Alexis Abacan

Aleza Mae Bernal

Camille Ivy Contaas
Kyla Marie Gatapia
Herwin Lacostales
Angel Fatima Mangahas
Abegail Nilo
Paulo Santiago
Louise Sinlao
Grade 12 ABM 1
Reaction Paper

Title: Kita Kita (Movie Review)

A lot of people undergo a hectic schedule and the last thing they needed the most is an

additional stressor in life, that is why they seek to activities to rest and to calm down for a while.

Furthermore, they try to escape from their chaotic life by watching romantic comedy stories- Kita

Kita happens to fall on this type of category. However, this film is a little different in relation to

recent films released when it comes to storyline, for it offers portrayal of real-life experience to

those who are fed up with conventional plots.

Kita Kita is a charming film that gives us a fresh look into the rom-com genre. It doesnt

rely on prefabricated chemistry or overly complicated plots. Although there are several lapses

during the movie, the representation of the two amazing actors covered it all up as they showcased

their own style without being flashy, trendy or cool. In addition to that, despite having only a pair

of actor, they have easily managed to touched the spectators hearts and make them burst into cry

as if they went through a breakup. No inclusion of other characters like friends or family play a

crucial role in reshaping the character's actions. No renowned artist was publicized. No handsome

leading man involved. No extravagant setting functioned. Simply, natural and realistic acting of the

protagonists happened throughout the film. It showed the uniqueness of the film as it highlighted
what they can offer, acting-wise. Through simplest of plots, weve come to realize that is enough

for us to enjoy going to the cinema.

According to the director of the movie, Ms. Bernardo (2017) has said I realized that these

actors were boxed in by how the audience perceived them. Everyone had the same perception of

the actors. That is how I got the idea of making one of the characters blind, because we usually

judge people by what we see. So what if the girl cannot see the other person. Will she still fall in

love? In one of the scenes on the movie, Tonyo once said Hindi mo ako nakita nung nakakakita

ka pa. Pero nakita mo ako nung hindi ka na nakakakita. In relation to that, reminiscing the famous

quote in the book The Little Prince (1943) of Antoine de Saint Exupery, it goes by "It is only

with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." What an individual

feel from the heart is genuine and real, not what we see physically from a person, but blindly having

a connection between the two of you is more vital. We cannot deny the fact that Tonyo is not much

of a good looking gentleman in relation to the unreasonable standard of a handsome person set by

people, such as well-proportioned body, fair skin and pointed nose. Nevertheless, Lea, despite

being blind and does not know Tonyo personally, fell in love with his charm and personality rather

than his physical appearance which is the common situation in reality. The real message of the

story depicted the valid definition of true love. Kita Kita does not merely serve as a recreational

tool for stress relieving but as an eye-opener to everyone as well. In love, we shouldnt be blinded

of what we see from a person, we must look beyond what our eyes can grasp and sometimes let

your heart do the work.

Moving on the technical side of the movie, it is known to be far from ideal, from the

production, casting, up to the cinematography itself. The production costs more or less 10 million

pesos, which makes it a small budget film but this does not hinder the remarkable masterpiece of

Sirgrid Bernardo. The setting of the movie is based on Sapporo, Japan. Considering the fact that

Lea is a tour guide, watching the show made the audience want to have a vacation in Japan
someday. Speaking of the actress, the natural act of the main characters made the movie even more

sentimental to the viewers, which led to clasp the audiences attention. Their casting opposes the

ideals of many romantic-comedy films: particularly young, good-looking actors, and a huge fan

base. Although they are not a typical pairing of love team with a huge number of fans, De Rossi

and Marquez convey a chemistry that works and draws a pleasant response from the viewers.

Last highlight of the movie was the last few scenes where it had put us all in deafening

silence. When Lea puts a blindfold trying to recall the memories with the late Tonyo. This scenario

also happens in reality, there are people that forever stays in our hearts but there will be a point in

time where they will never stay in our lives. We still envision the presence of that person even if

we know they are not coming back. The scene heartbreaking and it provokes a powerful emotion

of longing and loss.

Despite being an independent film and having lack of promotions on national television

like any other films, the film made P100 million after a week making it a sleeper hits. Sleeper hits

are films that slowly gain attention and viewership. Jerrold Tarogs Heneral Luna is another sleeper

hit hailed as the highest-grossing historical film of all time. Another concrete example that would

raise the pride of indie films, Im Drunk, I Love You directed by JP Habac. A mainstream movie

with an established love team that makes a large amount of sales in the box-office is not new, but

for a film made outside the mainstream, this is quite surprising and satisfying for people are finally

recognizing better quality films instead of mediocre ones.

In conlusion to the film Kita Kita, it has achieved its goal to touch many hearts for its

exceptional, unexpected and simple but tragic plot. The presentation of a common societal situation

was attained, the significance of dealing with stress and depression. Lea's role may serve as an eye-

opener to many, especially to those who are having a hard time dealing with stress. This movie

may be a precaution to the viewers to deal with life at ease and not let stress win over. Tonyo's role
in the movie is a role every individual must take part of in the world today- taking care of those

who are depressed without taking no as answer to aid their grief.

Overall, the film is recommendable for everyone to watch, especially to those who are

undergoing severe depression. Always remember, you are not alone. There are people around you

willing to help, sometimes some are too scared because you shunned them out. Do not keep your

emotions to yourself or you will end up like Lea. There is hope for us to find that one true love,

only if we give our all and we love truly, madly, deeply.

References:

_________ (2017). Kita Kita sets new record at the box office as highest grossing indie film.

Retrived from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/621394/kita-kita-sets-

new-record-at-the-box-office-as-highest-grossing-indie-film/story/

Oggs Cruz. (2017). Kita Kita review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful. Retrieved from

https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/176386-kita-kita-movie-review-alessandra-de-

rossi-empoy-marquez