Black Sheep and ABS-CBN Film productions latest offering “Alone/Together” is a film which revolves college sweethearts Christine (Liza Soberano) and Raf (Enrique Gil). Christine is the A-list college student from UP, an ambitious and idealist young lass who dreams of working in a world-renown museum. Raf, on the other hand, is a simple, happy-go-lucky guy from UST who is madly in love with Christine. Fast forward to several years, the two meet again and unravel unexpected developments in their lives. Through the course of their reconciliation, Tin and Raf will put closure on several “what ifs” of their past.
STRENGTHS:
Antonette Jadaone’s screenplay is close to realism. She presented the characters of Christine and Raf relatable as possible. The subplots revolving the core of its story are not pushy and fanciful. The love angle of the central characters is not "hard sell" given that this is a LizQuen movie. Jadaone’s directorial approach of ALONE/TOGETHER doesn’t romanticize too much but deep dives in the humanism of each character in the film. Christine and Raf are not angelic types. They curse, they fail, they do unconventional and unpopular choices in life just like any young adult out there. They experience failure, heartbreak and obstacle. Jadaone uses elements to create a unique flavor of a pop love-story film. I like how the correlation of Antonio Luna’s Spoliarium and Eraserheads’ hit single Spoliarium was used in the film. It’s a creative way of combining history and pop culture; the contrast and similarity; of art and entertainment
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The cinematography is attuned with the story progression. It’s vivid when scenes get rosy and blooming. It’s dim when scenes get shady and melancholy.
The lead actors (Liza and Enrique) are also presented in such a way that they are very relatable with the audience. Liza and Enrique hardly had make-up on during flashback scenes (college era). As a viewer, I can see myself to them being juvenile students.
Liza and Enrique have both evolved into mature thespians. Evidently, their depictions have shown great improvement from their previous films. I think ALONE/TOGETHER is more of a Liza Soberano vehicle than an Enrique movie to highlight their full potential as actors.
Jasmine Curtis Smith and Adrian (Luis) Alandy are commendable too. Their portrayals are remarkable. They are proof that there are no small roles, only actors.
Using Eraserheads and Rivermaya’s hit songs (Spoliarium and 214) also add pop flavor. The 90s generation can reminisce their high school and college days with great smiles.
OPPORTUNITY:
I just feel that the ending of the movie is still a bit “Star Cinemaish”. Although the romantic tone has gone down effortlessly, I can still feel the purposeful marketing way of BlackSheep to please the Pinoy movie-going public. I just felt that the final part of the story should have done differently to be more pragmatic.
Alone/Together tries to veer away from the usual Star Cinema formulaic pop romantic story that they are known for.
The film visualizes a more realistic approach about young people’s lives, heartaches and pains, dreams and aspirations, and self-worth and redemption.
The movie is not preachy but overtly conveys important life lessons that the millennials should learn from and emulate.
My rating: 9/10
image courtesy of Black Sheep Productions/ABS-CBN Film Productions/Star Cinema
