Foreign Film
Language: Filipino (Philippines)
Subtitle: English
Year: 2017
Director: Dan Villegas
As Covid-19 continues to disrupt life as we know it; impacting the cinema world in a negative way, there are not a lot of new review worthy films out there that are readily available. Of course, we continue to look to movie streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc for whatever scraps they can throw at us. Good news though, as the movie industry seems to be pregnant with films to be delivered between this Christmas and early next year. However, until then, I will continue to review old films that you might have missed, didn’t hear about, or skipped for whatever reason. I have picked another foreign film to review this time.
All of You is a 2017 romantic-comedy drama directed by Dan Villegas. Villegas is known for directing Filipino romantic dramas. I hate to reveal the plot or whole story of a good movie, and there isn’t much to say about this film without revealing the entire plot. Gab (Derek Ramsay) and Gabby (Jennylyn Mercado) meet via a dating app. Gabby is a little sceptical about it as it’s her first time using one. However, she tries it and meets Gab. There is instant attraction between them, and they quickly fall in love and begin a relationship that moves quite fast.
As with most couples, they are two different people. While he is laid back, carefree and a bit closed, she is organised, controlling and stubborn. It is then unsurprising when, within three years, they begin to experience relationship issues that threaten to destroy their once close bond.
This is a drama with a romantic theme that’s made more interesting, not only by its vivid display of the reality of relationship issues and the traumas experienced by couples, but also by the all too familiar reactions and decisions taken. I especially like that the film was fraught with a lot of humour. I can’t count how many times it made me laugh and smile. It’s a simple but relatable film by anyone who has ever been or is in a relationship. While the story is simple, the plot is what really gets you.
It might be a foreign film, but there’s quite a lot of spoken English in it. For anyone who knows Derek Ramsay, you would be in no doubt when I say he’s such a brilliant actor. Jennylyn Mercado is also an acclaimed actress in her own right.
One of the best parts of the film for me was the soundtrack – ‘Dying Inside to Hold You’. This was performed by Darren Espanto, a 19 year old (16 years old at the time) Filipino-Canadian singer and actor, well known for delivering new recordings, reviving, or performing popular songs composed or sung by their original artists. The song was originally sung by American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer and keyboardist, Timmy Thomas.
If you’re a romantic at heart and are looking for a great film to watch that will make you cherish your relationship or desire to fall in love, whilst making you constantly smile and laugh, then I recommend this film. I rate it 7.5 out of 10.
Currently available on Netflix.
Please see below for Darren Espanto’s performance of ‘Dying Inside to Hold You’, the original soundtrack of All of You. It has clips from the film but doesn’t give much of the plot away.
Further Information:
Dan Villegas: Filipino Director and Cinematographer
Derek Ramsay: British-born Filipino actor, model, and TV host. Also starred in the 2011
Filipino romantic-drama, ‘No Other Woman’ (I have seen this film and rather enjoyed it)
Jennylyn Mercado: Filipina actress, songwriter, and singer
Kommentare