FILM REVIEW: KUNG AKO NA LANG SANA
by Michael Mirasol, Manila Timer, October 6, 2003

LORD Almighty, will wonders never cease? Despite my severe dislike of Sharon Cuneta movies, here is one that is not only sweet, but unusually smart, uncommonly mature, and genuinely warm. All my instincts were switched on attack mode before seeing this movie, especially after my recent experience with Sharonís last emote-fest Magkapatid.. Yet Ako na Lang Sana disarmed me, with its intelligent script and charming characters. What a treat!

The movieís story is a very straightforward, depicting the lives of two friends who fall in love. One of these friends is Emmy (Sharon Cuneta), who is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit who has had more businesses than boyfriends in her life. Sheís the matriarchal figurehead among her friends and family. Many of her friends depend on her for advice and assistance (mostly financial). And despite her attention to her work, she devotes enough time to help those close to her when they are need.

The other friend in question is Vince (Aga Mulach), who can only be described as a charming cad. He has a penchant for the ladies, and is shrewd enough to admit his weakness for the opposite sex without reveling in it. One night out on the town, he chances upon Emmy after her boyfriend breaks up with her. The events that unravel afterwards could have been immensely predictable by Filipino standards. But what happens next is almost miraculous based on my expec‚tations. The film decides to simply delve into both their lives and witness the happenings that will draw these two together.

Countless (and I do mean countless) Filipino movie romances are cheesy, contrived and some‚times downright silly. Itís true that the foundation of a good love story is to find two people we want to see kiss. But what defines their attraction other than their good looks? Sometimes the circumstances that lead two on-screen lovers seem too obvious and fabricated, leaving out important issues that have deep repercussions. Without a certain believability, seeing two attractive people falling for each other is just a display of vanity. Others might just consider it voyeurism.

The decision by director Jose Javier Reyes to go into both Emmy and Vinceís lives and track what exactly brought them together is what makes the story so absorbing. Itís not a simple matter of two people finding each other beautiful, or nice, or rich, or good, or funny. It takes certain occurrences (most of the time not earth-shattering ones) that push us towards our loved ones. Through Vinceís mistakes and shortcomings, we see how he looks to Emmyís fasti‚diousness as a model of consistency and value. We see how Emmyís character nurtures respect from Vince, as well as a willingness to better himself. On the other hand, we see how Emmy begins to value Vinceís lighthearted outlook on life as a contrast to her own workaholic being. She begins to treasure his bright jabs at their relationship and his amusing retorts on male and female relationships. His humor offsets her gravity. These qualities amplify with each turning point in their lives, most of which they hardly notice, until they look back at them.

In my review of Magkapatid I described Sharon Cunetaís performance as false and over-emotive (as I have deemed most of her perfor‚mances that Iíve seen). Un‚til now, she had never real‚ly come across to me as a serious actress capable of real range. I take it back. Here she shows a calm restraint when neces‚sary, and is solid when‚ever on screen. The warmth that she gene‚rates from her smile is un‚matched by any Filipino actor/actress before or since, and she uses is it to just the right effect here. She mas‚ters being sweet without being saccharine.

Aga Mulach also shines just as bright (if not brighter) than Mrs. Cuneta. His charismatic glee permeates the film and his presence generates so much good will (and well-timed goofiness), which is key for Sharonís character to play off of. Itís no wonder that heís the Tom Cruise of Philippine Cinema (doing a Hugh Grant here though). Itís impossible not to like him.

Within its wonderful supporting cast came one performance that caught my eye. I just wish I knew who she was (these local movie websites are very poor when researching cast information). This young woman plays Vinceís girlfriend in the movieís second half, and she is wonderful. She projects a great sense of authority and class, and at one point, she confronts Vince toe-to-toe with remarkable dignity and intel‚ligence. Itís a moment that I rarely see portrayed by young Filipina actresses these days. Letís hope thereís more of her in the future (at least a name credit would be good).

If I have made the movie seem to be too smart for its own good, itís not totally grounded in reality. It is often very funny, but not in a condescending or slapstick kind of way. It doesnít reach for laughs the way Pina Pie does, yet it seems more amusing. Thank God for Jose Javier Reyes, for his writing a crisp script and confident direction. Thank him for having confidence in allowing his characters to play out their lives, and by not rushing his loversí eventual union. Yes it does seem clunky and stagy at times. But itís never cynical, and its heart is in the right place. Kung Ako Na Lang Sana is good stuff, the kind that doesnít need to be sold. It sells itself.