You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011)

It's still too early to say but I might have found the movie that I'd repeatedly watch this year. It's only July, after all. But You Are the Apple of My Eye has all the elements in a movie that makes my heart beat fast and makes me scream for more. I don't think I'd be able to watch anything that would make me feel the same way. It's too short. Too short not because the ending was rushed. Too short because my crashed soul doesn't want the story to end. It's that good and painfully adorable, that I just want it to keep on going forever.

It's the year 1996 and Ko-Teng (Ko Chen-Tung) is only 16 years old, a senior in high school. He, along with his four other friends, has a crush on the smartest student in class, Shen Chia-Yi (Michelle Chen). The five of them has different ways of pursuing her, but for Ko-Teng, competing with her and annoying her endlessly are the only things he could do. After doing something foolish in class, Ko-Teng's punishment is to sit in front of Shen Chia-Yi so that she can scold him everytime he's doing something inappropriate. Shen Chia-Yi challenges Ko-Teng's intelligence that pushes him to do better in school. It's the start of a decade of competing with each other and falling deep in like.

(And yes, I write the sloppiest synopses.)

First of all, I just want to say that the best way to watch this movie is to start with no expectations and to NOT READ SPOILERS. Because you'll be surprised, enthralled and every other adjective you can think of, if you watch this movie for what it is (it is lovely, btw) and nothing more.

Ko-Teng and Shen Chia-Yi's story continues on to college and even adulthood. We see how the two individuals grow as a person, with and without each other. It's a sweet story of falling in love for the first time, and trying to be a better person to keep that love going. It's about making mistakes and taking the full blow of the consequences of one's action (or non-action). It's about having the courage to own up and to try to make it better. It's about learning that no amount of fixing can fix something broken. It's about regrets and what-if's and endless bickering and misunderstandings. It's about choosing to be happy through it all and realizing that life moves on, even without your first love.

The movie is based on Giddens Ko's, semi-autobiography of the same title. This movie also happens to be his directorial debut. Reading about the production and casting of the movie gives  me the shivers. So this is based on a true story, and they didn't even change the names of the character. One of the reasons they casted Michelle Chen is her resemblance with the real Shen Chia-Yi. The movie was filmed on the school the real story happened and Shen Chia-Yi's best friend, Hu Chia-Wei. Two of the songs used in the movie are even sung by Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung for a more personal approach. (You can read the full details here.)


They really hit the jackpot with the casting. There seems to be a natural chemistry between the Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung, that it makes the movie even better to watch. And thus, I will cry myself every night because of the innocence and beauty of this movie. It speaks so much truth because it's everybody's story. It's my story. It's your story. It's every high school student's venture into that treacherous place of being in love.

"People always say that the most wonderful time in a relationship happens before it really happens. When the two people are together, the magic vanishes," Shen Chia-Yi mentions in the movie. WHY SHEN CHIA-YI WHY. Well, I'm not sure if what she said is true, but in their what-happened-before-it -happened, it was definitely magical.

I am afraid to continue this rant, knowing that I might spoil it for others who haven't watched it yet. But I can't help it. I'm over-flowing with so much emotions right now. So if you don't like spoilers, stop reading!

What I really like about You Are the Apple of My Eye is how it seems to perfectly explore the thrills and pangs of first love. It perfectly illustrates how some people are afraid to go the next level and end up being the what-if's of each other. That's the case for Ko-Teng and Shen Chia-Yi. Believe me, I do not want that to happen to them but it did. They didn't reach the next step of what could have been a rollercoaster of a relationship. But they move on. They remain friends. And whatever happens to the other person, they are happy for each other.

This movie is just bittersweet but the characters make sure that you won't be extremely bitter. It just has the right amount of sweet that will make you smile (and giggle, if you may) but never exasperated. It's humorous (and obnoxious) without overdoing it. It's less than two hours long and a part of me wishes there's more.

