Walwal

Walwal, a vibrant, energetic, and contemporary movie from 2018, revolves around the lives of four best-friends who are navigating a crucial stage in their lives. It is a visceral coming-of-age tale, spiked with elements of fun, romance and familial drama. The movie is directed by Jose Javier Reyes and features talented young actors such as Elmo Magalona, Kiko Estrada, Donny Pangilinan, and Jerome Ponce, who breathe life into their characters effectively.

The term "Walwal" is a colloquial Filipino word that means 'to let loose' or 'to party hard.' It's aptly used as the title representing both the mindset and the lifestyle adopted by the four central characters – Dondi, Intoy, Marco, and Bobby. These four friends are in their college years, at a cusp of adulthood where their decisions and experiences begin to shape their future.

Each of the characters represents distinct traits and struggles, offering a diverse yet interconnected narrative. Elmo Magalona plays the role of Dondi, the responsible and serious lad dealing with issues of expectation and acceptance. His life is driving around the duties he inherits from his family, creating a conflict between his desires and responsibilities. Kiko Estrada comes alive as Intoy, a broody young man dealing with heartbreak and fighting the battles of unrequited love. He is the living testament of the saying, the one who appears strongest on the outside might be the most vulnerable on the inside.

Donny Pangilinan plays the role of Bobby, the aspiring filmmaker whose dreams are larger than life, but they often come crashing down under the weight of familial disapproval. His character arc demonstrates the struggles of young talent seeking wings in a traditional society. Lastly, Jerome Ponce plays Marco, a young man dealing with identity crisis while trying to find himself amidst societal norms and standards.

Despite their individual struggles, the boys find solace in their unyielding friendship. They bond over their shared experiences and provide each other with support and strength during tough times. The movie strikingly mirrors the reality of various social pressures on the younger generation and their complex relationships.

"Walwal" unrolls with a lot of youthful energy, color, and an upbeat soundtrack. It presents a vivid portrayal of the youth of today, who live life in the fast lane. However, beneath the glitzy surface, it sensitively handles and addresses the real-life problems encountered by the youth, making it a relatable movie for many audience members while shedding light on issues rarely discussed openly.

The actors have done justice to their roles, delivering their performances effortlessly and with the right amount of emotional depth. Director Jose Javier Reyes successfully manages to convey the essence of youth – its vibrancy, its crisis, and its joie de vivre, through an efficient screenplay and dialogues.

Throughout the course of the narrative, "Walwal" explores young love and its complexities, dreams and their sacrifices, and most importantly, the issues of familial pressure and societal norms. Although the term 'walwal' symbolizes decadence and excessive partying, the movie shifts this concept to depict the spirit of living life freely with your friends, facing troubles, overcoming them, and growing stronger together.

Moreover, the film's cinematography adds to the film’s high-paced rhythm and vibrancy, providing audiences an immersive visual experience. The movie also scores on its soundtrack, filled with catchy and popular tracks resonating with the theme.

"Walwal" is not just a movie about fun and frolic. It dives deeper to show the unseen aspects of youngsters' lives - their aspirations, fears, struggles, and the intense pressure to conform to societal norms. It is an empathetic depiction of the trials and tribulations of the modern youth, intended to resonate deeply with the audience. While the movie is a dose of entertainment, it's also a touching and insightful reflection of the realities of growing up in a complex modern world.