected and honoured in their own rights in doing great films with great storytelling. This was also the last project produced by Franchise Pictures before they went bankrupt. Many viewers saw this as lacking in both storytelling and plot even regardless of how the cast was able to provide utmost certainty in their screenplay it was received poorly and only sold $14.7 million in the domestic box office. Maybe it should have better leading stars that might just ante up the so called market recall through brand awareness provided by the Studios involved and it’s Producers!

So in time, the new built Kingdom befell treachery and was almost stolen from them from what was thought to have originated from the star-crossed lovers, but in the end, their life was neither of grief nor shame for they have reattributed their names as one of the most sought after stories to be told time and again. Legend may have given word or two about their lives, but their love was the thing that brought them into our hearts and in our minds…well not entirely!

 

Blue Valentine (2010)

Everyone longs for a happy ending…

Incentive Filmed Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Chrysler Corporation, Motel Movies, Shade Pictures and Cottage Industries in association with Hunting Lane Films and Silverwood Films present…

Powerful performances and a moving, noteworthy film fitting and in the right time I guess especially since Valentine’s is here knowing that I’m not alone anymore for the love of my life is back in my arms again!

The story permeates a couple torn between their responsibilities as husband and wife, mother and father to an unwanted child. To add insult to injury, it was not even signified who was the real father of the young daughter Frankie (Faith Wladyka).

Last time I saw the lead actress was at Dawson’s Creek years back and it does give credence to what character you can covey to the audience, some actresses do give much detail on how they portray their role but Michelle played hers absolutely without compromise! She totally owned Cindy as a reckless mother and a no where to go wife.

Both came from a struggling family, Cindy portrayed by Michelle Williams (Synecdoche, NewYork) consummates everyday lost love for her parents while taking care of her grandmother. Had a relationship that is going nowhere, lost in a daydream cycle and hoping that true love would come her way. For Dean played by up and rising star Ryan Gosling (The Notebook), he was a product of a broken family while still young and trying to cope up with everyday life, getting a job anywhere he can and find the right girl he can be with for the rest of his life he makes these types of roles flawless, very quaint but sublime in delivery!

Cindy was longing for acceptance for past mistakes and she found a guy who embraced all her imperfections. For his end, all that Dean ever gave was himself, everything he practically owned even his soul was on the poker’s table. Not to prove anything but to give her the feeling of security and support that no man could ever provide. Despite of all that has happened he kept his promise and that was bottom-line for him and the family he’s trying to raise.

Very condescending to the lives they undertook and taking the risk of starting a family despite so much pain between the two protagonists struggling to be loved. Spiralling from a grave marriage to younger years torn asunder by passionate, juvenile emotions and finding a way out from the precipice of what would become their lowest moment in their lives.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Brother Tied) making films through avant garde disposition, he has given the film the right mood and composition to stir it for the Oscars contention. Also, the main protagonists were given the honour to be Executive Producers. Music and score was amazing and gives fluidity to each scene undertaken.

I was very moved for the fact that it was rather personal for me to reflect on such experiences given. Knowing how love is not just a one way street for it to work nor the reality that makes us more vulnerable to feel lost in certain undertakings in life. Being human as we are we take into account all our actions and find the best ways and means to make things right despite trials and storms that may come our way.

Dean and Cindy did took the chance for the love that they had was genuine and settling their differences was the only way out, not to blame Cindy but I believe that Dean wants their marriage and family to work from the start as he did pertaining to his conversations with his co-workers.

Men go by their instinct and know what they want unlike women who have options, never can’t blame them since it’s in their system to be eccentric and change their minds too often. On the other hand, men are like kids who ask the love of their life for forgiveness and redemption after they screwed up, telling them what to do and they will do it!

A heartbreaking film, yet the heart longs, yearns for acceptance and still tries to change what it can do to make it worthy to give it another chance. It’s an open ended story, understanding that all things worked out but the closing part gives it a bit more to think about or was it something inevitable thing to happen.

 

Les Misérables (2012)

This was a monumental and groundbreaking renovation coming from the musical stage play since 1980 as historic France and its revolution that spanned for years captured genuinely by the Director and Producers for it to come alive and share for the world to experience!

Universal Pictures in association with Relativity Media, Working Title Films and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. present…

Lights, Camera, Sing and Applause!!!