The second thing I like about the movie is how it employs creative story-telling. It somehow feels like a friend is telling you a story, and not just some random actor in a movie. It feels so familiar, how one scene shifts to another. A part of you knows what's going to happen next, yet you're excited to see it for yourself. This movie seems to have come out of somebody's life story.

At the end of the movie, I could only clutch at my heart and stop myself from sobbing. To say that this movie has affected me is an understatement. With so many things that happened, it seems incredible that they managed to fit everything in less than two hours. It's almost impossible to believe that they managed to fit a decade of laughter, growing up, and romance in just an hour and forty-five minutes. But this story doesn't dwell. This movie doesn't drag. It tells you how it is; and you can only watch and listen.

And I can assure you, I will watch and listen again. For how many more times, that I do not know.

Babae sa Breakwater (Woman of Breakwater) 2003

(source)

I was fortunate enough to attend the opening night of Cinemalaya where they screened Babae sa Breakwater as a tribute for the late Director Mario O'Hara.

I've heard of the movie countless of times but hadn't shown much interest. I was 13 when the movie came out and it's definitely something that would interest me. I have heard praises about the movie but had deemed the movie as something not for kids, if you know what I mean. I also didn't see it as an indie film since I'm pretty sure it was shown in a lot of theaters. But then again, I don't really have a clear grasp on what makes a movie indie.

After viewing the movie last friday, I realized that I had a completely wrong impression of the movie. It's not a "bold" film like what my 13-year-old self thought. It illustrates the depressing lives of Filipinos living in poverty, in the streets of Manila, in the breakwater along Roxas Boulevard.

The movie is about the brothers Basilio (Kristoffer King) and Buboy who are from Leyte but are forced to live in the slums of Manila. As they make themselves at home, living in a community along Roxas Boulevard, they meet Pakita (Katherine Luna), a prostitute.

Despite all the humor peppered all throughout the movie, Babae sa Breakwater is a haunting film that reflects the everyday trials of the Filipino poor. What makes this movie so haunting is the fact that no matter how unbelievable or far-fetched some difficulties the characters encounter, they are the kind of things you know happen in real life. The horrors of poverty are sometimes worse than the ones in the movies.

I think this is something people who aren't aware of the situation in the Philippines would realize. There are some things in the movie that would be difficult to grasp outside the Filipino context, such as the kulto acts at the start of the movie. The movie is grounded on the reality of Filipino lives that it's chilling how the story unfolds. Countless of misfortunes happen to the characters and the viewers may start to think that that many unfortunate events can't be happening in real life. Then you remember the things you hear in the news and remember the statistics, and you realize that it might actually be possible. One misfortune after another hits Basilio and Buboy but they shoulder on. Always.

What I love about the movie is the characters' ability to look up when everything is going downhill. This shows Filipinos' resilience in the faces of difficulties. Basilio and Buboy may be swimming in a sea of garbage but as long as they have each other and they have something to eat, as little as it may be, they still have the heart and the energy to smile and laugh and be thankful.

I am not quite sure whether the movie is aptly titled, though. Pakita plays a huge part in the film but I somehow feels like the story really focuses more on Basilio. Then again, Pakita somehow influences most of Basilio's decisions in the film.

I don't really have any qualms about the movie except this one scene that will definitely spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet. Hee. I won't even get into the technicalities of the movie as I am no expert in that field.

I don't think I'll watch this movie again for the very simple reason that it's just too heart-breaking for me. I'm not the type of person who likes to torture herself. But I'm pretty sure it will be watched for generations to come. A gem like this is just too difficult to forget.

Hataw Na (1995)

It's a lonely Sunday when my only possible source of entertainment was television. It's been awhile since I last watched a full movie on TV. And after n years, the movie I ended up watching is Hataw Na!

