Brave casting wins in Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s clever take on the rom-com…
Writer/director Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s third feature-length film since her debut Anita’s Last Cha-Cha in 2013 continues the mix of comedy, drama and romance that has typified her work. Bernardo’s career also includes acting roles, including several films by Lav Diaz, who in turn appeared in her subsequent feature Lorna. On the surface a cute romantic comedy between mismatched couple Alessandra De Rossi (The Two of Us, Legacy) and Empoy Marquez (Kokey, Mac & Chiz), the film brings a freshness and intelligence to the genre way beyond expectations. The film received its world premiere at the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival, and was released in the Philippines in July 2017. The modest-budgeted film performed surprising well at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Philippine independent film.
Alessandra de Rossi plays Lea, a Filipino tour guide in Sapporo, Japan – best known for the brewery of the same name. (Banjong Pisanthanakun’s Thai romantic drama One Day also takes place in the Hokkaido Prefecture.) Life seems to be going well until she discovers her fiancé Nobu is cheating on her. Trying to keep calm as she walks out, she suddenly finds herself suffering from stress-induced blindness and collapses. (Stick with it, stretched pretext or not…)
While she struggles to come to terms with her condition, neighbour Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) introduces himself as a fellow Filipino. Despite discouraging his visits, little by little seemingly oblivious Tonyo wears down Lea’s objections, helping her come to terms with the feelings that caused her blindness. Without giving too much away, the final act turns mixes melancholy and humour as we find out just why Tonyo is so intent on cheering her up, as Bernardo cleverly entwines the pair’s history and giving the film a double punch that won’t fail to touch hearts.
There’s no doubting a certain awkwardness in the first act due to the location work. Though the global interchange of languages is cute (Tagalog, Japanese and English) the casting choices leave something to be desired. In particular Lea’s boyfriend Nobu (Junpei Yamaoto), who hardly sets the screen alight with his presence. One wonders what she would have seen in him in the first place? The interactions seem to leave Alessandra De Rossi on the back foot too, often feeling like the emotions are lost a little in translation. But from the moment Empoy Marquez steps on screen, the film truly finds its step.
Marquez is the real discover here. Known for his comic roles, he seems miscast as the romantic lead. Indeed, the paring does suggest a familiarity with the Shaw Brothers Teddy Robin vehicle The Price of Love, in which the diminutive pop star Robin woos a blind woman only to run off when she undergoes treatment to restore her sight, afraid she won’t like what she sees. Yet Marquez proves as adept at drama as he is comic timing, charming the audience as readily as he does Lea’s character. Ultimately convincing at the romantic lead, it’s true the film wouldn’t be as strong without him.
Even when the film feels a little too much like a travelogue, Boy Yñiguez’s (The Bet Collector, Larger Than Life) cinematography strikes the right balance; not too distracted by landmarks and notable locations. The colours are vibrant, production slick; this hardly feels ‘indie’.
Kita Kita (I See You) may be more mainstream than Bernardo’s previous work, even playing with familiar romantic comedy notions, but shows a fresh approach can bring something new to the genre. Another indie-commercial crossover hit from the Philippines, Bernardo’s film shows it is possible to have your cake and eat it. And Marquez is a must see!