Victor Hugo’s hugely phenomenal timeless classic from his 1862 novel with the same title. With his work continued and praised by the people behind the highly successful stage musical they are: Alain Boublil, Claude –Michel Schönberg and music from Herbert Kreztmer. The former two are the same ones who gave the spectacular screenplay while coordinating with William Nicholson’s to do the scriptwriting.

Directed by Academy Award Winner Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) who helped envision the film as grandiose, spectacular and heartfelt! With Producers Tim Bevan (Fargo), Eric Feliner (Love Actually), Debra Hayward (Pride & Prejudice) and the pioneer in these production tours not just in London but in other countries as well, he is none other than the persevering Cameron Mackintosh (The Phantom of the Opera – Royal Albert Hall) all were catalyst to keep the fight burning…living the dream!

Another commendable aspect of the film was the transition of set pieces amalgamated with special and visual effects that gave its surroundings a surreal look of a nation at war and its citizens scampering in the dirt waiting for their long overdue demise! While engulfed with the palpable scenarios inspired by tag team players Production Designer Eve Stewart (The Hole) and Anna-Lynch Robinson (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason) who supervised Set Decoration. Costume Design by Francisco Delgado Lopez (Biutiful) together with Makeup and Hairstyling duo of Lisa Westcott (Shakespeare in Love) and Julie Dartnell (The Lost Prince).

19^th century France, the year was 1815…

From its opening sequence, the audience will feel how daunting and horrific conditions were back from those days where prisoners were treated less than human. As interlocking stories pave the way, we focus on a set of people facing life in its bleakest moments but still find the strength to hope in spite their flaws which were drawn in their moments of madness and grief!

With a superb cast backing up the stage phenomenon, they have already won the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Film in a Musical or Comedy category. Now, they are gunning for more accolades in two of the anticipated ceremonies from The Oscars and BAFTAs’ coming this February.

Finding the very talented Hugh Jackman (Kate & Leopold) who has so many credentials in stage acting to play an ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is like pulling in a massive ship coming from the galleys! His sojourn for reprieve not just from being a prisoner to a town Mayor but more so as a human being was heartbreaking and earnestly portrayed. After taken in by the Bishop Myriel of Digne, represented by stage alumni Colm Wilkinson (The Tudors), from here his life was never the same! While searching for a meaning of “Who Am I”, to be more than a man, to have a better acceptance for his undertakings and for his trespasses as he sought retribution and like a guiding light salvation was found.

Academy Award Winner Russell Crowe (Robin Hood) as the zealot man hunting Police Inspector Javert! Inspired from the works of Eugene Francois Vidocq a criminal who turned into criminology, he was considered as the First Detective in France and the Father of the French Police Department. Initially Russell was hesitant to take on the role but found it intriguing after learning from the Author’s curator what his character had accomplished and going back to society a redeemed man. But in honesty, what was unredeemable was his voice in singing; it was without cause or conviction of how and officer of the law must be represented noting how far he has reached his goals compared the “Stars”.

But the breakthrough star of the film in my humble opinion was Anne Hathaway (The Other Side of Heaven) as Fantine a grisette, lost in a world that abandoned and left her at the abyss of her sanity and hopelessness. A devoted mother who was doing her best to provide for her only child even when she had literally nothing to spare, nothing except for her physical beauty and her smile. You would really feel her pain and break into tears after seeing what has transpired in her days but that’s not the only thing what we are trying to relay here, what I’m referring was how she sang the piece “I Dreamed A Dream” with absolute vulnerability and melancholy!

Multi-Awarded Filipino Singer, Film and Stage Actress Lea Salonga gave her rendition to the song with absolute grace and intimacy but Anne made it her own. That song was already so awe inspiring for so many years and yet she was still able to give an ante-up performance to invoke the prevailing and moving message in which up to this day I could still feel the audience bawling in the theatre.

Helen Bonham Carter (Alice in Wonderland) as the unscrupulous and without conscience Madame Thénardier, she was casted once again coming from her last project with the Director which won an Oscar for Best Picture in 2011. Helen has become one of the sought after actresses of today, although having worked most of her career with partner Tim Burton; her passion to play dark and wicked characters on the big screen has proven to be an attribute so far. While comedy centric Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator) the thick skinned as well as ravenous Land Lord Thénardier.       His work is well-known and for most viewers and fans, full of energy at the same time with controversy, that is…they both claim he is the “Master of The House”! (absolutely preposterous)

All of us have the every right to enjoy childhood unfortunately for others, a certain maltreated child who we just need to wait since she’s fetching some water or is she still daydreaming from her “Castle On A Cloud”? Isabelle Allen portrays the young and fragile Cosette rescued from her awful caretakers and growing up to be a beauty in the eyes of one man (or two).

