A review of the movie Rewind

Disclaimer: Spoilers Ahead – Proceed with Caution

Last week, attempting to catch the much-anticipated Movie Rewind proved to be daunting. Faced with crowded theaters and the hassle of online ticket purchases, the plan was reluctantly abandoned. Thankfully, the MMFF extended the screening until today, January 14. This unexpected opportunity allowed for a hassle-free viewing experience, with a less crowded cinema ensuring our comfort.

As someone who reserves the luxury of watching a movie only once a year, this cinematic treat held a special place. What made it even more intriguing was the introduction to Marian Rivera and DingDong Dantes, actors whose work had eluded my screen until now.

Having watched a mere two MMFF movies in my lifetime ( My Bebe Love because of Aldub, and Die Beautiful), my skepticism toward Filipino cinema began to waver after discovering gems like Seven Sundays and films featuring my favorite, Alessandra De Rossi. The directorial prowess of Cathy Garcia Molina and Olivia Lamasan further cemented my newfound appreciation. However, foreign films still held a higher regard in my eyes due to a perceived lack of quality in Filipino productions. It’s a good thing that slapstick comedy movies were in absence this year, and hopefully forever, lol (Sorry, not sorry)

While reading online comments about the movie, I just find it irritating for others to compare the movie with If Only. I don’t even see a resemblance. I watched If Only many times and have read the book.

Now, onto the Movie Rewind. The unexpected ending caught me off guard. Contrary to my expectations, Marian’s character didn’t meet a tragic end. While the film delivered a poignant and emotional narrative, the tears it drew didn’t match the depth of those shed for movies like Me Before You, A Man Called Otto or The Notebook. The catharsis was different.

The movie’s standout lesson resonated deeply – the notion that one day isn’t sufficient to rectify a lifetime of mistakes. It reminded me that living without regrets entails consistently being the best version of oneself.

Though I enjoyed the film and the actors’ performances, there lingered a sense of something missing. John’s character, painted as a flawed husband, lacked the depth needed to truly connect with the audience. Perhaps showcasing more tangible flaws like financial negligence, forgotten anniversaries, or even a bit of a domestic violence could have heightened the emotional impact. There should be a more nuanced interpretation of marital woes. But that’s just me.

In the ensemble, characters played by Joross stood out, while Ina Feleo’s presence felt unnecessary. Lods’ character, on the other hand, added a commendable layer to the narrative. The emotional crescendo, amplified by Ben and Ben’s soul-stirring song ” Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” which was the perfect soundtrack,, succeeded in evoking tears, even from the unprepared viewer. I prepared a lot of tissues, but they rendered useless. For someone, whose tear ducts are very sensitive, that’s saying a lot.