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‘Kita Kita’ review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful

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‘Kita Kita’ review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful

MANILA, Philippines – With a sole preoccupation to aggrandize romantic love following a tried-and-tested formula, there is actually very little wiggle room for filmmakers to flex their muscle and graduate the genre to be anything more than just escapist fodder. The most effective rom-coms are the ones that utilize every sliver of its novel elements to make the movie-going experience more enjoyable either by enunciating the film’s clutch on fantasy or grounding it closer to reality.

Perhaps the most obvious novelty of Sigrid Bernardo’s Kita Kita is to cast Alessandra de Rossi, an actress more known for playing serious roles, and Empoy Marquez, a comedian who has been type-casted to portray the comical sidekick to matinee idols who often lack any sense of humor, as the would-be lovers. (READ: 5 fun facts about the Alempoy movie ‘Kita Kita’ )

In a market that gives premium to prefabricated chemistry of its romantic leads who usually sport unrealistic if not aspirational good looks, De Rossi and Marquez’s casting is quite a gamble. Miraculously, it does not only work, it actually helps carry the film amidst its insistence on following even the most grating of its genre’s tropes.

Odd but delightful images

Kita Kita is about Lea, played by De Rossi, a Filipino tour guide living and working in Sapporo.

Screengrab from Spring Films PH Facebook page

When Lea discovers that her Japanese boyfriend has been cheating on her, she goes blind. Tonyo, played by Marquez, suddenly makes an appearance. After days of hopeful Tonyo wooing desolate Lea with home-cooked meals, they finally connect, become friends, and develop a romantic relationship.

There really isn’t anything new to the narrative, except that Bernardo, who also wrote the screenplay, has peppered the familiar storyline with as much whimsical details to add to the flurry of charming silliness that the film thrives on. She conjures odd but delightful images such as bananas dancing with hearts on a busy street or wide-eyed and unglamorous lovers slurping noodles in slow motion out of scenes that magnify the film’s escapist intentions.

It’s all very affecting, precisely because everything is defiantly good-hearted and idealist. Even in the film’s saddest moments, there is always that tinge of glee that feels earned despite the film’s reliance on narrative conveniences and other genre-specific machinations.

Endearing characters

Kita Kita is compact, briskly plotted, refreshingly light, and always delightful. De Rossi adds an essential mix of vulnerability and resolve to her character, making Lea endearing enough to make one root for her. Marquez, playing Lea’s unexpected reward for suffering through heartbreaks and physical disabilities, is a revelation here. Without necessarily shedding his comic roots, he transforms into a viable romantic lead by sheer charm and charisma. There is never a false note in his performance.

Sometimes it takes just one piece of novelty to make a rom-com work more wonders than the mostly hollow pleasures that are related to the genre. Kita Kita pursued its novelty of molding captivating characters out of unexpected leads while creating around them a droll and exotic world where both hard heartaches and fast hope collide. It is buoyant, without being too eager. When it is time for sobriety from all the color and cheerfulness, it is almost impossible not to swoon. – Rappler.com

Francis Joseph Cruz litigates for a living and writes about cinema for fun. The first Filipino movie he saw in the theaters was Carlo J. Caparas’ ‘Tirad Pass.’ Since then, he’s been on a mission to find better memories with Philippine cinema.

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Review: Kita Kita

After the success of Lorna (2016) , staring none other than Filipino master Lav Diaz and coming off the high of Anita’s Last Cha Cha (2014) , Filipino director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo has brought her latest baby into the world. Her biggest production to date, Bernardo has teamed up with Spring Films for her new feature, Kita Kita which recently released in Filipino cinemas.

Kita Kita muses on the power of love — once tasted, forever desired but never lasting. It is a not so happily ever after fairy tale for Lea (Alessandro de Rossi) and Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) but it does have lashings of magical realism too.

This should come as no surprise as magical realism has become a hallmark of Kita Kita ‘s director; Bernardo’s third official feature confirms her stylistic penchant. Another of her trademarks, which is in abundance here, is the use of exaggerated melodrama. In the past, she walked that fine line with much success but in Kita Kita, its excess, particularly in the first half of the film, will be unpalatable for many. With the melodrama amped up beyond eleven, Kita Kita ‘s ‘cheese’ can often feel like it has been dipped into fondue, where the cheese envelops everything and dominates, perhaps to the detriment of the story.

This is the world of the ‘romantic comedy’ after all but the bigness of Kita Kita ‘s acting, especially Empoy’s, dominates beyond cuteness — Empoy’s character’s determination to win over Lea’s heart teeters on the verge of annoyance. Sure, Tonyo does try to wear down Lea’s guard and his advances are not welcomed by her but it is repetitive and unsubtle both in technique and performance. The fact that this a rom-com doesn’t really cover for it and it becomes a major obstacle. However, this is all in the first part of the film where the story is told from Tonyo’s point of view. For the patient, there is powerful payoff in the second part of the film where Lea’s story is told.