Fast forward to 1832, as we welcome singing sensation Samantha Barks (I’d Do Anything) reprising her role from the West End stage play as Ѐponine, the girl who fell in love with a boy who will do anything just to get his attention and affection while sobbing “On My Own” in the rain! On the other end, it was puzzling for her and her siblings to have that kind of disposition growing up, to have the courage, to be generous and committed to her ideals unlike her parents’ unbearable antics for fame and greed! While actor and model Eddie Redmayne (The Other Boleyn Girl) lends his skills to the test as a student rebellion leader Marius Pontmercy, a member of an upper class family and yet he’s fighting a war for the masses while still waiting in a room full of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”. A triangle love story has been ensued courtesy of Amanda Seyfried (Letters to Juliet) she plays the grown up Cosette full of life, eagerness and compassion. Her role was finesse but bearable or maybe Samantha’s role was just more intriguing but she’s not bothered by this since she’s busy having a duet with Marius singing “In My Life – A Heart Full of Love” and they did was sing their hearts out!

This was the curriculum conscientiously followed by the writers and that is to make this production as real as it gets coming off from a musical extravaganza and turning it into a cinematic masterpiece. As burdensome as it can be, the cast would record their voice so many times as possible, match it, play it and deliver this as crystal clear for Tom to accept and venerate from. This is the concern and the difference between stage acting and coming from behind the lens, every single detail matters the precision needed in order for the audience to contemplate on the emotions felt by the characters on the big screen no matter how trivial it may be should be perfected! That is the objective of the Director as well as the Cast and Crew by maintaining the kaleidoscope aspects of the novel, it still never let’s go of its essence and content!

The Author have seen France and the country’s starvation for justice which has been the primal point of the novel, it combines so many subplots including politics, religion, poverty, monarchy, family and social diversity, cases that is very rampant throughout history! Although, the premise was concentrated on the needed transition of the government, its laws and its citizens coping with life on how it compensates those who are rulers and for those who are slaves; it also gave emphasis on retribution while crawling back from hell to pray for forgiveness. This has been the ways of man and for this film to really inspire people to do what is right, to affirm ones’ moral obligations for his countrymen and for himself, miserable or deterrent as it may seem for others…if we can only truly understand that the gift of love when genuinely endowed to another person then it will be like seeing the face of God…and that’s all that matters!

My Sassy Girl (2001)

“The 10 Rules: 1. Don’t ask her to be feminine 2. Don’t let her drink over three glasses 3. Drink coffee instead of Coke/Juice 4. If she hits you, act like it hurts. If it hurts, act like it doesn’t 5. On your 100th day together, give her a rose during her class 6. Make sure you learn fencing and squash 7. Be prepared to go to prison sometimes 8. If she says she’ll kill you, don’t take it lightly 9. If her feet hurt, exchange shoes with her 10. She likes to write. Encourage her.”

Cinema Service in association with MVP Venture Capital, Shin Cine Communications and IM Pictures present…

Directed and written by Kwak Jae-Yong (Watercolor Painting in a Rainy Day) with a background in physics he was still able to indoctrinate romance and comedy in his films and projects which I have tried watching for the last couple of years. His other beloved and notable works include “The Classic” and “Windstruck”.

There is a million to one chance of finding a drunk girl who wants to throw her life away and it is hard to believe for a boy who can still have an unexpected one sided (most of the time) and awkward on and off relationship. Moreover, the crazy part is he never gave up on her in spite of all the hardships! Basically what the word “sassy” means is being cheeky, bizarre and impertinent which are not the typical words you would like to describe for the love of your life. Seriously, we all have our different types when it comes to finding the girl of our dreams and be with for the rest of our lives but hey, what the heart wants the heart wants!

Korea’s star studded duo Cha Tae Hyun (The Girl and I) and Jun Ji-Hyun (Blood) leads the cast as the odd couple seeking to find meaning in their lives as they were entangled by fate and brought together by destiny! A remarkable heart-warming story that relates to every individual that have experienced life in all aspects and still be able to seek out the love that is truly patient, forgiving and enduring in each human being we encounter everyday!

