24/7 in Love

24/7 in Love is a romantic mockumentary-style comedy-drama co-directed by John-D Lazatin, Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar, Frasco Santos Mortiz, Dido dela Paz, and Cathy Garcia-Molina. It was first released in the Philippines on November 21, 2012, under the production banner of Star Cinema. The star-studded ensemble includes some of the biggest names in Philippine cinema like Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Bea Alonzo.

The film gives a fresh breath of life to the romantic movie genre, as it takes you through various intertwining stories of love, which is segregated into seven vignettes, each offering their own unique perspective on love. Each story unfolds like a beautiful tapestry, with sometimes overlapping narratives that weave in and out of each other.

At the heart of this tapestry is the character Jane, portrayed by Kathryn Bernardo. Nowhere in the film is the theme of love better personified than in Jane, a dreamy teenager who sets forward a wish to experience true love before the world ends as she believes so from the alleged Mayan prophecy. To make her dreams come true, she enacts a plan to meet her celebrity crush played by Daniel Padilla, a basketball superstar with a carefree attitude towards love. Jane's character serves as the film's central narrative, tying together the diverse tales of love and romance.

Adding to the narrative mix, Bea Alonzo portrays Belle, a high-flying career woman who suddenly finds herself in a gauge of reevaluating her love life in tackling the question; what does it mean to be in love with someone?

One of the most engaging aspects of 24/7 in Love is how it deftly handles a multitude of stories, all threading together a common theme of love, but simultaneously running into discrete narratives of romance, patience, second chances, maturity, resilience, and selflessness. Whispered words of love, tender glances, broken hearts, hopeful connections, and transformative relationships are carefully depicted throughout the film as it explores love in all its forms, from young love to mature love, from unrequited love to rekindled love, showcasing a kaleidoscope of emotions associated with love.

In addition to Bernardo, Padilla, and Alonzo, the film also boasts a talented cast, including Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Angelica Panganiban, and several others, delivering strong performances, interlinking the seven stories, and perfectly displaying their depth as actors.

Watched by a global audience, the film’s approach to tackling love from multiple angles has presented itself as a unique cinematic treat. From its opening sequences until the very end, the movie grips its viewers with its engaging narrative style, compelling performances, and a heartwarming portrayal of love stories. It is beautifully shot and remarkably executed, a testament to cooperative work among its directors, reflecting the rhythm and essence of Manila, setting the atmosphere for the poignant love stories.

Furthermore, the film's candid and realistic approach to love is complemented by light-hearted humor, perfect for those looking for an emotional roller-coaster ride. Some stories may make you laugh, others may make your heart flutter, and a few might even make you shed a few tears. This powerful blend makes 24/7 in Love a captivating watch that can resonate with audiences, regardless of their personal experiences with love.

In conclusion, 24/7 in Love is an emotionally stirring, honest, and relatable movie that beautifully showcases how love is not bound by time or circumstances, how it can strike anyone, anytime, and anywhere. It effectively utilizes a successful formula for a romantic comedy, while at the same time, going beyond the conventions of one. It's a film that will make you fall in love, all over again.