This Time I'll Be Sweeter

This Time I'll Be Sweeter is a Filipino romantic drama movie released in 2017. Directed by Joel Lamangan, the film stars Barbie Forteza, Ken Chan, and Thea Tolentino. With a runtime of 114 minutes, the film has an engaging and touching narrative that appeals to audiences looking for an emotional journey.

Barbie Forteza plays the role of Erika, a hard-working college student striving for success. Her mother, a single parent, is struggling against the odds to support Erika and her siblings. As a journalism student, Erika is energetic and ambitious, and she often works part-time jobs to make ends meet. Her character represents the steadfast spirit of a young woman who is willing to take any hurdle life throws at her.

Ken Chan, on the other hand, plays the role of Tristan, who represents the opposite end of the social spectrum. Tristan is a handsome and privileged pilot, who is used to a privileged lifestyle. Despite his seemingly perfect life, Tristan struggles with the expectations of his father and the pressure to maintain the family legacy. Chan convincingly brings this character to life, capturing the complexities of a man who struggles to find his own identity.

Erika and Tristan's paths cross in an unlikely turn of events, igniting a romance that is tested by their starkly different backgrounds. Their relationship takes a turn when Erika's ambition to succeed as a journalist inadvertently creates a misunderstanding between them. Tristan, who is already struggling with his own issues, feels betrayed by Erika's actions. This conflict creates a deep-seated rift between them, resulting in a shocking breakup.

Thea Tolentino plays the character of Carrie, Erika's best friend who also harbors feelings for Tristan. As a faithful friend and silent lover, Carrie adds a third dimension to Erika and Tristan's relationship. Her character adds a layer of tension to the film, adding to the dramatic appeal of the storyline.

Following their breakup, Erika and Tristan find their lives moving in drastically different directions, each carrying the weight of their failed relationship. Years later destiny brings them back together. However, this time around, they are much more mature and experienced, with a different perspective on life and love. But the question remains. Will they give their love another chance or is the heartache from their past too painful to forget?

This Time I'll Be Sweeter is a poignant exploration of young love, ambition, familial pressure, and the complexities of adulthood. The movie beautifully captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with first love and the pain and growth that come with heartbreak and disappointment. The film's narrative is further enhanced by the stellar performances of Ken Chan, Barbie Forteza, and Thea Tolentino.

Each actor explores their characters with depth and sincerity, lending an authentic feel to the story. The relatable storyline combined with compelling performances and a good mix of emotions makes the film engaging and appealing to a broad audience.

Director Joel Lamangan has done an exceptional job of capturing every nuance of this emotional roller coaster. The cinematography is also visually pleasing, with beautiful landscapes and well-framed shots closely capturing the emotional states of the characters. The film's musical score subtly complements the narrative, adding a deeper emotional resonance to key scenes throughout the film.

In conclusion, This Time I’ll Be Sweeter is a heart-tugging movie that amplifies human emotions, focusing on love, redemption, and second chances. With its compelling narrative and the stellar performances by its lead actors, it is sure to resonate with anyone who's ever been in love or had their heart broken. It's a gentle reminder of the enduring and transformative power of love, regardless of time and circumstance. A must-watch for romance aficionados, who love stories where love gets a second chance.