That Thing Called Tadhana

-That Ting Called Tadhana (2015) movie review: -That Thing called Tadhana is a rom-com from the Philippines, so if you don't like foreign films that's okay, that follows a girl who runs into a guy at an airport, and they become friends and try to figure out how to move on from personal grief.

-Okay, it sounds cheesy, but it was pretty real and heartfelt. It also was not as funny at a rom-com or as romantic as a rom-com, which I thought helped its authenticity.

-The story was great. I thought it was originally handled and compelling.

-The film is slow, to that is one downside.

-I don't know any of the actors in it, but I thought they all did a great job!

-The characters are real and deep, but also hopeful and easy to like.

-The music is- actually I can't recall any of the music, so it is either really fitting for background music or really forgettable.

-Honestly there is not much to say about the film. Basically if you do not hate foreign films and like romantic films that offer something really realistic and believable, That Thing Called Tadhana is totally worth checking out at full price! -I don't think is has a rating, but it has some language in it, including a few F-words. Good news, it is all subtitles though!

I am not a typical fan of the Filipino romantic-comedy genre, but this film is definitely one of my favorites under this class. "That Thing Called Tadhana" has a brilliantly crafted story-line, yet modestly simple. The plot literally comprehends only two subjects who are the protagonist couple. The love story is basically a strangers-into-lovers development. One of the noticeable innovations in this films is the lessened use of background music in every scene. Background soundtracks or music are generally mood setters for a particular scene. The scenes in this movie did not make use of such accessories. It primarily relied its witty dialogue, impressive acting of the actor and actress (especially Angelica Panganiban) and beautiful cinematography. Moreover, the symbolisms or analogies used in the movie significantly and perfectly reflected the plot of the story. A manifestation of intelligent writing. "That Thing Called Tadhana" is a standout among Filipino romantic-comedies!

I have to admit that I don't watch a lot of Philippine movies, and the willingness is even lower when it comes to the romance genre. In that department, they tend to follow the same formula over and over; and generally, it's not hard for them to be tagged "cheesy". Finally, after a period of hibernation towards watching Filipino movies in their theatrical release, we have decided to watch a Filipino film. We came up with a shortlist, but then a rather cheesy title took the number one spot. All right, let's try this one if we can bear it. But then, it turned out to be an irony because it was rather refreshing to watch. Yes, it's enjoyable and memorable.

What stood out is the insightful and introspective take on rather mundane things about relationships and life in general. The film even reminded me of Linklater's Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Just like these films, the driving force is the dialogue, and in many occasions, the writing is smart and funny. The film's prevailing tone is a fun and thoughtful joyride. Aside from literally traveling with the characters, you become part of the protagonist's soul-searching after her failed long-term relationship. You're in for a treat with interesting characters, engaging dialogue, and some breathtaking scenery. Worth mentioning is the Sagada trip, which showcased impressive directorial shots. In terms of the performances, it felt like Angelica Panganiban took the wheel, and her partner played the role of a passenger reacting to her driving skills. They were put together in a fateful encounter, and the combination rather worked out well given the risk of being contrived. It worked best when the dialogue is minimal.

Although it was not devoid of cheesy conversations and perhaps ineffective jokes, it contained several well-paced scenes, just like in Coppola's Lost In Translation, that allow us to contemplate about the truths that the film has brought up rather indirectly. In fact, certain scenes, just like the one on the streets of Baguio about 'the heart' and 'the arrow', were reminiscent of the creativity of Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Also, the guitar background music has set a similar tone. If the film's rough edges were polished, it had some striking qualities of a film widely considered by international critics as a masterpiece. However, in itself, it is already a refreshing turn in the direction of Philippine cinema. If you're looking for a film to enjoy under the turf of quality storytelling, this film will definitely deliver.

One of the most endearing assets that 'That Thing Called Tadhana' has is that, while it follows a simple storyline, it is delivered with utmost sincerity and honesty. The film arrives in an age of Philippine cinema where the romantic comedy genre is defined by its capacity to deliver and imbue "kilig" to the audience; it is expected to get silenced and drowned by the loud clamor and screams for the widely familiar romcoms headlined by today's biggest loveteams like KathNiel and KimXi, but it nonetheless, survives and sets itself apart, a quiet star amid the sea of supernovas.

The story begins with a chance encounter: a man (JM De Guzman) trying to lend a hand to a stranger trying to forget her past and its heartaches. They start a journey that both of them don't know where it ends; it seems unlikely, but throughout that trip, something that isn't familiar, develops, it moves in a lazy pace, but it nevertheless feels right and heading to a better place. TADHANA's message is delivered in quiet and unassuming ways, yet it's recognizable, and speaks in deafening volumes to everyone who shares the same struggle that both the leads are undergoing.

Without the female lead's (Angelica Panganiban) seemingly endless rants and emotional outbursts, the film is naturally quiet and calm. This is the film that isn't too reliant on music or any heavily orchestrated score to set its mood or enhance whatever it is that is already there, instead, it lets its own natural melodies hum and conjure the necessary emotions needed to make every scene work. That being said, you would also realize, that every time it makes use of music as an emotional tool, it works perfectly and delivers the shiver in numerous folds. You would applaud on how endearing and genuine the performances of our leads are; in spite of the cliché lines they throw now and then, it is how realistic their presentation of both their dialogues and characters, that make the two and their stories, really relatable. Angelica is brilliant here, so is JM, and together they make an undeniably overwhelming chemistry.

The question "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" rings throughout the whole movie. As our protagonists take attempts to answer it, the film makes us travel from Rome, Manila to Baguio and to the breathtaking landscape of Sagada. TADHANA never answers that, but it sends a hint that wherever it goes, as long as you're moving on, it will end up being OK.

This movie deserves a perfect 10/10.

This is one of those films that I watched without seeing the trailer or having any idea about what the film is about and had no expectations. The film only relied on its two lead actors without any other famous supporting casts, extras, special effects and musical background which made it so raw yet so good at the same time. It makes you go in a journey together with the characters that it makes you feel attached to them. You get to feel how they feel and you start to root for them to get together in the end. It had a really good story-telling and used breath-taking locations that makes you immerse in the story. Splendid acting from both Angelica and JM.