Her perspective sheds a light on the same events that start to reach into the heart and tug at the emotions. This is where the film starts to work and this is where Sigrid’s strengths, as a filmmaker and as storyteller are on show. Moving beyond the initial, literal cliché that ‘love is blind’, the last half of the film reminds us that even with our sight in full service, we too are often blind to the details of life — we rarely get the full facts of the story and things quite often are not as they seem.

Tonyo and Lea experience the heartache of relationship breakdowns and both have dramatic reactions to these. The loss of love literally strikes Lea blind and for Tonyo, he leaves Tokyo and becomes a drunk in the cold city of Sapporo because that’s also the brand of beer he drinks to drown his sorrows. As a result, both are placed in situations where they glean insight into otherwise inaccessible aspects of humanity, allowing them to grow as people and closer together. Whoever knew that folding a thousand paper origami cranes could have such profound results?

Watching Bernardo’s films in the past has always been a beautiful delight but underneath the fun, frivolity and the magic of her films, there are always serious undercurrents and messages within. Though it takes some time, Kita Kita reaches these places eventually, traversing the tragedy of love deftly and mercilessly. Unrequited love is a weird emotion; it is part nostalgia, part sadness, part warm and fuzzy and somewhat beautiful in its emptiness. All of this is experienced and the cheesy build up to these moments are contextualised and partly forgiven, leaving an overall feeling of satisfaction and warmth.

It’s a sad story and the setting in Japan puts this film in the ever growing Pinoy cinema category of ‘Philippine Foreign Workers’ and their stories from abroad. Think Transit (2012), Ilo Ilo (2013), Remittance (2015), Sunday Beauty Queen (2016), and now, think Kita Kita .

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MOVIE REVIEW: Kita Kita Is Definitely Not Your Usual Rom-Com

It makes you laugh and cry at the same time.

(SPOT.ph) Filipino rom-com films, especially those by big production houses, have developed a formula that's almost always sure to rake in big bucks. They often star your favorite loveteams like KathNiel or JaDine, feature not-too-conspicuous (yes, we're being ironic) product placements, and have titles taken from popular songs. They’d always start with boy-meets-girl (or vice versa) and end with “and they lived happily ever after.” But Sigrid Andrea Bernardo ’s newest film, Kita Kita , is a break from all that.

Kita Kita , a play on “nakikíta kita,” stars the unlikely tandem of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez . It is set in picture-perfect Sapporo where Lea (de Rossi) works as a tourist guide, bringing guests from all over the world to the Japanese island’s most romantic spots. In an unfortunate turn of events, mostly caused by her fiancé Nobu, she suffers temporary blindness—which is not a secret or a spoiler if you’ve seen the trailer. She meets her next-door neighbor Tonyo (Marquez) and his line “ E ano kung bulag ka? Ako naman ang magsisilbing mata mo e ” is not lost on us.

The rest of the story unfolds and immerses us in a wild ride of emotions made possible by the undeniable chemistry between de Rossi and Marquez. We can’t help but assume that most of Tonyo’s jokes and witty remarks are ad-libbed because Lea’s laughter—best described through the unique Filipino word hagikhik —is undeniably genuine. De Rossi’s on-point acting completely immerses us in her character’s experiences of pain of betrayal, reluctance in accepting love, and the kilig of a new relationship. Marquez, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for a guy who delivers just the right amount of comedy and wisdom. It’s hard to think of any other local actors who can nail Kita Kita ’s story the way they do.

Plot-wise, Kita Kita isn’t too elaborate, which is a strength rather than a weakness: two characters fall in love in a foreign city, specifically Sapporo in the mountainous island of Hokkaido, Japan—and the location is crucial rather than incidental. The Sapporo Clock Tower in the beginning of the film hints at themes of borrowed time and living in the present because you never know what will happen in the future; the Bell of Happiness atop Mt. Moiwa pushes the characters to not turn a blind eye to happiness when it knocks on your door; and even Sapporo Beer —Japan’s oldest beer brand—plays an important part in the story.

The movie benefits from its straightforward structure and the emotions are as natural as they can get. There’s no mushy dialogue that would make you cringe, but still you feel the attraction between Tonyo and Lea. There’s no flowery declaration of love, but still you see how the clichéd sentiment, “fall in love with someone who can make you laugh,” can (and should) be true. There are no over-the-top lines, but expect a seemingly unending stream of tears right before you leave the theater.

Bernardo’s technique in telling the story using two points of view (or two pairs of eyes) complemented Lea’s blindness, the movie’s title, and the overall theme of sight . Suffice it to say, Kita Kita is worth the eyeballs it’s been getting since it premiered on July 19. And yes, it deserves another week (or more) in the cinemas because " the Filipino audience deserves no less .” (P.S. Good luck not getting LSS from KZ Tandingan’s cover of “Two Less Lonely People in The World.”)

