Love Me Again tackled the art of waiting.
The message of the film could actually be summed up this way: "Sometimes, you just can't have what you want when you want it. But it does not mean you can never have it. Every thing takes place at the right time. It's not NO, it's just NOT NOW."
Ara and Migo, played by Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, respectively, both made big decisions that tested their love for each other. Their story unfolded with breathtaking Bukidnon as the backdrop.
The guy was a restless soul, and had made reckless choices in the past. The girl was a very responsible panganay, and dreamed about a better future for her family. He owned a ranch. She worked for a piña plantation. He was a rich kid and spent some of his college days in a reputable school. She only finished high school, and could hardly speak English.
But the langit at lupa aspect did not become a major issue for the couple. It was their contrasting outlook in life and the circumstances which forced them to part ways. The turning point was when Ara's dad, portrayed by Ricky Davao, was hit by a cow during Kaamulan festival and suffered a mild heart attack. Migo helped in any way he could, to the point of borrowing huge amount of money from a family friend in Davao. But Ara tearfully turned down Migo's offer, and accepted a job offer in Australia.
Life in the Land Down Under was not as simple as she thought. She missed her family. She missed the less-rigid work hours in her hometown. She missed Migo.
Eventually, she was able to adjust, and her boss—a middle-aged Aussie rancher named Bryan—took notice of her dedication and skill in Math. She was promoted from being a cook to becoming Boss Bryan's bride.
But fate could be tricky. Just before Ara's wedding, a new stockman arrived from the Philippines. His name: Migo.
Will she love him again? That's the core of the story.
THE RAVES:
1. I liked the way the film captured the beauty of the place, including its rich culture. I visited Bukidnon five years ago, but, from this film, I learned that there's more to it than the pineapples, the pine trees, and the infinite hills. Heck, I didn't know they have a lot of cowboys.
2. I was impressed by Direk Rory Quintos's treatment on the transition from the green scenery of Bukidnon to the stark ranch awaiting Ara in Australia. It readily set the mood for the kind of life that Ara had to face in the Land Down Under.
3. The chemistry between Piolo and Angel was palpable. Cute din pala sila! I added the word "din" because I was a big fan of the two stars' tandem with their former screen partners.
4. Angel's acting improved. I saw her performance in all her previous movies, and I sensed maturity in her portrayal of Ara's role. She successfully played the character of a Pinay engaged to a foreigner. And if she can master putting more emotions into her voice, making the delivery more intense—Angel will soon get the acting jurors' nod of approval.
5. The scenes labeled as "My Favorites" in my notes—Ara's tearful moment with her dad the night before she left Bukidnon; the walang-katapusang-pamamaalam portion with her younger brothers, played by Nash Aguas and John Manalo, who both did a good job by the way; the webcam kamustahan with her family; the transformation of Ara from the ranch cook to the future wife of the ranch owner; and that funny moment when Migo was correcting her English.
6. The scenes tagged as "shriek-worthy" by moviegoers—the love scene at the barn and Migo's abs.
SOME HICCUPS:
1. I liked the idea of capturing struggles of the main characters via a song, but I personally found that portion a bit long.
2. The shots for the love scene were done artistically, but the build-up was quite dragging.
3. Piolo did a good job, but looking at the depth of his character, I felt that it became secondary to Angel's. On a lighter note, fellow editor Rommel Llanes got bothered with the outfits of Piolo. "Bakit kailangang iba yung sleeves ng damit niya sa ibang cowboys?"
4. My curious question: What happened to Boss Bryan?
Overall, the film was able to capture the beauty of Bukidnon and the struggles of the characters vividly and without exaggeration. Tama lang ang timpla ng drama at saya.
For the Piolo-Angel fans, Love Me Again is definitely worth the wait. And to those who have been waiting for somebody or for something to happen, this movie is a must-see.
Trailer courtesy of Star Cinema