This 2019 movie raked in 1 Billion PHP at the box office and has since then, been recognized as the highest grossing Philippine film. However, this is not why Iโm rating it 5 stars and writing a positive review. Itโs because of the talented people behind the project.
It will not matter whether you are a โKathNielโ nor a โMaiChardโ diehard fan when you watch the intensely romantic โHello, Love, Goodbyeโ because she was no longer Kathryn Bernardo and he, Alden Richards. They impressively metamorphosed into Joy and Ethan, respectively. The depth by which they internalized their fictional characters was evident from beginning to end. Role portrayals were consistent and convincing.
Kathrynโs authentic acting made me believe the gravity of Joyโs personal battles, her frailties and her passion to achieve her professional aspirations. I cried together with her, felt overwhelmed when she got overwhelmed, became scared when she was scared, got angry when she was seriously angry, and fell in love with Ethan when she eventually did. Kathrynโs overall rendition of Joy was soulful and riveting.
Alden was undoubtedly the perfect match for the dynamic Kathryn. He portrayed his leading man role with equal realism by executing his lines as if there was no script to follow and acted his scenes as if there were no cameras around him. His delivery was fluid, unforced and compelling.
Behind the scene, one can sense the powerhouse partnership and cohesive teamwork of the filmmakers comprising of - its esteemed director, ingenious producers and witty screenplay writers. They know exactly how to affect, awaken, humor and titillate the audience.
I like that the romance-drama did not have a cliche or predictable โhappy endingโ. The story was left somewhat hanging which gives the creators a chance to produce a sequel and leaves the viewers clamoring for more!
โHello, Love, Iโm Back!โ sounds like a good title for the sequel.