RATING: 5 out of 5 spots

Kita Kita is now showing in cinemas. Photos from movie trailer.

Tell us your #feels!

An Honest Review Of 'Kita Kita' By A Hopeful Romantic

The Long Plot, Sans Spoilers

Lea (Alessandra de Rossi) is a Pinay tour guide based in Japan who suddenly goes blind. On the first week of her sight loss, she meets a friendly Pinoy neighbor named Tonyo (Empoy Marquez). She doesn't warm up to him at first but eventually does because Tonyo is one determined guy.

They form a beautiful friendship that leads to an unexpected kind of love.

The Short, Honest Plot

Kita Kita is an unusual but heartwarming love story about finding the right person at exactly the right time.

The Main Actors And Where You Last Saw Them

Alessandra de Rossi as Lea

This multi-awarded actress was last seen in the 2016 indie movie Sakaling Hindi Makarating and long-running teleserye, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano.

Empoy Marquez as Tonyo

This talented comedian is part of the horror film Bloody Crayons, currently out in theaters, and is a regular in the sketch comedy show Banana Sundae.

Did You Know?

1. Piolo Pascual is one of the producers of this movie, along with TV and film director Joyce Bernal, cinematographer Shayne Sarte, and talent manager Erickson Raymundo. But it doesn't end there. Watch the trailer again and listen to the voice narrating. Yup, that's Papa P doing the voiceover!

2. Kita Kita is directed by Sigrid Bernardo who was also responsible for the award-winning film Ang Huling Cha-cha ni Anita.

3. This film takes you on a tour of the beautiful city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. The places they visit—Odori Park, Moerenuma Park, Mt. Moiwa, and Yurigahara Park—are definite must-sees!

4. For the movie's theme song, soulful singer KZ Tandingan gives her take on the early '80s hit "Two Less Lonely People in the World" by Australian soft rock band Air Supply.

5. Alex and Empoy had to learn Nihongo for this movie and it's pretty impressive how well they spoke the language.

What I Think:

I went into the cinema hopeful about this film because of all the good feedback I saw on social media from those who attended the premiere the night before. Plus, I'm a sucker for great love stories. This one definitely did not disappoint.

The film was quiet, calm, and charming, much like the personality of the city they shot in. The comedic moments—and there were many—were funny without trying too hard.

Despite being a quiet movie with a steady pace, it's far from boring. You will fall in love with the characters of Lea and Tonyo with every minute you see them onscreen. The movie also takes you through twists and turns, most of them unexpected.

The cinematography is excellent. It feels realistic but also has dream-like qualities to it that adds to the beauty of the film. Also, if you've never been to this side of Japan, you will probably want to add interesting and picturesque Sapporo to your travel bucket list now.

The storytelling was also creative. There were parts where the film goes back and forth from present to past and it's surprisingly not confusing; it just adds to the unique flavor of the narrative. It also utilizes perspective very well. At first, you see the POV of Lea, then you see the POV of Tonyo. It feels like a puzzle getting completed piece by piece and in the end, you will fall in love with the whole picture.

Alex and Empoy are natural actors. Nothing feels forced—no under- or over-acting. All the emotions and experiences are just right. They surprisingly have great chemistry, too. But not the kind of chemistry you expect from a regular love team. It feels just like it does in real life when two very different people get to know each other and fall in love.

This movie touches the very core of the heart. It shows the power of kindness, acceptance, and selfless love. It teaches us that good things can happen if only we have the patience to wait. It demonstrates how love can transform our lives if only we have the courage to be open and if we allow someone to see us for who we really are.

What my friend thinks:

While there is undeniable chemistry between Alessandra and Empoy, it is the story of Lea and Tonyo that will make your hearts melt. Kita Kita is such an emotionally-charged movie that will make you laugh, cry, and root for the two characters. It's worth the tears so don't forget to bring tissue! — Jimpy

I would recommend it to:

Anyone who's in need of good vibes this week and is open to watching something fresh and unexpected.

Follow Ro on Twitter and Instagram .

Alessandra de Rossi,
honest review,

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Whatever flaw you think this movie has, I don't see it.

What it's about

It's uncanny how innocent love can resemble stalking and obsessiveness. We first see Lea’s (Alessandra de Rossi) perspective as she meets funny-man and friendly neighbor Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) out of the blue. Later, we see Tonyo’s perspective and follow his pathetic journey through the heartbreak that led to him shadowing and eventually speaking to Lea. By the time we see both perspectives, it’s too late to judge the surprising events that unfold. The premise seems simple: it follows a relationship that feels comically wrong as it involves a temporarily blind woman and a man who only develops his confidence from not being seen. But it comes alive thanks to the playful chemistry and casting of de Rossi and Marquez, who charm in this brilliantly self-aware Pinoy rom-com.

