This film's attempt to combine elements of realism and mysticism was commendable for being seamless and natural. In fact, what made it outstanding was how the surrealism was so integrated in the overall plot that its execution made it feel like seeing tikbalangs was something not unordinary - a great leap forward, I must say, from the usual fantasy type films we see. I surmise that a huge part of this success was how these supernatural characters were not used just for comic relief but as central elements contributing the overall appreciation of the film's plot, e.g., how tikbalangs are undeserving of a good love story, how human characters turn into eggs to pave way for the closeness of the protagonists, and even how the personification of environment to have caused calamities as a result of a missed romantic relationship which could very much qualify as a strong sociopolitical statement for the keen observers.
Additionally, the film's mood was fitting to the story. Rain, for most people, connotes tragedy and despair but it also exhibits a sense of nostalgia and hopeful familiarity. This seemingly contradictory yet balanced mood was wonderfully complemented by color grading and cinematography. These elements definitely add to produce an imaginative and ethereal film. Right from the first frame of the opening scene down to the very last, the film was consistent in effecting attachment by the audience to the film as they too have experienced that longing for something, one way or another.
Lastly, the film was not a story about finding eternal love as it was a story about struggle and courage. The ending scene gave it away when it showed Maya enjoying dancing in the rain despite the storm. Surely, it was an unusual storyline which could possibly leave its audience more confused. But I guess that's the film's appeal. It was not meant to spoon-feed anyone as it requires moviegoers to appreciate it based on their own context and Maya's story was only a trigger.
In the end, it is this film's simplicity and unconventional portrayal of a character's journey that undoubtedly puts it as one for the boo
Additionally, the film's mood was fitting to the story. Rain, for most people, connotes tragedy and despair but it also exhibits a sense of nostalgia and hopeful familiarity. This seemingly contradictory yet balanced mood was wonderfully complemented by color grading and cinematography. These elements definitely add to produce an imaginative and ethereal film. Right from the first frame of the opening scene down to the very last, the film was consistent in effecting attachment by the audience to the film as they too have experienced that longing for something, one way or another.
Lastly, the film was not a story about finding eternal love as it was a story about struggle and courage. The ending scene gave it away when it showed Maya enjoying dancing in the rain despite the storm. Surely, it was an unusual storyline which could possibly leave its audience more confused. But I guess that's the film's appeal. It was not meant to spoon-feed anyone as it requires moviegoers to appreciate it based on their own context and Maya's story was only a trigger.
In the end, it is this film's simplicity and unconventional portrayal of a character's journey that undoubtedly puts it as one for the boo