It's a pretty old movie and some of my friends haven't heard about it! It was released on 1995, meaning, I was only 5 years old when I first saw it. As I remember correctly, I actually liked it back then. But the story had been lost to me after so many years of not seeing the movie. But on that Sunday, I suddenly understood why it's such a hit back then. Despite it's horrifyingly cheesy scenes, it's actually quite good. And I have a feeling that me saying that will make you lose your trust on my judgment. But still.


Here's a clip from the movie:

See? It's a flashmob. I didn't know flashmobs exist as early as 1995! Their dance number during the last scene is more reminiscent of modern flashmobs but I couldn't find a clip on Youtube. I know that it's something that we regularly see on TV shows and movies and pretty much everywhere, but to see it in a movie released almost two decades ago is quite amazing. I couldn't help think that it's so innovative. But then again, old Filipino movies have dance numbers. This one is a bit different, though, since it really focuses on the students' desire to perform. And not just because they're at the beach or a waterpark.

Just some thoughts regarding the movie:

• We need more movies like this! The Philippine cinema is full of RomComs lately, and I miss movies about a group of friends. I am pretty sure it will sell if they produce a movie reminiscent of Gimik and T.G.I.S. This isn't even entirely about the friendship of the students but it's just nice that love story isn't the center of this movie. Sure, there's a little going on with Gary Valenciano and Dayanara Torres but the story didn't entirely focus on their relationship.
• Hataw Na is like the Filipino movie version of Glee in a way that I'm not even sure if it's good or bad. Haha. Gary V. definitely reminds me of Will Schuester, but less annoying. 
• The antagonist of the movie happens to be the principal and I hate how she's so pointlessly evil! Sadly, I do know that a lot of Catholic schools in the country are run by teachers like her. I do not want to generalize, though. I am just glad that I attended a public school in college, and I was free from all the ridiculous rules a Catholic school may have. Just like in the movie.
• I miss the Jolina with 101 hairstyles and wacky outfits.
• I don't know how Jao Mapa even became famous. HOW?
• Victor Neri, on the other hand, is as charming as ever, despite the katsupoy hairstyle. Where is he? I'm pretty sure he's a lot older now, but I hope he still has that bad boy charm. (He also reminds me of Bang SungJoon. OMG. But my friend disagrees.)
• The dance steps look unbelievably easy? I don't know. It's probably the trend during that time or maybe I'm just so equipped with seeing difficult moves from dance groups these days. Haha. I don't know. But we're talking about a Gary V movie here, and you can't possibly say anything wrong with his dance moves.
• Watching Hataw Na makes me want to watch more movies of Dayanara Torres, especially that one with Aga Muhlach.

Again, we need more movies like this. It's ridiculously good. Cheesy, but good.

So, I'm calling out to Star Cinema (and to GMA Films, I guess) to produce more barkada movies! It's definitely the best. One with Daniel Padilla is ideal. KTNXBYE.

Flying With Kiki

When people ask me what my favorite Ghibli film is, I don't even think twice. Kiki's Delivery Service tops the list, and the second doesn't even come close.

I was already 20 years old when I first saw the movie. I just got out of college and I was currently unemployed. In so many ways, I was able to relate to Kiki, and I know it's one of the many reasons why it's my favorite offering from Ghibli. At that time, Kiki seemed to embody everything I was going through. But unlike her, she managed to get through the challenges by the end of the film. I'm already 22 and currently employed, but I still feel kind of lost. Unlike Kiki, I still haven't found the resolution to my inner conflicts. I'm still conflicted what I wanted to do with my life.

But Kiki isn't a movie that will make anyone feel bitter. In fact, it's a movie that would uplift anyone's spirit. Twice, when I was feeling the worst, this movie managed to lift up my spirits and make me believe that I, too, will find some solution to my petty but somehow reasonable personal dilemmas. Kiki makes you believe that.

Everyone goes through the phase of unease and confusion. Everyone will reach that point where they question what they're doing and if it's really what they want to be doing. Everyone will somehow be like Kiki; everyone can go through that phase when they seem to lose the excitement of doing what they love the most, and wondering if they'll ever get their mojo back.