What stands out

Empoy and Alessandra likely weren’t meant to be a long-term pairing, but they ended up being the most naturally iconic love team Pinoy showbiz has produced.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Alessandra and Empoy, unconventional couple in Kita Kita

As sleeper hits go, Kita Kita ( I See You ) could very well be one. After all, Filipinos love a good romantic comedy--and they especially like ones that will take them on an emotional ride.

Immediately, it is noticeable even before you enter the theatre that the pairing is unconventional. Alessandra de Rossi, an indie and arthouse film favorite, has never really been part of a “love team” and Empoy Marquez has typically been cast as a sidekick or the comic relief. In this film written and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, he is not the former, but a little of the latter.

Overcoming the initial quirkiness of the pairing up of the leads, you have to ask: Are they believable? Certainly, individually, Alessandra and Empoy have proven their mettle in their respective genres: she as a dramatic actress, he as a comedian. However, we’ve seen good actors come together and have bad onscreen chemistry, right? Well, as it turns out, they have great chemistry. They both act very naturally and it’s easy to see how the statuesque beauty, though temporarily blind, can fall for a witty and funny guy. Many times, when Empoy delivers a funny line, it’s as if Alessandra is hearing it for the first time, and cannot contain her laughter.

Backtracking, Kita Kita revolves around a young Filipina, Lea (Alessandra), who works in Japan and is engaged to a Japanese man. But circumstances change and her world is rocked by tragedy. Enter Tonyo (Empoy), a Filipino who has just moved in across the street. He woes his “kabayan” and as he chips away at the ice around her heart, he is given some morsel of hope. However, this movie has two sides to the story. And how it reveals some of the twists sometimes becomes too neat and tidy: a common trope in Japanese and Korean love stories. Still, the unconventional way of storytelling is a refreshing treat to Filipino moviegoers.

Credit goes to Direk Sigrid, who also penned the script, because the characters are very relatable. The shift in Lea’s personality from one who lives in a happy bubble to one who is brought low due to tragedy, is very believable and gives her actress enough depth and breadth to fully occupy the character.

Direk Sigrid certainly has a pulse on the Filipino funny bone, and the jokes are a hit. There are enough kilig situations in scenes to satisfy those who come in expecting as much. But make no mistake, this is still a love story, and with an ending as unforgettable as this one, there is a big chance that it will induce profuse crying. Kita Kita is Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). Ed's Note: The "PEP Review" section carries the views of individual reviewers, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the PEP editorial staff.

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Empoy Marquez and Alessandra de Rossi in Kita Kita

Kita Kita Movie Review

A romantic hit from an unlikely couple Kita Kita is bound to take the Filipino audiences to a surprise and the local cinema to an extent. With Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez as the headliners of the film, comedy is expected to be its selling point. Set in the beautiful backdrop of Sapporo, Japan, Kita Kita is more than just a showcase of its actors’ comedic chops backed by the location’s beautiful landscape.

Fun, charming, and sweet

De Rossi plays Lea, a tourist guide living alone in Sapporo. There she met a local whom she developed a long relationship with. Five years into their relationship and engagement, she found out that she was being cheated on. Stress at work and life resulted into her developing temporary blindness.

Pushed by all the problems and temporary disability, Lea secluded herself inside her home. That is until a fellow Filipino moved nearby and slowly crept his way into her life. Marquez and De Rossi surprisingly had a strong chemistry. Empoy’s comedic skill brought nothing new to the table but it is charming how De Rossi played along with it.

Their character’s development from total strangers to reluctant lovers was a delight to watch. The best part about the film was how everything unfolded. It immersed us into their relationship creating an effective ‘kilig’ moment.

Problematic

Everything is going well in the story until the second part. The retelling of the story from the other point of view nearly destroyed everything that the first part has established- no matter how necessary it might have been. The first half was romantic, sweet, and funny. Meanwhile, the latter was creepy, stalkerish, and downright inappropriate.

Kita Kita is not a perfect film. However, it is a beautiful Filipino film which reminds us that the local industry is still capable of creating great ones. The success of it did not rely much on the story but instead on its cast who shared a strong chemistry which resonated beyond the screen.

Director: Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo Cast: Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez

Binge-level: 3 out of 5 stars.

Dale Palisoc

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Filipino film invasion on netflix - the little binger.

[…] Well, there will be two less lonely people in the world. Set in Japan, this rom-com has captivated international critics and audiences alike. Tour guide Lea suffers from heartbreak and goes blind after finding out her Japanese fiancé has been cheating on her. Enter the wickedly charming Tonyo to save her from misery. Come for the movie’s witty dialogue, stay for the on-screen chemistry of lead actors Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Kita Kita will kilig your heart out. […]

Movie Review | Kita Kita (2017)

The Movie Poster

I don’t think many people pay attention to this kind of thing, but I do. As a book lover, the cover always plays a big role for me. I heard so many good reviews about this movie; and then I found out that it took place in Sapporo, Japan. I was completely into it!

