A song once asked, “What becomes of the broken hearted?” And yes, when once the heart has reached that point, how do you bring it back to its whole state? Is another romantic partner the answer to speed up the healing of one’s achy, breaky heart? Or work becomes therapy and the closest of friends become sounding boards and crying shoulders?
All these questions get answers when you troop to the cinemas and watch Tayo Sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is now showing.
We all have heard the line “what happened to us?” before but when you hear Nicco Manalo’s manner of delivery in the film, believe me, something inside you will scream.
True to many, this actor is relative new, if not an unknown personality, but once you experience him as Sam, he may not be John Lloyd Cruz handsome, not even JM De Guzman charming, or a fresh prince like Joshua Garcia, but, boy oh boy, he will give these mainstream leading men tough competition when it comes to playing it for truth.
As the brokenhearted Sam of five years ago who now has a lady love, Manalo’s portrayal of his character, his charm will grow on you. He is everything that defies the leading man status quo and yet, as the man in the title role, you feel him, you want to know him better, you want him to be your friend, and in the movie, you will want to unravel why the devastating beautiful Issa fell for him. Is it because intelligence is the new sexy? Or is it because Sam gives all in the name of romance?
Vera, the one named wonder and the film’s ingénue is one of the prettiest leading ladies this side of local Tinseltown. The camera loves her. No bad angles. No facial pores. You know she’s posh and she is not faking it. In one scene, she blurted out, “I love lit!” You are made aware that this lovely lady is an authentic literary arts aficionado.
Anna Luna (she is also Anna in the film) and Alex Medina as Frank did splendid acting turns.
My best acting bet, the actor who portrayed the role of Nicco’s youngest brother. My dear readers, you better brace yourself for Empoy’s rival is here and his name is Emman Nimidez. He is a natural scene stealer.
Nestor Abrogena Jr.’s second motion picture is like a case of comparison and contrast between two pairs of lovers.
Everything in this film is subtle, nuanced, textured, beautifully photographed with long, sublime scenes wherein no words are spoken and yet, you can see in the eyes and expressions of the quartet how they were speaking in volumes.
If you have a penchant for slow burning exposition and narrative that zeroes on the trouble with hellos with your exes, the reality that you should never chase or meet an old love, rules on rebound, closure at existential angst, understated yet heartfelt performances that hits your gut and pierces your heart like an arrow, then this is the film that you must watch.
Bet your bottom pesos for this gem of a film.