If you are looking for a movie following the "typical formula" for romance, this is definitely NOT the movie for you. Aside from the fact that there was no happy ending (depending on how you define happiness), the film was a mesh of scenes blurring the lines between past and present, fantasy and reality. One would have to really flex some brain muscle to truly appreciate the film.
At first glance, the plot seemed like the ordinary "boy meets girl" flow. It went through the usual introduction into the life of the main character Maya. Then everything changed when the tikbalang appeared! Viewers who do not know much about Filipino folklore, like me, may have some confusion at first. However, I do not see this a bad thing as it actually sparked interest and curiosity. The film also explored a seemingly random overlapping of timelines. It was difficult to know whether Maya was projecting herself into the character she was writing in her children's book, or it was really her and her imagination during her childhood, or both. I guess the beauty is in the vagueness. It allowed for certain possibilities for discourse. Past and present, fantasy and reality. These elements were woven together seamlessly through excellent cinematography and acting.
The film tried to draw out mixed emotions from within the viewer. I guess you could say there was "hugot." It was not just "hugot" from characters, but also pulling out some memories of the viewers past, or some similar feeling the viewer may have felt. This was through the not so subtle introduction of Philippine mythology blended alongside a subtle spotlight on traditions and beliefs every Filipino can relate to.
There were also, however, some predictable moments in the plot. No matter how hard the movie tried to steer clear of "basic" formula by adding some form of plot twist, the execution of the twist somehow steered them back to the predictability they tried to avoid. Moreover, some moments even seem draggy in certain points of the film. Although they may have been intended to build up momentum, the audience's attention may not be so forgiving.
Overall, I think the film is a great piece of art work that is open to various interpretations! There is an abundant supply of symbolism and representation. As a person who overthinks and sometimes reads meaning (which may be unintended by the artist) into works, I must say: Surely, there is some philosophical or deeper meaning! Aside from the obvious love trope, there were also some hints of spirituality, politics, feminism, and even environmental protection. Depending on ones perspective, a lot of insight could be drawn from this film. The rain was definitely the central theme since it was not so subtly used as the title. It was a curse, destruction, and death. It was also an opportunity, hope, and life. Then again, I could be over-reading meaning into all of this! So, if you are into movies that make you think, analyze, and philosophize, this is definitely the movie for you!
At first glance, the plot seemed like the ordinary "boy meets girl" flow. It went through the usual introduction into the life of the main character Maya. Then everything changed when the tikbalang appeared! Viewers who do not know much about Filipino folklore, like me, may have some confusion at first. However, I do not see this a bad thing as it actually sparked interest and curiosity. The film also explored a seemingly random overlapping of timelines. It was difficult to know whether Maya was projecting herself into the character she was writing in her children's book, or it was really her and her imagination during her childhood, or both. I guess the beauty is in the vagueness. It allowed for certain possibilities for discourse. Past and present, fantasy and reality. These elements were woven together seamlessly through excellent cinematography and acting.
The film tried to draw out mixed emotions from within the viewer. I guess you could say there was "hugot." It was not just "hugot" from characters, but also pulling out some memories of the viewers past, or some similar feeling the viewer may have felt. This was through the not so subtle introduction of Philippine mythology blended alongside a subtle spotlight on traditions and beliefs every Filipino can relate to.
There were also, however, some predictable moments in the plot. No matter how hard the movie tried to steer clear of "basic" formula by adding some form of plot twist, the execution of the twist somehow steered them back to the predictability they tried to avoid. Moreover, some moments even seem draggy in certain points of the film. Although they may have been intended to build up momentum, the audience's attention may not be so forgiving.
Overall, I think the film is a great piece of art work that is open to various interpretations! There is an abundant supply of symbolism and representation. As a person who overthinks and sometimes reads meaning (which may be unintended by the artist) into works, I must say: Surely, there is some philosophical or deeper meaning! Aside from the obvious love trope, there were also some hints of spirituality, politics, feminism, and even environmental protection. Depending on ones perspective, a lot of insight could be drawn from this film. The rain was definitely the central theme since it was not so subtly used as the title. It was a curse, destruction, and death. It was also an opportunity, hope, and life. Then again, I could be over-reading meaning into all of this! So, if you are into movies that make you think, analyze, and philosophize, this is definitely the movie for you!