Kita Kita

Kita Kita, a popular Filipino movie from 2017, is a heartwarming romantic comedy that breaks traditional stereotypes of love stories in mainstream cinema. Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Piolo Pascual’s film company, Spring Films, the film stars Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez, who perfectly capture the essence of the characters they portray.

The plot revolves around Lea, played by Alessandra De Rossi, and Tonyo, brought to life by Empoy Marquez. Lea is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) living in Sapporo, Japan, and working as a tourist guide. With a stunningly beautiful city as a backdrop, she brings her enthusiastic spirit to show tourists the best attractions that Sapporo has to offer. As she walks them through the city streets, picturesque parks, and historical landmarks, her life seems close to perfect. However, a sudden personal tragedy shakes her world, leading her into a period of isolation.

On the other hand, Tonyo, another Filipino residing in the same city, leads a simple and humble life. He's charmingly ordinary, kind-hearted, and somebody who appreciates the smaller pleasures of life. After witnessing Lea's ordeal from a distance, he reaches out to her, hoping to bring a spark of joy back into her life. However, with Lea's understandable hesitation, Tonyo has to prove that his intentions are sincere.

Alessandra De Rossi delivers a captivating performance as Lea. She captures the character's transitions from an energetic tourist guide to a shut-away individual, and eventually into someone trying to navigate through her emotional turmoil. She portrays the character’s vulnerability, strength, despair, and optimism spectacularly, thereby capturing the viewers' hearts.

Empoy Marquez, as Tonyo, is a revelation in this film. He gives an endearing performance, expressing his character's emotions through subtle humor and expressive dialogue. His portrayal of Tonyo intensifies the realism of the character, bringing forth Marquez's acting forte in handling comedy and drama simultaneously.

The film, beautifully shot in Sapporo, brings together traditional Japanese aesthetic elements along with the city's modern scenery. The backdrop not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays an integral role in narrating the story, with the changing seasons mirroring the emotional stages of the characters. The film's cinematography is worth a mention, capable of transporting viewers to Japan, allowing them to soak in the city's culture and the charm.

Kita Kita, which translates to 'I See You,' besides being a sentimental romantic comedy, delves into broader themes of hope, friendship, healing, resilience, and the transformative power of love. It breaks the mundane by depicting the protagonists not based on their physical attractiveness but their humaneness and likability, making it resonate with ordinary people.

Furthermore, the film’s audacious storytelling stands out by adaptively using international cinema's narrative styles, lacing the plot with Filipino cultural nuances. With its whimsical charm, well-paced narrative, compelling characters, picturesque locations, and engaging soundtrack, Kita Kita presents a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of the standard rom-com genre.

Despite its simple premise, Kita Kita resounds universally due to the authenticity of its characters, sincerity in its narrative, and the depth of its emotional exploration. The film explores the path of two beautifully flawed individuals crossing, evolving and healing via empathetic understanding and unwavering companionship, disclosing that everyone is deserving of love.

In conclusion, Kita Kita with its fresh storytelling approach and effortless execution, is a standout in Filipino cinema, setting a new benchmark for romantic comedies. This heartwarming film, while making the audience laugh, will also tug at your heartstrings due to its immense emotional depth. It may even provoke viewers to reevaluate their perspectives on love. Kita Kita is not just a movie; it's an emotional journey worth embarking on.