Kiki's Delivery Service will always be my favorite coming-of-age film. Maybe because like Kiki, there are days when I don't feel like talking to anyone, not even to that one boy I like. There are days when I just want to be left alone. But there will also be days when I'm pretty sure that I'd end up saving everyone and being a little superhero myself. This kind of day hasn't happened yet, but I'm pretty sure it will.

When I'm not feeling the best version of myself, I just cuddle up in bed and watch Kiki's Delivery Service. I don't expect to find all the answers to my questions at the end of the film, but at least I will no longer feel like a sore loser with the pettiest problems after the closing credits.

10 Reasons Why I Love Shut Up! Flower Boy Band

Shut Up! Flower Boy Band (☆☆☆☆☆)is my crack drama of 2012. Even though it's only May and we still 7 months left, I'm pretty sure that no other drama would take the place of this drama in my heart. SUFBB left me crushed and heartbroken then made me pathetically happy and satisfied by the last episode. It's just so good that after almost two months since its finale, I still can't stop talking about it.

I am guessing the fact that it's quite underrated in Kdramaland makes me love it even more, makes me want to keep on convincing people that it's so damn good. It is so damn good and it is a shame that there's not that many people who watched it. I have a feeling that many people were turned off thinking that it has a shallow story and it only focuses on a boy band that only goes by its looks. But boy are they wrong. It's definitely something more, a whole lot more.

So what is this drama about? It's about a rock band who just wants to make it big in the music industry. But they encounter identity crises and relationship conflicts that would somehow be a burden to their instant stardom. Yes, it's a pretty common plot but this drama shows it in a way that isn't too cliche or cheesy. And I love that. By the way, the band is aptly called Eye Candy. Heh.

I know my ramblings won't be enough to convince you. And because I have all the time in the world when it comes to SUFBB, I came up with these reasons on why I love it a bit too much. And just to make it a bit more interesting let's do this in a countdown sort of way.

10. Amazing soundtrack.

I am no music expert but I can't stop listening to the soundtrack! It also doesn't hurt that JiHyuk (played by Bang SungJoon), the protagonist and the lead vocalist of the band, has that raspy kind of voice that I really, really like. All biases aside, okay. My favorite tracks from the OST are Jaywalking and Wake Up. They performed Jaywalking a couple of times in the series, but it's a shame that they didn't perform Wake Up even once!

9. Eye candy boys everywhere.

The band isn't called Eye Candy for nothing! Personally, JiHyuk is the most attractive one for me. But I definitely won't say no to any of the boys especially HyunSoo (played by L of Infinite). And DoIl (Lee HyunJae), of course. Haha. But seriously, they are so pretty to look at that they make watching the drama such a pleasant experience.

8. Good acting by relatively new actors.

Besides Lee MinKi who appeared for only two episodes, every member of the Eye Candy are quite new when it comes to acting. Though their acting isn't perfect, they give justice to their roles. They're just so believable. Maybe they really become good friends in real life but these boys managed to make me believe that they are real people with real problems and real relationships. These boys breathe life to their roles and it's pretty amazing.

7. Captivating atmosphere and cinematography.

I'd watch this drama for the tone alone. It is filmed during winter (going on spring) so we got all the pretty winter clothes. Every scene also seemed to be thought out so much. I especially love the scenes where sunlight seems to be leaking in. Take this scene for instance:

Just imagine a drama where most scenes are as beautifully shot as that. The scene just speaks to you. I swear I won't get tired watching this drama. It's hard not to notice that it's edited quite well and wasn't rushed at all. The scenes are well directed and you can obviously see that by the well-executed scenes.

6. Memorable characters.

I think it will take time and sheer determination to forget a character like Byunghee who is awesomely played by Lee MinKi. And it's not just ByungHee, too! Unlike other flower boy dramas, SUFBB managed to flesh out each characters. We get to know each member of the boy band and don't see them as just part of the band but also as individuals. The members aren't just part of the background but interesting characters themselves. /sigh I really, really miss these boys.

