That Thing Called Tadhana

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.

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!

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.

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'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.