1^st HALF: “When Gyeon-woo met The Girl”

Yes, the comfort of going home well I guess it would be preferable if you were coming from a tiring day of work or from school but instead, you see a stranger at the precipice of throwing herself in a subway and as a dutiful citizen you save her from impending death. Unfortunately, as gratitude she will thank you by calling you “Honey” and little do you know she would change your life forever!

No pain no gain they say…

We start the story of Gyeon Woo, a hopeless romantic college student who did not have luck with the ladies until someone catches up with him literally! He carries the young lady back to a motel and without any warning whatsoever he’s being accused of perversion which sends him to jail!

To add insult to injury, joining the slugfest were the nagging but caring parents primarily with the mother who rebukes his son with anything she holds for that specific moment which becomes either a projectile or a pile driver! Another premise injected by the Director to add flair with the already troubled student!

As Gyeon-woo goes through his everyday routine he would have never guessed that life will be more complicated as The Girl takes every single opportunity to make him suffer without compromise! Good part is, even though they transit on the same place and area they could still miss each other and at least have a breathing room for the next round to commence.

2^nd HALF: “Rainshower”

So love was finally in the air after countless dates, a “dodge a bullet” carnival birthday, playing a slapping game in a train, Racquet “face” Ball, sweet moments while walking and running in high heels and going back to jail! Nothing can compare the feeling of someone you love in your arms you simply just have to surrender!

The second half was focused on a better turn of events as both lovers find the time to enjoy each other’s company without any compromise except with the bullying and punishments which were a bit less brutal compared to her writing of stories which was forced fed to him that has out of this world and unconventional plots. But all good things must come to an end when Gyeon was finally introduced to her parents, they were not approved and though heartbroken they went on a journey to bury a time capsule which they will open after two years for she believes it was time to say goodbye…

OVERTIME: “The Ill Fated Lovers…”

Gyeon fell in love for this girl and never gave up on what they shared. As time passed, he eventually overcame his mediocrity in sports and practiced real hard while keeping himself busy, he wrote their love story and blogged it in the internet, he was offered by a publisher for it to become a book finally.

The script that was actually based on the protagonist’s life story was coming into fruition and seeing that he has never heard of her, he just made sure that he was able to give everything for her and make her happy. But you see, even if things were not meant to be then it would be easier to move on, it was just a matter of time to fully realize that when you let go of someone and if they come back…it was meant to be!

This is one of the most touching films I have watched outside the Hollywood, Indie Films and Blockbusters that came across the big screen. Full of endearing moments and you will not stop laughing with these lovers’ antics as they made their chemistry so naturally appealing for audiences to somewhat relate too, of course if they dig these types of films or if love has been part of their life then it can be easier to take the story into one’s system.

The music really sets the right mood by making it flow freely with the dialogue and scenarios especially with the comedic Cha Tae Hyun’s facial expressions and delivery of a battered boyfriend while Jun Ji-Hyun has always been a sight for sore eyes, a beauty plus exceptional talent that makes their on-screen love hate relationship seem validated.

Did I mention that this was based on a guy who fell in love with a girl? His name is Kim Ho-Sik while his wife (believe it!) is the one he courted for thirteen years though it was not definitely clear if this was really a true story of the two lovers. Finally, there is what we call the sweet surrender and after all the beat ups, slaps in the face, taunting, threats for his dear life The Girl and Gyeon-Woo comes back to this infinite circle…definitely love moves its mysterious ways!

Love and Other Drugs (2010)

“Are you Depressed or Happy??? Either way it’s better than getting drug prescriptions!”

Regency Enterprises with Scott Stuber Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions in association with Fox 2000 Pictures present…

To begin, my hiatus was never intended but it was worth the wait…for love does not need any drug to bequeath its patience. Now, let us continue our stories for the month of hearts!

It was like watching a Daytona Rally Race, blink and there goes a part of the story! Fast paced smooth talking, full of jargons in the medical field…a lot of swearing. Also, is it just me or Jake has mastered that art of making Sshhhh shhhh gestures!!!

It was definitely a montage, a tapestry of previous films that present, incline relationships that generates affection for the sick, from A Walk to Remember, Sweet November, Autumn in New York you name it…we got it!!! In my honest opinion, these films were way better!

Intimate moments of making love, reading books, laugh, eat, talk and have some more of that… Come on, it can be done way much better, presenting a film that connotes human personal, physical gratification and mixing it with drugs from giant pharmaceutical companies are just clichéd!

