The Hopeful Romantic

The 2018 Filipino film, The Hopeful Romantic, is a romantic comedy-drama movie that artfully combines wit, humour, and sincere emotions to strike the right balance for any lover of the rom-com genre. The film features a talented star cast that includes well-known names like Pepe Herrera, Ritz Azul, and Nikko Natividad. Directed by Topel Lee, The Hopeful Romantic is an enchanting Filipino production that nurtures the simplistic charm of a well-told love story.

Pepe Herrera plays the role of Jess, a 33-year-old valet parking who feels a strong solidarity with a famous phrase, "I may be poor, but I'm honest". Jess, who comes from a simple background is an idealistic man who believes in the importance of honesty and loyalty. He holds a unique perspective on love and relationships, refusing to engage in any form of deceit. This melancholic streak, combined with a comedic twist, captioning the everyday life of Herrera’s character, is one of the quintessential aspects of the film.

Enter Veronica, a high-end escort played by glamorous and charming Ritz Azul. Veronica's lifestyle and values appear to be in stark contrast to Jess's simplistic living and ethical beliefs. Nevertheless, crossings of fate intertwine their paths in unpredictable ways. Despite their unconventional meeting and glaring differences, sparks start to fly as they delve deeper into each other's lives.

The character of Jess stands testament to the common saying, “love is blind”. Despite knowing the truth about Veronica's profession, he is smitten by her authenticity and charm, falling head over heels in love with her. Jess’s innocence and idealism create an amusing yet endearing narrative as he attempts to win over Veronica's heart.

On the other hand, Veronica, hardened by her circumstances and lifestyle, finds herself drawn to the simplicity and earnestness of Jess. Ritz Azul portrays the duality of Veronica's character of a high-end escort and a woman longing for genuine affection with acute finesse.

Their relationship is tried and tested at every turn by the world's cynical view of love. Amid these trials, comes an engaging twist in the tale where a gaggle of hilarious characters turns simple romance into a comedy of errors. Nikko Natividad, who plays the important supporting character, adds an extra layer of depth and comedy to the narrative.

The Hopeful Romantic unfolds as a dance between old-school values and the realities of modern-day romances. Both protagonists' distinctly unique worlds converge and contradict at different points in the narrative, resulting in a heartfelt and hilarious romantic comedy.

This film does a brilliant job of capturing the essence of romantic navigations in the modern world. It is layered with deftly written comedy, making it a delightful watch while highlighting the unpredictable, often chaotic yet magical nature of love. It leaves the viewers questioning - Will Jess, with his genuine and straightforward nature, be able to transcend the barriers separating him from Veronica?

The Hopeful Romantic is paramount in Topel Lee's portfolio for its storytelling and character development. This movie is a testament to Lee's ability to tell a compelling story that is both authentic and moving while maintaining the light-heartedness quintessential of a romantic comedy movie.

The performances by the lead and supporting actors are commendable. Pepe Herrera, in particular, shines through his fantastic portrayal of Jess. Each character in the movie is presented with their unique flaws, making them authentic and relatable.

In conclusion, The Hopeful Romantic is a delightful blend of humour and romance that will make you laugh, cry, and hold a mirror to the realities of modern-day love. With a dynamic star cast, humourous screenplay, and a heartwarming plot, it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who loves romantic comedies. Whether you're in for a light-hearted experience or intense rom-com, this movie does a fair job in keeping you hooked from beginning to end.