(MOVIE REVIEW) Star Cinema's IN THE NAME OF LOVE.

“Where do I begin… To tell the story of how great a love can be… The sweet love story that is older than the sea…”

Just like the lines in the theme song, the truth is I really don’t know how to begin this review, as I’m still in awe of how the story made me happy, sad, and happy again all at the same time.

Written by Enrico Santos, the story of In the Name of Love is not your ordinary Filipino love story where you can predict the plot just by watching the trailer. I’ve seen three different versions of the film’s trailer, and I can honestly say that I still had to ask insiders what the movie was all about. To no avail, my curiosity only grew stronger, prompting me to rush to the Red Carpet Premiere Night to see it for myself.

I know that Star Cinema has long been the leader in producing not only quality films but also box-office record breakers in the country. But this movie elevates the film outfit to the status of being the best production company of the last two decades. Star Cinema is celebrating its 18th anniversary this 2011.

The movie started with a very light scene, as I could already see Emman (Aga Muhlach) showing off his modern and hip dance moves. This was followed by a very intense situation that still left me clueless as to how the story would unfold in a way that audiences could fully understand. He meets Cedes (Angel Locsin) at the height of her overseas career. Then something happens that leaves him with no choice but to make a sacrifice. (I really don’t want to reveal the plot here!) The story then jumps seven years later, showing how ordinary their lives have become. Their paths cross once again, but things are no longer the same.

Emman is now a dance instructor and is tasked with helping Cedes learn some dance steps for an upcoming Governor’s Ball. It’s already too late for Emman and Cedes to rekindle what they once had, as circumstances have changed. Cedes already has a boyfriend and is about to marry him (Jake Cuenca).

The story thickens as they try to hide what happened in the past while attempting to forget everything. However, the past eventually demands to be confronted. There are words left unsaid, emotions left unresolved, and situations no one would ever want to be in. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but that’s all I can share without spoiling the story. The experience is best enjoyed in a movie theater. You have to watch it soon so you’ll understand why it carries such a fitting title.

I’m surprised that the story doesn’t unfold chronologically. It kept me engaged until the very last moment. Angel Locsin’s performance was impressive and incomparable to any role she has done before. She successfully portrayed different stages of her character’s life with distinct attitudes and emotions. Forget about the pole-dancing scene in the trailer—that’s only a small part of what she delivers. Her character’s story runs much deeper than I expected. At times, it felt as though she was delivering a Hollywood-caliber performance. Her silence in certain scenes spoke volumes about her character. And she is undoubtedly one of the hottest stars in town.

She is paired with Aga Muhlach, who equally delivers a stellar performance. Emman is a man whose love story wasn’t something he searched for—it simply arrived. Yet when he finally falls in love, his character teaches us that it’s not enough to simply say you love someone or even live for that love, but sometimes to emotionally die in the name of love. Aga never tries too hard to look younger or older; instead, he perfectly fits the role through the sincerity of his performance.

And then there’s Jake Cuenca, who has always been a reliable supporting actor. He gives an acceptable portrayal of a young man still clinging to his youthful ambitions while trying to conquer the political world his family belongs to. There were moments when I found his performance lacking, but perhaps that was exactly what his role required as the youngest and somewhat immature son.

Writer Enrico Santos described the film as an “almost tragic love story,” distinguishing it from previous Star Cinema productions. “It combines love and danger. Personally, I witnessed how the film evolved to give a different passion among its characters. That’s its main difference. It is also a film project where you’d see how good its director and actors truly are,” he elaborated.

And why do I feel that the musical score fits perfectly? Every time I hear the instrumental version of “Where Do I Begin,” I feel the sadness behind the main characters’ lives. It gives me the urge to hug them. The cinematography is beautifully executed, enhancing every mood and situation as the story unfolds. The twist is timely yet unpredictable.

Director Olivia Lamasan gave me goosebumps with the way she guided audiences toward accepting the film’s tragic yet uplifting ending. The rest of the cast includes Dante Rivero, Leo Rialp, Smokey Manaloto, Ryan Eigenmann, Emilio Garcia, Kat Alano, Dimples Romana, Bobby Andrews, Michael Flores, Joshua Zamora, Nanding Josef, Maliksi Morales, Paul Salas, and Carmi Martin.

The movie received seven rounds of applause. After the credits rolled, everyone stood up and gave a standing ovation to Lamasan, Muhlach, and Locsin. This is a movie I would recommend to everyone. I may be biased because I’m a huge fan of Star Cinema-produced films, but this is one movie I’m proud to call the best Filipino film of the year so far.

I’m giving this movie my awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, Best Screenplay, and Best Performances for the lead actors.

In the Name of Love opens today, May 11, in 100 theaters nationwide. It will also begin showing at the Alex Theater in Los Angeles on May 28 and at the Fox Theater in San Francisco on May 29.