To add, how to target specific on what type of film is this romance comedy? With marketing compared to a boxing match, in the blue corner we have Viagra, Zoloft from Pfizer and from the red corner Prozac from Eli Lilly, subliminally could be a selling point for the said drugs to the audience!

Screaming for attention (vocally and indirect), Maggie Murdock (Anne Hathaway) a free spirited woman with lots of issues especially with her mind and body, she needs someone who will give time and effort to see her and her condition to the end. While smart mouth, suave with the ladies extraordinaire Randall (Jake Gylenhall) a Pharmaceutical Rep who does what it takes to be on the top of everything (yes everything my friends!), until he met this woman and transformed his care free nature into something more coherent and mature, realizing what life can be if he can be more reassuring to himself and the person he fell in love with, Maggie.

Having met and started on the wrong foot, what follows is a series of raging hormones quenching the need to go at it even in a mid-day! In the long run this gave both an opportunity to see the better parts of being a human being, what was it like to be alone and feel needed for the first time in their lives. Now for Jamie Randall, he became different and for as long as he remembers, he had an epiphany and that he was in love, he has not even mentioned, uttered these words to anyone even to his parents and family more so to his volleys of women whom he had slept with for the past years.

From that point on, they were both scared…

There is also this melancholic part where they go their own ways because of something that was not workable or is it something that can still hold on to just to realize that no other drug, therapy, form of medication diagnosed, prescribed by Doctors enough to become a hindrance to something that is worth fighting for.

There were moments that made it feel sincere, while waiting overnight for her to comeback from Canada or the closing that gives every romantic genre films a spot for unprecedented delivery, though not too emotionally drifted to what can become love for the most part.

The bitter sweet so called relationship between two people has failed to be appreciated in this film, the tone and pacing of these characters performance was just like riding a rocket one second you’re in mach 2 then you slow down due to no gravity and you float in space already!

On the latter part, both protagonists received Golden Globe Nominations! Casting was fairly met since Oliver Platt had his performance nowadays to be better; Gabriel Macht had at least a reason to vent his anger (The Spirit, White Out) with Jake and of course Hank Azaria who is a sight for sore eyes!

Directed by Edward Zwick, it gives credence from previous works such as Glory, Legends of the Fall, Courage Under Fire, Defiance and his blockbuster hit The Last Samurai. Very astute and practical in making films that provided Oscar contention and winners as well.

It wasn’t one sided after all, when you think that people do really care or if they really mean it, Parkinson’s Disease is widespread and I’m not here to pep talk we have our own concerns but we do need to understand, show

The Wrestler (2008)

Genuine and compelling as Mickey Rourke hits rock bottom with a broken heart while his fans applauds his “so called” fame!

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Wild Bunch, Saturn Films in association with Protozoa Pictures and Top Rope present…

The real life does hurt and it does hurt more when no one cares about you!

This is how Randy “The Ram” Robinson survives in his world, played by Mickey Rourke (Get Carter), a big time wrestler in his time, people idolized him and praised him not just in the arena…but the question is who does love him?

Battling long time injuries and his age, life took the toll on him. Now, working as a third class wrestler for small gatherings or just given a chance to earn more, he will fight as long as he need to survive, how ironic he has to do all of these things when in fact it is the one that will kill him literally.

Managing to get by on a daily basis, working on part time jobs, trying to get the affection of a stripper, getting the chance to renew his relationship with his daughter, playing with kids and having them for company just to spend time with is all part of his daily routine.

The film depicts on how life comes into full circle, with a powerful performance by Mickey and Marissa Tomei (Anger Management) who also in part deals with a life that does not makes sense anymore! Hiding away from who they truly are let’s them realize what is more important in their lives, the love of another person!

In the end, it was tragic while Cass (later known as Pam) turned her back on her job and was looking for Ram, he too made that decision, that nobody cares about him, even for the moment that Cass told him that she was there for him… all was too late!

He was looking for a way out, a new life and a chance to be happy but that’s life, it kicks you in the gut even if you are down! It was a melancholic film even for the time he reached out for his daughter, he thought that it can better but all was in vain and he ended up on the ropes literally until his final breath!

Black Swan (2011)

An intense psychological tour de force that is both fascinating and quaintly disturbing!

