The First movie for my #MMFF2017 full review is SIARGAO, produced by Ten17p Films. The film is topbilled by Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith with Luke Landrigan, Wil Dasovich, Mica Javier, Roxanne Barcelo, Will Devaughn, Suzette Ranillo and Leon Miguel. Produced by Mark Viktor and the director himself Paul Soriano.
SYNOPSIS: Fresh from a breakup caused by her fear of settling down, video blogger LAURA (Erich Gonzales) embarks on a solo trip to Siargao hoping to move on and find a new adventure. Here she meets rock singer DIEGO (Jericho Rosales) who is caught between uncertainties of the future and baggage of the past. This fateful encounter stirs up what local entrepreneur ABI (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) thought were long lost feelings for a long lost love, i.e. Diego. In this unlikely triangle, the movie tackles if there is a room for second chances or moving on to something new.
LET’s WATCH THE TRAILER FIRST.
I have reviewed Direk Paul Soriano’s work in the past (THELMA way back in 2011 and DUKOT last year) and I could say that he is consistently improving with his big screen narration. Siargao will definitely takes you to splendid waves of Surigao Province. The film will make you fall in love with the beach and island’s virginity. I liked how the film didn’t only focus on travelling to beach itself but it was able to capture the heart of the people living there. I know it has a typical escape-of-the-norms plot but the perfect casting adds flavor to the illusion of love and compassion. Soriano kept his promise to succeed in Cinematography. His signature, flawless drone shots makes it easier to fall in love to the nature effortlessly.
I liked how Jasmine and Erich played their roles as if they were my friends. As a blogger, I kind of relate on how the film shares what a video blogger does in life and removes all misconceptions about bloggers not enjoying travels because of divided attentions.
Though conflict came late, the story remain truthful to its premise, to tell a love story about three people who find themselves in such a beautiful island, looking for love, happiness, and belongingness.
While I am semi bothered by Jericho Rosales’ inconsistent dialect diction, his dramatic eyes give you that feeling of uncertainty and conviction.
I appreciate the film’s straightforwardness to make me feel helpless when it comes to love. True to its meaning, the film successfully delivered an attempt, in a subtle way of impacting emotions through wonderfully written dialogues. It’s as if I am talking to a friend on a one on one consultation about the love that could have been, “got away” and never happened.
Siargao is indeed the next best thing as travel destination. The film is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, opens on Christmas Day, December 25 in Cinemas Nationwide. It is distributed by Solar Pictures and Rated PG by MTRCB.
Rod Magaru Rates SIARGAO 8/10.