Under the Directors Showcase for the 9th year of the Cinemalaya Film Festival, Sana Dati tells the story of a woman named Andrea as she is about to get married but on that fateful day, a man comes and throws everything into disarray, causing Andrea to remember the man she truly loves.
Reviewing this film is difficult without having to spoil some scenes in the movie, but I will do my best not to. Director Jerrold Tarog said it himself that this is a film about flawed characters who makes flawed decisions. Writing the film seven years ago, he wanted a break from the usual, typical, and shallow romantic films in the industry, hence the creation of this film. As romantic as the movie may look and sound, believe it or not, it is actually an anti-romantic film. But the way he executed the real purpose of the film is subliminal which would require a deeper understanding of the film for you to get it.
I have given you the biggest spoiler it has, which is its anti-romanticism. However, it is up for you to find out how it became like that. How did something so melodramatic and romantic on the surface had a different meaning after all. This is well-crafted film proves that you don't need the cliche and typical love stories to satisfy you. As a matter of fact, the realism of the film will haunt you. Maybe the concept of the film doesn't always happen in real life but it shows the brutality and the harshness of the world we live in. It shows that not everyone gets a happy ending like the fairy tales we always heard of as we were children. The prince charming in the white horse may never come and that's life. Deal with it, the movie tells you.
The film takes place in the present during the wedding day, but just before the ceremony begins. However, it would always have flashback sequences that develop the entire plot of the film. It's like an unsolved puzzle at first but as the film progresses, the pieces starts falling into places and you start seeing the bigger picture. Everything would eventually make sense. There may be times where the constant flashbacks can be a bit disorienting and would leave you lost. Nevertheless, you will still find your way back and appreciate the film.
The film has good characterization. I love the character of Paulo Avelino the most. His character has so many secrets that it keeps bothering you throughout the movie and when all is revealed, you feel a sense of relief yet sadness as well. Avelino is able to give life to his character well. He was able to make the audience sympathize with his character and make the audience believe and be naive just like the character of Lovi, Andrea. Lovi Poe on the other hand also manages to captivate the audience. Her character Andrea, isn't really the most charismatic girl out there. Andrea is a confused and troubled woman whose past keeps on haunting her which causes her to make bad decisions in life. I did not like Andrea but that's not a bad thing since I'm sure that her character was meant to be like that. Lovi Poe is able to give justice to the character. She was able to portray the characteristics needed for Andrea to come into reality. Tj Trinidad's character is also well-played. He plays the character of 'the other man' in the movie, but unlike in typical films where you despise the other man, you would feel pity for Trinidad's character. He is only a man who gets caught in the middle of a conflict he doesn't know about. The audience can sympathize with him rather than hate him.
Overall, the film is beautifully made and a great and unique addition to the genre of romantic films. Great casts, great story, great cinematography, great director, great movie. Hopefully this would be the start of a revolution in the field of romantic films here in the Philippines.
Rating: 4/5
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