The first thing I noticed was how they changed the first “I” in “Kita” into a banana. After watching, you will know why. I love that there’s already that concept!

Having Japan as the setting, I love how they used Katakana. Genius. They really paid attention to every little detail.

キ = Ki ; タ = Ta

Aaah, the senbazuru . The thousand paper cranes that will make your wish come true! I have a soft spot for Japanese culture and just everything Japan. I don’t know. Growing up watching all animés you could think of is to be blamed.

This is probably one of the funniest scenes in the movie! Though, I wonder why this was chosen among the many that showcased great cinematography (hello, it’s Japan ! You can’t expect less). Either way, it’s interesting and I love the color blending.

Basically, Lea (Alessandra) lives in Sapporo as a Tour Guide. She got temporary blindness because of too much stress. That’s where Tonyo (Empoy) enters the picture. It seems typical at first, but I love the perspective distribution of both characters.

If you have seen Always , it is somehow like that. This certain thing that leads to another and to another. Though, in Always, we just saw a single scenario that was the major plot twist. The whole Kita Kita is the major plot twist itself. This just shows that there are always two sides to the story (or more) and how a single act can change someone’s entire life.

It’s funny but it has its fair share of depth. Sometimes, things are not just what it is. Sometimes, it’s more.

The Characters

If you are a Filipino, you probably know how Empoy can be so amusing! Just looking at him makes me want to crack up so bad – it is his charm and humor.

I doubted how Alessandra and Empoy would click, but they actually did! They are the most natural actors. Everything just seems so genuine. It’s not hard to relate to Lea and Tonyo, to be honest. It was so heartfelt. You will love them both!

What I Think In General

It has its flaws (some ideas are completely vague). Nevertheless, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.

You may think why in Japan? I have no idea. Hahahaha! But here’s my guess: Lea was an orphan. That must be why she left the Philippines and why not Japan? She mentioned that her parents already passed away and she was left with distant relatives.

It’s kinda cliché but not in its entirety. That typical funny guy with its flowery words and stuff. The girl falling for the humor. There are times that I have anticipated what was going to happen and I’d be like “That’s it? I expected more,” when I thought we were already at the end. Little did I know! The ending is just completely different than the other movies I’ve seen.

The soundtrack. Two Less Lonely People In The World. Lea and Tonyo found happiness again in each other. But, I think it’s kind of unfair for Lea’s character because she suffered so much pain than all the cast combined. I still keep thinking about how is she right now and what happens next for her. I love that kind of story that will really make me sympathize with the characters.

My concern for Lea was indescribable. I hope she gets through it. Will she leave Japan after everything bad that has happened to her? Will she find herself back again? She deserves better.

The ending. We found ourselves just staring at the screen as the credits rolled in.

It was funny as much as it was heartbreaking—in the worst possible way.

Let me know your thoughts about it! 🙂

Published by enna

Enna is a highly caffeinated writer who spends more time overthinking than actually writing. She loves listening to music, binge-watch anything, and fangirl over BTS, GOT7 and SVT. View all posts by enna

18 thoughts on “ Movie Review | Kita Kita (2017) ”

Pingback: POETRY | TEN SPRINGS AGO – vienna noreen

There are two kinds of Filipino movies: the rom-coms with a theme song from the 80s, and the gritty ones that feature so much poverty. I like the idea that this may not fall on either type. It seems like a fun movie but it’s not due for international screening anytime soon. 😢

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It doesn’t fall on either 🙂 I really hope they work on its international screening because it really did well here.

Pingback: JULY FAVORITES | A SILENT VOICE, CHASERS OF THE LIGHT + THE RANSOM COLLECTIVE MORE… – vienna noreen

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Movie Review: Kita Kita

August 3, 2017

Binibining `E

Binibining `E works for a BPO company by day and is a supersized, weird and peculiar super hero by night who loves the sea, the sand and the sun. She has been eating books for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even for desserts too. An amateur sketcher, can draw when bored. Can write at times and whenever she thinks she can. A certified bibliophile, expect lots of book reviews and adventures with this ugly writer. She is not an ordinary girl. She is peculiar indeed. Will prefer basketball over drama, books over telenovelas, a good book and a cup of coffee over tv.

I have not watch the movie but I am surely gonna watch it after this review.

Yay! Hope you enjoy it! Let me know your thoughts after!

Cantuba, Ma. Rinzele L. Mar 141 HSOCCFM

Bryan B. Villanueva civ162 moment/line/ rule of thirds

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The official student publication of the university of perpetual help system dalta – las piñas, ‘kita kita’ review, a light film that breaks the heart.

Not all leading men are tall, handsome, and built.

This is what frankly summarizes Spring Film’s new romantic comedy movie that earned thousands of praises from thousands of people. With the film’s leading actress, Alessandra de Rossi, Kita Kita brings forth a film that received thousands of praises because of its quirkiness thanks to the hard work of the film’s leading man, Empoy Marquez.