Besides, JiHyuk oppa (please let me call him oppa even though he's a month or two younger!) is definitely one of my favorite, if not my most favorite, protagonists of all time. Okay, I'm pretty sure he's my favorite hero since ever. He is flawed but that makes him even more amazing. JiHyuk oppa, daebak!

5. Strong female characters.

I love a Kdrama that introduces me to strong female characters. We've all had our fair share of damsels in distress, and this drama shows us just that. But these damsels know how to fight and triumph over their, well, distress. The girls in SUFBB know what they want and they definitely don't show much tact when it comes to going after what they want. They are also very clear with what they feel and leave no room for misunderstanding. Argh. SuAh (Jo Boa) is definitely one of the strongest Kdrama heroines I've met. Stay gold, SuAh.

4. Best OTP in the history of OTPs.

Let me just cry in a corner while I reminisce the story of JiHyuk and SuAh (Jo Boa). Hrhr. OMG THESE TWO. Okay, let me explain why I love them. First, they have so much chemistry! From the moment they first see each other to every other scene they're together, sparks were coming off the screen okay. They look so good together! Second, their cute little interactions are so, uhm, cute! Who will ever forget that lollipop scene? Those rooftop scenes? Those headphone scenes? Again, OMG. Third, they obviously need each other but they never act too dependent on each other. They live their own lives and I believe every couple has to do that, too. They're two separate individuals and they don't have to do everything together. Fourth, they weathered so many storms and they managed to trust each other despite all. And Kdramas are definitely lacking of couples who trust each other. And fifth, I don't know. Maybe I'm just incredibly biased? But every scene just make me go aaaaw, oooh, and everything else. I hope they date in real life.

3. Solid storyline.

SUFBB has a good mix of drama and comedy. But the weird thing is, it's not too dramatic and it's not side-splitting funny, too. It's something in between but it has that right amount of everything and a perfect amount of tension to keep you hanging on. This drama has enough conflicts to keep the story going for 16 episodes. There's no filler and every scene seem to be made to push the story forward. A couple of problems arise throughout the drama but they don't drag out a problem far too long. It's never boring for me!

I think girlfriday and javabeans say it way better than I do.

2. Well-explored themes.

You got music, friendship, love, dreams, and individuality. I'm pretty sure there are other themes but these five themes are the ones most explored in the series. I like how it's not just about another love-struck high school students, not just about ideals-laden teens. It's about chasing after your dream and what you're supposed to do when you finally achieve that dream. In a way, it's different from other dramas since the series show the after. SUFBB focuses on what happens next, what happens after you realize your dreams. It's actually pretty clever. It's also about forming a friendship that lasts and doing sacrifices (idiotic or noble or both) to make it work. It's about trying to learn more about yourself and not grabbing at every limelight waiting for you. It's a coming-of-age drama about a group of boys who's trying to find their places in this bleak world, trying to find solace in each other. I have so much love for this drama, and I'm pretty sure it's obvious by now that I have pretty sufficient reasons to love SUFBB.

1. Best ending I've ever watched.

No doubt the best ending I've watched since ever. I can't even remember an ending that comes close! The ending is quite uplifting and made me feel all sort of awesome. It's a happy ending but it's not the type of ending that you'd expect. It's an ending that will remind you what the drama is truly about, because we'd somehow get distracted in the middle. It's far from cheesy, and it's not a happily ever after one, too. I have watched the ending more than ten times now, and whenever I'm not feeling the best, watching the ending makes everything a bit better.

We all know that it's hard to pull off a good ending, and sometimes, the happy ones would make you feel queasy. But this one just makes you believe that though there are tough times and there will always be tough times, there are always the good ones that will pull you through.

I love SUFBB.

(Stills and poster credits: Dramahaven)