Fox Searchlight Pictures in association with Cross Creek Pictures, Phoenix Pictures and Dune Entertainment present…

From the Director that gave us multi-awarded winning films “Requiem for a Dream”, “The Wrestler” and “The Fountain” comes a poignant tale of lust for fame and the motives that go along with it! The film was inspired from Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “The Double” where Darren Aronofsky makes another brilliant masterpiece to come to life into the big screen with Fox Searchlight Pictures studio in the distribution front!

This is a story of a girl, a ballerina trying to find her way to be the best that she can be. Fragile and childlike, she undergoes everyday experiences like a normal human being but not everything appears as it should be. Natalie Portman (Closer) gives a haunting performance in a starring role well deserved to win the most coveted Best Actress award. She breathes life to Nina Sayers, chosen to portray “The Swan Queen” providing both the White and Black Swans metamorphosis to intertwine flawlessly as perceived, as instructed and as fate dictates it!

As created layers upon layers of depression coming from all angles makes her give in to anxiety and in a pivotal turning point, she was at first very hesitant to embrace this however, it slowly turns into a psychological predicament as the story moves on! Her retaliation proves her undoing (or was it) just to get the role she craves for even if it means getting someone hurt or killed! The two roles encapsulated by a Queen, Princess Odeth (White Swan) and Princess Odile (Black Swan) were given to Natalie’s character which she absolutely performed with charisma and grace. Even more her transformation which was relatively fascinating, feeding all the energy she could get trying to cope up with acceptance but fails so carelessly as she succumb to what she truly desires…to be Perfect!!!

Joined by Cesar Award Winner Vincent Cassell (Mesrine) the highly regarded French Actor delivers another powerful performance as always! He plays Thomas Leroy, the malevolent perfectionist Director in the Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Ballet, a very prestigious New York based company. The intimate and consensual favors he inflicts and demands to his protégé has left the inspiring dancer to be scarred, seduced, lingering thought of deceit and malice take over her while concomitantly pushing her to the limit of becoming obsessed producing a blind rage that slowly eats her and her sanity!

Greek Actress Mila Kunis (Book of Eli) is the exceptionally sly Lily, jumping the spring board here to dive in another genre coming from her usual comedic take in both films and a series of TV sitcoms. Friends turned enemies; she gave her character a simple take on being a seemingly harmless colleague invoking a friendly competition. Seeing her as a threat to the coveted part, her coordination with Natalie was extraordinary, considering her as a naive and innocent girl, Lily consciously reeks her wicked discretion that can really give you goose bumps!

Barbara Hershey (The Last Temptation of Christ) is Erica Sayers the mother who was succeeded by her daughter as a professional ballet dancer as well. Her constant over protectiveness to keep her in check has made her daughter more susceptible to the dark side!

Back from a four year hiatus, Winona Ryder (Reality Bites) was very remarkable even for a shorter stint in the film; she brings in Beth McIntyre’s loathing, providing her character’s depressed state being ousted as the paramour of the Director who sees her as an obsolete dancer due to her fallen youth. Since he met a younger, more beautiful replacement to encompass the lead role!

Academy Awards Nominee Matthew Libatique’s (Iron Man) great talent from a Filipino-American descent, his Cinematography engraves with the plot of making the two sides of light and darkness be in their specific tones and instil an awe inspiring ambiance of subtlety and madness! Combining with the melancholic and dramatic theme of the play and the actions given not only by the lead actress but the overall direction though magnified by professional choreography in the given sequences, he also made it specifically elaborate on the character’s facial expression, timing of sequences and the set ambiance!

Returning Screenplay Writer Mark Heyman (The Wrestler) with John McLaughlin and Andres Heinz in their debut film delivers a story that is filled with surrealism that encompasses the thoughts behind the mind of Nina while throwing back and forth mixed emotions of passion, frustration and torment that keeps her more inclined and swirling endlessly into the dark side. Typical as they might say that the film garnered accolades but there are also reasons for some mixed criticisms as relayed by stereotyped routines coming from interviewed actual professional ballerinas.

Nevertheless, it was a well paced suspense drama that invigorates thought provoking uncertainties which comes to say what the mind can perceive the body can achieve! Performances of the cast were exceptionally delivered to provide the needed emotional standpoint of the troubled Nina. The setting was extraordinary, dark and condescending as it really captured the moments of her weakness, humbled and humiliated, taunted by the very people that will make her who she really was meant to be!

Bow your heads… the show is over!