Although it is a story people may find original, looking at the movie thoroughly brings the audience to that typical romantic comedy film that has been showed millions of times in cinemas.

But with its own twists and creativity.

Recycled Storyline

Written by and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the movie’s plot has your typical happy-go-lucky guy, Anthony “Tonyo” Marquez ( Empoy Marquez ) trying to make your typical cold-hearted girl, Lea ( Alessandra de Rossi ), soften, who got her heart-broken because of a man she was about to marry soon and got temporary blindness because of too much stress.

Set in Sapporo, Japan, you have Tonyo trying to be friends with Lea, as they are both Filipinos living in the same foreign country, who constantly rejects his companionship as she doesn’t see the point of a normal guy being friends with a blind girl.

Typical storyline comes in when Lea finally gives in and the two explore Sapporo with Tonyo serving as Lea’s eyes. The rest of the story is just full of surprises for people who haven’t watched the movie.

Excellent Portrayal

If you’ve seen Alessandra de Rossi’s previous acting, she’s always excelled at portraying mature and sexy roles in either TV series or films. Which is why her role as a quirky, happy-go-lucky girl brings a new vibe in her acting career.

It didn’t disappoint the audience as she was able to play her character well, plus the natural laughs she makes whenever her co-star, Empoy, makes jokes in the film. You can really see the freshness and feel her emotions through her portrayal.

Empoy Marquez’s portrayal of his character, on the other hand, was an easy task for a comedian like him. Although not intended, his ad-libs brought joy and laughter to the audience as it was already his personality that was showing in the screens.

However, because of Empoy’s excellence in comedic acts, it prevented the climax of the story to pinch the heart of the viewers and go over the top. He would still be making the audience laugh even when the scenes are at the most heart breaking part.

Soft Colors and Perfect Angles

Kita Kita ’s director and production staff didn’t fail to capture the beauty of Sapporo, Japan and bring it to the audience through the big screens. Its soft colors brought out the exquisite environment as Lea and Tonyo explored the different parts of Sapporo that made the audience feel the vibe of the city, itself.

The director of photography, Boy Yniguez, also did an excellent job with the different camera angles as he went to an artistic approach, as it certainly left the viewers in awe with the way different scenes were shot in perfect close-ups and perfect symmetry.

With the revival of Air Supply ’s, Two Less Lonely People, sang by Kz Tandigan, it made the film feel more original and brought more colors to the story with the perfect melody.

Stereotyping No More

The beauty of Kita Kita lied in the concept of not having the dreamy prince charming type of leading man who fulfills every woman’s fairytales, which brought positive feedbacks from viewers as it was considered a fresh type of concept. It’s time to end the stereotypes for a typical romantic type of film with a not-so dreamy type of guy for the girls.

The film industry in the Philippines always focused in producing romantic films with the typical appearances of the leading characters, so this film made a huge different in the industry norm as it, yet again, broke stereotypes. Hoping that the success of Kita Kita would send messages not only to the audience, but also to movie makers to try a different approach on romantic films.

Kita Kita may have a recycled storyline that followed previous rom-com films, what made the film exquisite were the portrayals of characters and the excellent cinematography, and topping the story off with different plot twists that wouldn’t leave audiences any regrets in watching this film.

Kita Kita – Movie Review

August 10, 2017 Kyla Marie Tardecilla Entertainment , Movies 0

Here’s my review on this wonderful indie movie.

Far from the usual, there is no doubt why the film “Kita Kita” is a hit breaker in the Filipino film industry. While grandiose film companies team up two popular young couples like Jadine and Kathniel, this film by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo is a stranger to the big screens. It makes use of two opposing characters, Empoy Marquez as Tonyo and Alessandra de Rossi as Lea. Lea, with her serious character who is indeed sob-worthy, is best complemented by Tonyo who gives a hint of humor in every scene of the film.

In the movie, by which Lea is a blind tourist guide of Sapporo, meets her next-door neighbor Tonyo. Tonyo gives most of his time and attention to Lea, even perpetuating his care for her by saying the words, “Eh ano kung bulag ka? Ako naman ang magsisilbing mga mata mo eh” . The script was well-written and deemed to touch its audiences. Indeed, Kita Kita is a worth-the-cry movie where you’ll definitely cry right after the end of the film.

The edge of this movie from other movies is that it offers the right amount of wisdom without compromising the quality of the humor. The movie taught its audiences that physical appearance should not be a measure of love. It must not hinder someone from loving. In the movie, it showcased how raw and deep the conversations of the couple were. This gives the audience an idea that the physical attributes wither, the face will grow old, the skin will shrink, the eyes will blur, but the conversations you have had and will have with your partner is forever.

At the end of the day, the movie affected a lot of people because it shows a person’s regular battle in life. It is to constantly show love to your loved ones and to not make them doubt the love that they deserve. In the movie, Tonyo died because of a vehicle accident. Though it is a cliché ending, the ending shows us that life is uncertain. Life is precious and it should not be taken for granted.

