That Thing Called Tadhana

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 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's first impression for That Thing Called Tadhana is it's a local rom-com with the style of Before Sunrise, since it's a long walk of conversations. The film is mainly about a girl who meets someone who she can express her emotional pain from a recent heartbreak. The entire movie is basically as simple as that, it somehow abandons the clichés of where a long conversations like this usually lead to and instead just be an example of what we love about human interaction. It can be blissful and bitter, but what's important here is to let these two naturally grow their relationship. The beauty here is it never compromises with demanded formula and just lets itself be honest about their fate.

This is basically a change of pace of the two, taking a break from their ordinary lives and finding a way to let go of the worst of their past by just talking out their backstories, drama and interests. It doesn't matter if they ever end up together, those discussions aren't only sweet talk or anything that would necessarily lead to romance, they are simply just honest conversations that share each other's cynicism, joys and mistakes until one gets relived from her bad memories. But out of this adventurous bond, you can really see how these two develop genuinely, feeling that they are really moving on in a new phase of their lives.

And around those meaty interaction, there's a total appeal in their road trip. From the city of Baguio to the mountain top of Sagada, the way they shoot these places just adds more things to love in these moments that already owns a rich personality. The lead couple can be quite charming, even with the amount of criticism and bitterness in their heads, they're basically just being relatable. Angelica Panganiban is the soul here, she carries the energy and the heart of these conversations, and that is absolutely what this character is meant to be. While JM De Guzman makes a good pair for not always taking the pain of his partner seriously until it becomes a big deal for the both of them.

That Thing Called Tadhana immediately triumphs in its honesty to its storytelling and opinions towards love, letting go and other stuff. The narrative doesn't need anything more than settling with these two characters trying to find a light after a disappointing and hurtful past. It's sometimes enough for just finding someone to tag along and run away to an unexpected vacation, despite of involving some awkward situations. Even in these simplest moments, it brings a satisfying solution from such emotional burden. That Thing Called Tadhana speaks more from the soul of a relationship because that is what makes it truly special.

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.