Cinemalaya 2013

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Sana Dati by Jerrold Tarog

The cameraman in "Sana Dati" is Dennis (Paulo Avelino), a novice wedding videographer serendipitously hired to cover the wedding of Andrea (Lovi Poe), the last love of his older brother Andrew (Benjamin Alves). Andrea weds Robert (TJ Trinidad), a failed politician-turned-businessman she met during an election campaign. Through Andrea, Dennis finally understands the reason behind his brother’s sudden decision to leave their family. Through Dennis, Andrea discovers another way to relive the perfect love that was abruptly terminated by fate’s cruelty.

"Sana Dati," on its surface, is a very affecting romance. Tarog, who not only directed but also wrote, edited, and scored the film, is obviously in control. Although seemingly unburdened by any need to be relevant, Tarog nevertheless experiments with structure, not for the sake of needlessly complicating his story but to inject into the film a certain rhythm that effortlessly enunciates emotions.

"Sana Dati" ends in consolation. There are no grand tragedies, except perhaps the tragedy of having to spend a lifetime with someone you still have to learn to love. There are no dignified exclamations about the power of love, except perhaps the proclamation that moving on and settling for are also valid love stories. (Ref: http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/40302-sana-dati-movie-review-francis-joseph-cruz)


It is is an artfully rendered, emotionally honest examination of characters caught in a confusing flux of love, obligation, and longing. Its humor, affection, and grief collapse into a series of indelible moments, and it earns the surprise of its ending, traveling, as it does, from the unexpected bend of its beginning. Of all the filipino indie films I've watched, this is one of the most and greatest film that moved me along with the story. It gave me chill and feels that resulted from a great twist of the story.

I hope someday there will be more of this kind. I don't know what gives me the chills to watch these kind of movies but somehow it's something inspirational and affectionate to all its audiences.


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