That Thing Called Tadhana

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.

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.

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 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!

-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!