One Great Love

One Great Love, a drama-romance movie of 2018, is a poignant exploration of romantic relationships, their intricacies, and the trials that often accompany them. The film's narrative is beautifully woven around its central character Zyra Paez, played by the talented and beautiful Kim Chiu. The storyline meticulously strips back the various layers of love and its manifold perspectives, all while keeping viewers invested in the tribulations of the relationships on-screen.

From the initial scenes, the viewers are introduced to Zyra, a woman straddling the realms of love and uncertainty. The character exhibits numerous contrasts, oscillating between elation, despair and introspection as the film progresses. Chiu’s outstanding performance brings a great deal of depth and vulnerability to her character, resonating with the viewers on an emotional level.

Sharing the screen with Chiu, Dennis Trillo as Carl Mauricio and JC De Vera as Ian Arcano both give stellar performances. Carl, portrayed by Trillo, is Zyra's one great love - the man who has stood by her side through thick and thin, but whose flawed personality and actions put strain on their relationship. Trillo's gripping delivery encapsulates every bit of the complexities of a love-struck but flawed individual, providing an engaging tension throughout the movie.

On the other hand, the character of Ian Arcano (JC De Vera) functions as the third vertex in this precarious love triangle. He is a doctor who cares for his patients and has a softer and more compassionate personality. He enters into Zyra's life when she least expects it, delivering a sense of hope and a possibility for change. De Vera competently portrays the character with a sweet and kind demeanor but also with a sense of innocence and lure, that is hard to resist.

Directed by Eric Quizon, the narrative structure of One Great Love is non-linear, shifting back and forth between different timelines. This interesting storytelling approach lets audiences see the development of the central characters, particularly how love changes them and the circumstances surrounding them.

The movie utilizes recurring motifs and symbols to emphasize the central themes of love, sadness, happiness, and hope. From the regular use of filmic elements such as rain representing gloom and despair, to sunshine depicting hope and happiness, to the recurrent use of tight close-ups to capture emotion in a way that words often fall short; the director ensures every aspect of the filmmaking complements the story and the themes.

The cinematography is equally commendable. Each frame is a snapshot of color, emotion, and depth, capturing both the internal turmoil and the external celebrations of love and despair. The aesthetic looks of the movie, combined with an array of beautiful set pieces, make it visually alluring.

Complementing the great visuals is the soulful background score which subtly enhances the emotional depth of the film. Each score and sound design is meticulously chosen, helping evoke the right emotions at the right time, adding another layer to the storytelling.

One Great Love allows the audience to embark on a journey that is both heart-touching and thought-provoking, examining the depths of love and its ability to transform lives. A tale that reflects on the concept of love in its most finite and infinite forms, the film encourages viewers to ponder their ideas of true love.

In its essence, One Great Love is more than just a typical romantic drama; it's an examination of relationships, their complexities, and how they shape individuals and their decisions. The story might focus on a love triangle, but it keenly explores themes such as forgiveness, maturity, and self-discovery, revealing that love is far from simple, and is often a journey of self-realization.