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Movie Review: KITA KITA

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Posted by Wilfredo G. Villanueva on August 2, 2017 · 93 Comments

By Wilfredo G. Villanueva

The movie Kita Kita from Spring Films and Viva Films. A film by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, writer and director. Alessandra de Rossi as Lea. Empoy Marquez as Tonyo. Binibining Joyce Bernal, creative producer and executive producer. Erwin Blanco, producer. Reign Anne L. de Guzman, line producer. Piolo Pascual, executive producer. Arthur Pefianco, associate producer. Scarlet Pefianco, associate producer. Erickson Raymundo, executive producer. Music by Arlene Flerida Calvo. Cinematography by Boy Yñiguez. Film editing by Marya Ignacio. Production design by Thesa Tang. Lamberto Casar Jr. and Immanuel Varona, sound engineers.

“Kita Kita” is shortened Tagalog for “Nakita Kita,” roughly “I Saw You” in English. Alessandra de Rossi is the beauteous Lea. Empoy Marquez is Tonyo, the one who has a face only a blind person can love. Mix them up in accidental ways and you get one of the most chemistry-laden movies I have seen after a long time, maybe since Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.

Shot on location in Japan, the film is after everyone’s heart. “They just want to make us cry,” our youngest daughter said, when I wondered aloud why the movie ended the way it did. I had my doubts about the ending, but when I connected the movie with what’s happening in the country, it makes a lot of sense. The Philippines is never shown. It’s beauty shot after beauty shot of Japan—making the Philippines in our minds pale in comparison—which elicited oohs and aahs from the audience. The story is after all about contrasts, delivering its message of love and hope with charm and efficiency in the face of a world bereft of it. Kudos to the producers who had wanted to show it in last year’s movie festival but backed out to have more time in production. And what a treat they have presented, something for international audiences as the English subtitles suggest. Bollywood and South Korea romance movies are on notice.

Writing and directing credits go to Sigrid Bernardo. She has elevated her craft. Boy Yñiguez wowed us with his extreme closeup and landscape shots. Marya Ignacio’s editing chops made the movie seamless; I found no need to check my smartphone for time or messages. Thesa Tang presented us with a cinematic moment with her intricate origami mobile, among other events. Air Supply’s “Two Less Lonely People in the World” as sang by KZ Tandingan and arranged for the movie by Arlene Flerida Calvo reverberated in the theater to cap the movie, drowning the sound of sniffles. Lamberto Casar Jr. and Immanuel Varona enveloped the audience with ambient sound to make the audience live in setting. Acting was Filipino Proud, with both main characters delivering line after pickup line with verve and confidence.

Lea is a Filipina tourist guide working in Sapporo, Japan. Tonyo is down and out, heartbroken to the point of drunkenness, another heroic Overseas Filipino Worker or OFW like Lea. It happened that in a drunken stupor he plopped down across the street where Lea lived. They meet, guy falls for the girl, girl is not in the mood because she is blind, guy persists, was able to take the girl out on dates, to be her eyes, and they fall in love.

Things are not all right in the world both find themselves. Lea is heartbroken, too, but is beautiful in face and heart. In sharp contrast, Tonyo is well, literally beautiful in heart only. By some quirk of lovely fate, Lea returns Tonyo’s love, and the story takes on a beguiling character, an astounding series of fortunate events that the audience is willing to accept without retching. It is Romeo and Juliet all over again, true beauty given and received in spite of obvious limitations. The audience is enthralled by two people in love, nothing more, nothing less.

Remember I saw the love in AlDub, and how it impacted on us as a nation of disgruntled residents in their own country, and homesick expatriates in other countries—Canada, Hong Kong, the United States, Italy, Japan, and many others. I see the same love in AlEmpoy (Alex, Alessandra’s nickname, and Empoy as an eponymous brand for a love team).

Don’t correct me if I am wrong because love is strong drink, highly addictive. I constantly look for gems hidden in our rags and that night in a movie theater sitting between my wife and our youngest daughter who cried buckets, I saw another gem of a different hue than AlDub’s but definitely something we can be proud of, again.

First, Empoy as Tonyo. A lovable little man with crooked teeth, no chin, undisciplined mustache, endearing smile, quick wit, expressive eyes. He is known as a comedian providing a foil to aspirationally handsome hunks. Forget hunks, at least in the movie. Tonyo has beaten them with rapier-like skill in catching the love of his life with nothing but words of endearment and passion delivered in chewable bits small enough not the drive Miss Beautiful away, but just enough to make her think, reflect, enjoy the conversation, the company, the romantic tension which makes Tonyo want to hug her till her joints, muscles and tissues plead enough. Just the right balance of keeping distance and surrendering to magnetic pull. The two delivered believable performances like synchronized swimmers while keeping their eyes locked to each other to earn romcom gold.

