I Love You, Hater

I Love You, Hater is a Filipino romantic drama from 2018 directed by Giselle Andres, made memorable by the powerful performances of talented young actors Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, alongside Filipino entertainment icon Kris Aquino. The movie is a riveting and unconventional exploration of love, pain, ambition, and the complexity of human relationships. It is a heartwarming tale wrapped in emotional vulnerability, making it a funny yet poignant cinematic experience.

The movie’s plot follows the lives of two ambitious young individuals named Joko (Joshua Garcia) and Zoey (Julia Barretto), who are seeking for opportunities to lift their family's living conditions. Their stories merge when they both cross paths in pursuit of a job under the famous, successful, and influential digital empire mogul Sasha Imperial (Kris Aquino).

Joko is a hardworking and responsible man, trying to keep his family afloat by juggling various jobs. He's developed a keen eye for opportunity and regards the work opening with Sasha as a golden ticket to elevate his struggling family's situation. His charisma and down-to-earth personality make him a lovable character with whom the audience can easily relate.

Zoey, on the other hand, is a fearless, go-getter PR assistant who is thriving in the world of telecommunications but longs for more. Driven by ambition, she is determined to prove herself by landing a prestigious job with Sasha Imperial. Zoey is a relentless and passionate character whose zest for life and success is palpable.

Much of the story unfolds as Joko and Zoey vie for the coveted position of Sasha’s new personal assistant. Sasha is a digital tycoon, deeply admired but aloof, whose personal life holds deeply-rooted pains and secrets. The volcanic persona of Sasha forms the backdrop to Joko and Zoey’s narrative, adding a more profound layer of complexity to the plot.

As the story unfolds, Joko, and Zoey find themselves in a stiff competition that eventually develops into an unexpected friendship and possible romance. The increasing tension between them against the backdrop of their professional rivalry provides an exciting dynamic. And yet, beyond their personal desires and goals, they both find themselves learning important life lessons about honesty, acceptance, and love.

Set in the vibrant, fast-paced city of Manila, the film offers a realistic glimpse into the working world's hustle and bustle. Its cinematography accomplishes a lovely blend of modern office life and the city's raw, urban richness. The soundtrack adds depth to this emotional rollercoaster, tenderly underpinning love scenes, and capturing the comedy and drama of pivotal moments delicately.

Laced with humor and emotions, and sprinkled with a fair dose of reality, I Love You, Hater blends romance, comedy, and drama perfectly. The strength of the film lies in its ability to maintain a comedic undertone while dealing with rather serious themes. The witty one-liners, comic timing, and situational humor give a lighthearted touch to even the most emotional moments.

Garcia and Barretto's infectious chemistry is the movie’s highlight. They brilliantly portray a range of emotions - from fierce rivalry to affectionate camaraderie to passionate love - making their characters' journey relatable and gripping. Adding depth and nuance to the movie is Aquino, who delivers a stellar performance as the sophisticated and powerful Sasha, who exudes a commanding presence yet also vulnerable, adding more underlayers to her character.

I Love You, Hater takes you on an emotional journey that celebrates resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams, while also laying bare the human hearts' vulnerabilities when it comes to love and relationships. It’s an engaging, heartfelt story that pushes the boundaries of traditional romance films, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.