That Thing Called Tadhana

A movie first must get notice in its domestic circuit, then rest of the world come check it out on the curious. I don't know this was a blockbuster or not in the local market, but heard lots praise for it, especially, from the youngsters. I have seen only a few Filipino movies and this one was one of the good films. Very very similar movie to 'Before' trilogy and a fine beginning of the series. Yes, I heard the second movie is already in talk, so guessed probably it going to end as a trilogy.

Unlike 'Before' trilogy, this movie is not set in the casual manner, between the two. Most importantly, it's a road movie, a travel tale. The one of two who meet are affected by the recent love failure. So, the narration concentrates mostly on romance and about mending the broken heart. A pair of two actors with a good chemistry and nicely shot in the beautiful places. Like advertising Filipino tourism, the movie takes us to the finest locations.

It commences just after the 8 years of romance ended for a woman. It does not show how, but later revealed by orally. Beautifully brought those heartbreaks and heartache on the screen. How the boys and girls mourn for their broken relationship was presented quite impressively. All the good times spent together pops out in the front and the rest of the stuffs are just pitch black. Even after breaking their heart, they feel they want to forgive them and give a second chance.

There are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice.

I liked the honesty in the movie, I mean the characters talk as in reality, not the craps. If you ever was in love and saw the failure, you would know what I meant. Whatever the account between them, the animation narration was the plus point in this whole storytelling. The story begins with an arrow asking a question for a lost heart. And the answer is the movie itself that you are going know in the end. It might not understandable by the serious people, but morally appeals to the lover boys and girls, I mean to the guys who are insanely in love with someone.

I thought it was about and for youngster, actually it's about the people who are on the leap from there to the middle age. So, the crisis here is, the chances are fading away to fall in love madly, crazily again. Those days, the playful younger days are gone, what should be done now onwards is the movie that chronicles with lots of fun, emotions and a simple twist at the end. Though, the end was not properly explained, but leaves open. I'd say save whatever you are going to predict it to be, because like I said the sequel's quest to fill it up. But I hope it makes the same impact as this one did to me.

It's more like a 'coming-of-age' for those who are between teen and middle age. I can't say it was the best, but a good movie. Since the loop is open, all I can do is wait for the follow up. Who knows, after the second and even better third movie, it might pop into one of the best romance-trilogies ever. So I'm keeping an open mind here. Hope they won't mess it up. In the meantime, you can give it a try because it was not any nearer to be called bad and I'm sure you would enjoy it if you like a simple romantic tale.

7/10

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.

I'm impressed with this movie. It was well filmed and scripted, that is until the ending. There is no ending, it just ends. We were left wondering what turn would've happened next? What was the "tadhana or destiny" of the characters? Why did it end unfinished? Was there going to be a sequel? In short, no. The direction was to simply cut away from the characters abruptly after building the story.

It was a bust for what should have been a very well told movie. If you like watching a movie build then cut out, then watch this movie. I'd recommend renting it because it's a waste of a theatrical release. Don't take a date to see this like I did. She (a filipina) was left feeling the same as I was, like we need a refund.

Even though i don't know Filipino but watch it nevertheless. Feel like crying and laughing at the same times. Can really to both the actor. Superb acting and very real.totally recommend to everyone esp with the one with broken hearts.What a movie, movie like this come once in a decade. You can relate to both the character. Having been brought in a lots of over the top acting and unrealistic story lines from Bollywood it is a nice change for a while. I hope bollywood will not copy and spoil it . great location esp in the interior of Philippine. I am now a fan of Filipinos movies after this and metro manila. I really like the scene at the villages when the hero hesitate for a while.

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!