The popularity of the love team and the first breakthrough work of the director gives a certain level of expectation. But as movies (popular, high earning, hyped, etc.) commonly fall victim to a very important element of storytelling, that is, plot development, I came to the cinema to hopefully be surprised with good filmmaking.
With our mentality that is heavily influenced by foreign artistry, the movie is a good introduction to Filipino art. May it positively awaken in us a sense of pride and appreciation of our world class ingenuity and support for local artists.
Alone/Together is generally engaging. It is an artistically weaved romance with a recounting of the past, the traps of the present, and the indeterminable future. The shots, colors, oily student faces due to daily commute, and other notable minute details in a montage are well executed.
However, the main actors are yet to be at that stage of acting maturity. While Soberano gave a better performance than Gil, the needed emotions to be evoked of an uninspired woman who is haunted by her shattered dreams, and the demeanor of an award winning doctor, are found wanting. Additionally, its methodic ending gives a message that it is a movie with an intended audience in mind rather than a movie that is aiming to convey a love story beyond the expectations of a fandom, an audience to delight.
Do I like it? I enjoyed it, but sharing the same sentiments with a friend… I like it with reservations.
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© rooks 2019
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