7.6 stars.
I must start by acknowledging that this film offers a profoundly moving story, and thus, I recommend it. However, viewers may need to persevere through the initial hour, as it can be somewhat perplexing at times.
Parts of the script are marred by glaring errors. Firstly, we encounter a wealthy executive who resides in the same apartment complex as the main female character, yet his affluent status contradicts his supposed lifestyle. Additionally, the female protagonist's occupation is ambiguous, veering from part-time catering to globe-trotting and food critique, leading to confusion regarding the film's premise. Furthermore, inconsistencies abound, with the lead male's brother (who has an upcoming wedding) initially portrayed as older only to be revealed as the younger sibling minutes later, contributing to a disjointed narrative. I was becoming uneasy with the writing at this point, even though the story was satisfying and somewhat entertaining.
Despite these shortcomings, the supporting characters, particularly the lead female's sister, add depth and charisma to the storyline, warranting more screen time. While the music, acting, and cinematography showcase proficiency, the erratic scenes and perplexing moments detract from the overall experience. Moreover, the introduction of what seems to be unfamiliar characters midway through the film disrupts coherence, leaving audiences bewildered about their relevance. But we soon find out they only appear unfamiliar due to a lack of foundation and logical character development.
In essence, for the first half of the movie, while it boasts commendable elements, its faltering script and narrative missteps undermine its potential for a truly engaging viewing experience. In my opinion, there are too many players on the field, or in more generic terminology, too many kids in the sandbox. There is not enough runtime to include this many characters and three smaller plots that are stealing time from the main story. I say, stick with the female lead's sister and her ex-boyfriend storyline and focus a few extra minutes on them, and delete the other sibling stories altogether and this movie becomes more than moderately satisfying.
However, the final 30 minutes of the film deliver an emotional punch, evoking tears and heartfelt moments that tie everything together, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.
