SUNNY brings vibrance to Philippine cinema!
Viva Films’ latest offering SUNNY is a Philippine movie
adaptation of a Korean film of the same title.
It tells the story of seven girlfriends whose friendship started
back in high school and reconnected after twenty-plus years when one of the
SUNNY girls got terminally ill.
Viva Films 1990s popular young stars Vina Morales, Angelu De
Leon, Sunshine Dizon, Ana Roces, Tanya Garcia, Katya Santos, and Candy
Pangilinan lead the present time SUNNY barkada while gen-Z Viva stars Heaven
Peralejo, Bea Binene, Aubrey Caraan, Abby Bautista, Ashtine Olviga, Ashley
Diaz, and Heart Ryan play the young SUNNY girlfriends.
The movie is undeniably heart-warming and funny. It will make
you reminisce about your high school days and the friendships you built over
the years.
It’s also a realization that life is short, it’s never too
late to rekindle your solid bond with old pals. In addition, the film speaks
about loving your true self, recognizing and going back to your real core as a
beautiful, and unique person.
Three elements in the film struck me the most as a viewer.
They are the narrative, musical scoring, and acting.
Although this is an adaptation, screenwriter Mel Mendoza del
Rosario cohesively narrates the past and present story without
confusing the viewers. Mel del Rosario lives with her expertise in writing another
heartwarming friendship-themed and relationship-driven screenplay (some of her
screenplays were Second Chances, Miracle Cell No.7, DoReMi, and Campus Girls
amongst others). Never a dull scene in the film. Viewers are glued until the closing
credits.
The musical scoring of SUNNY effectively sets the emotional
pull in dramatic and comedic highlights too. The OG,and Gen Z Viva girls are
credible in portraying their roles but the music bed added more intensity to
the scenes. Viewers will have emotional transitions
for most of the movie. You’ll laugh at how crazy the young girls are and next scene,
you’ll cry like a river when the current Sunny ladies narrate their different circumstances.
If you are a “Batang 90s”, you will appreciate the film soundtrack including
Donna Cruz’ “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso”, Prettier than Pink “Cool Ka Lang” and Eraserheads'
“ With A Smile”. All these three songs will bring back so many memories of your
youth, that I bet! Aside from the 90s hit songs as references, the Video City
and TGIS feature will make your time warp.
The acting of the leading ladies is remarkable. Each of the fourteen
actresses is given highlights and each of them easily stands out. Vina Morales(the
present Annie) and Angelu De Leon (the present Chona) are back to lead star status
proving that they can still do the chops! In their hospital bed scene, both
actresses will surely make you cry. The scene of Katya Santos (the present Becky)
confessing her real circumstances to Vina and Candy Pangilinan (the present
Dang) will pierce your heart. Heaven Peralejo’s (the young Annie) discovery of
her dream boy and co-Sunny member Sue (played by Aubrey Caraan) kissing will
break your heart as if you were in your teenage years again. The funeral scene
of one of the lead stars where the six other Sunny girls reunite and hear the last
will is cathartic.
And it’s not only the crying scenes that are astounding, the
bright and bubbly personas portrayal of Chona (Bea Binene) Dang (Candy Pangilinan
& Abby Bautista), Gwen (Sunshine Dizon, Ashtine Olviga), Becky(Heart Ryan),
and Janet (Ashley Diaz, Tanya Garcia) are noteworthy as well.
Although in reality, the 1990s Viva young stars are not of
the same age (Vina, Ana, and Candy are older than Angelu. Angelu is older than
Sunshine, Tanya, and Katya), director Jalz Zarate executes and makes the audience
believe that they belong to the same age group because of the actresses’ outstanding
chemistry, charm, and wit. Kudos to Direk Zarate for beautifully crafting the film.
Overall, SUNNY is an entertaining and quality movie. It’s a
must-see this month. Rarely that we see a Pinoy movie that strikes a balance of
quality and entertainment. SUNNY has both. The PHP350 is worth spending and
even watching it again.
In my personal opinion, SUNNY brings vibrance and sunshine
to the Philippine cinema!
"Sugod mga SUNNY" to theaters near you!
ctto Viva Films for the poster
My rating: 9/10
