TWISTS OF FATE : MINSAN, MINAHAL KITA
by Candy, PinoyCentral, March 10, 2000

I haven't watched a movie for quite some time now so when one of my officemates gave out passes for "Minsan, Minahal Kita", Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez's latest movie together, I practically grabbed it out of her hand. Why, the last movie I saw was "Toy Story 2" and that was way back in December of '99!

The story is about Diane Nepumuceno and Albert Simon, two hearts smothered by their respective spouses, brought together through fate's intervention. The story begins with Chelsea (Kristine Hermosa) and Angelo (Marvin Agustin) meeting each other in the airport by chance, only to find out that they are the children of two people who once upon a time shared a great yet forbidden love. I found this idea very interesting, because it blended with the concept of fate and destiny that the film was trying to present.

The film was indeed very good, living up to all the publicity its producer, Star Cinema, hyped up. It IS a great love story that's sure to make the audience sigh with longing and cry with despair. But as they say, nobody, or nothing, for that matter, is perfect. "Minsan, Minahal Kita" also had its share of flaws, however small and trivial they are.

Let's start with the cast … Sharon's Diane was supposed to be a subdued woman whose inadequacy was further heightened by being married to Louie, an impossibly domineering man (played comically by Edu Manzano). Sharon emphasized Diane's insecurities, especially in the scene where she silently screams at Louie for being so hard to please. However, there are scenes where she lets Diane become hyper, like in the scene where she accidentally sits in on Albert's table. This treatment is totally out of character, since Diane was supposed to be incapable of showing any signs of assertiveness after sharing 10 years with a cynic for a husband.

What did Edu Manzano do to their confrontation scene?! When he barged in the room and started off on a sarcastic tone, I really believed that he would pounce on his wife in any moment! I was already clutching my boyfriend's hand because the suspense was killing me. So when he suddenly asked his wife if she did have an illicit affair, my face crumpled in disbelief – hello!? His wife was already showing every sign of guilt – eyes fidgeting, mouth quivering – and he still couldn't get it! I had to restrain every urge to bash his stupid head off.

Ciara Sotto was supposed to be Sharon's half-sister in the story which is quite a meaty role for her. How come she barely opened her mouth? I thought this movie was supposed to jumpstart her lagging career but then again, maybe not. Her performance paled against Carmina Villaroel's extremely convincing portrayal as Diane's lesbian sister, Jackie.

Now we go to the scenes … In the scene where Albert started approaching Diane to profess his feelings for her, the long shot used was so long that it was hard to discern the emotions crossing both of the character's faces. However, this faux pas was redeemed in the scene where Diane left Albert in the dust after saying "Don't make me fall in love with you".

The whereabouts of both Diane and Albert's homes are also quite confusing. They seem to get to Tagaytay very easily, which is quite a feat since you have to pass through the traffic-congested roads of South Superhighway to get there. Also, in the scene where Diane chases Albert before he leaves for the States, she passed through Guadalupe to get to the NAIA. Huh!?! I thought NAIA was in ParaÒaque … how come she was headed for Quezon City? Sure, Direk Olivia Lamasan wanted to capture the heavy traffic but she should have remembered this tiny yet noticeable detail.

Despite all its faults, "Minsan, Minahal Kita" is definitely one film you shouldn't fail to watch. The story, which was very well-written by the film's director, rekindles the magic of love and glorifies in the wonders of fate yet brings us to the jarring harshness of life and its realities, all at the same time. If you are hopeless in love, then this movie is the one for you. Its message is for one not to wallow in despair because someday, somehow, you will finally meet your one great love.

Note: This review is written by Candy of Showbiz News. Yes, she did mention something about her significant other. Better luck next time guys!