Aah, Lea. Her beauty transports. You’re a teenager again and when she bats her eyelashes, pouts her lips, smirk and smile at the same time in merry teasing, you’re no longer in the theater but half a century away when you were young and crazy in love, hyperventilating—love as brother to death. The wifey said Alex is usually cast as a contravida, definitely not the sweet little thing she is in Kita Kita. Which makes her acting superb and ground-breaking.

Now where does country come in?

Let’s put it this way, Empoy’s Tonyo is as good looking as the drone shots of Manila with shanties cheek and jowl in the Port Area, for shame, Manila being the sixth most squalid, densely-populated, sweaty, grimy city in the world. If Juan dela Cruz were to assume a real person, he would be living in Barangay Baseco in Port Area, (Oh Kolkota of Saint Teresa!) summoning feelings of pity and repugnance at the same time. And Juan dela Cruz would look like Tonyo, charming enough, good company enough, makes you laugh enough, but still, uhm, drop dead unhandsome.

Both Tonyo and Lea as typical OFWs (let’s hear it for our beloved OFWs! Woot! Woot!) deliver the goods in portraying the joy of living in more organized, cleaner, prettier, fragrant surroundings, but still missing Pilipinas, missing the culture where it’s all right to laugh out loud in public (it’s not, in Japan), and where one can abandon thought and decorum and speak in native Tagalog. How she would love to be a first-class citizen in native land, Lea avers. You can almost see Baseco in her eyes as she delivered those lines, probably loathing and loving her country at the same time.

It wouldn’t have been easy to love Tonyo if Lea had full advantage of vision, but she’s temporarily blinded by a stressful event and she couldn’t see Tonyo, so there. Come to think of it, if we were devoid of sight (maybe even the sense of smell), we would find joy and fulfillment walking around in places like Baseco, the pit of the pits, hell on earth.

But Tonyo is a joy to be with, always cracking jokes, never sore. He just keeps on coming at you with his unspeakable love. Which is what every Filipino is, basically. People in other countries I have personally seen are neater and maybe smelling like a shopping mall, but there is simply not enough critical mass to draw laughter, not enough joie de vivre, well maybe because they are rushing to catch something.

We are not rushing. Poverty and deprivation make sure we have all the time in the world to love, and to show it. And when people like Will Villanueva see love, oh how they roll it around in their hearts and live life to the fullest extent possible, and write movie reviews like this.

There is nothing wrong with us. We will always be Tonyo country, unassuming and comfortable in our shoes, never never shy. And we will always be Lea, forgiving, open, not judgmental. blind when in love. We may have several Miss Universes, but walk around and you see Tonyo and Lea in everyone, eking out a living, having fun, holding hands, finding love in unexpected circumstances, a people rocked by natural and self-made calamities but destined to love because we are simply good at it—we were made for it. Maybe our love is misplaced for now as the debate rolls in the land on whether or not Duterte’s world is utopia or dystopia. Maybe we just need to love mindfully. Maybe we’re just saying, hey President Rodrigo Duterte, it’s not that you have pores (come to think about it, he is Baseco), but it’s because you pour on hate. Hate. We are not people of hate. Tonyo through Empoy powerfully says that in Kita Kita. We love love so much that maybe we are taken advantage of, such as what paid trolls did to us in last year’s presidential elections. Oh, how we love undeserving ones, like Bongbong Marcos.

But when we do find beauty in love such as Tonyo’s and Lea’s, that’s when we explode like Hokkaido’s field of flowers of various colors in the movie, where AlEmpoy found true love. Oops, getting carried away. Where Tonyo and Lea found true love.

When I see the two in interviews on television, they have got enough chemistry to melt Greenland, but please not in a million years. Keep your heat to yourselves, Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Leave our coastlines alone.

Can i request a review of a film I saw while there? Wanted to get your personal take on it. See we got this movie while buying a bunch of pirated DVDs while over there, American movies, Chinese action flicks, some Japanese porn, and among our porn stack was this film , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Show_(film) with equally salacious cover,

but it wasn’t porn, not even soft-core, but legit drama, one of those hidden gems you talk about, have you seen it?

Hi Lance! Thanks for the encouragement. Live Show? Let me look for it. Muslim DVD sellers have thinned on account of Netflix, Go Movies, YouTube. I hope delicious covers can still be found. At the very least you gave me a good excuse for the wifey to dig into the depths.

Too bad, those were some really cheap DVDs, Wil! I hope you find it, probably best not to watch it with the kids. Looking forward to a review, and if you can point me to similar films like that in the Philippines, ie. gritty, but artistic and attempting to tackle something bigger than the film.

This is some feel good blog but I like your dig on Digs – … hey President Rodrigo Duterte, it’s not that you have pores… but you pour on hate. Hate. We are not people of hate. Touche and Thanks Wil! 🙂

Hi Zen! Thanks, too, for the appreciation.

I saw the trailer, and I liked the part when Alissandra felt the face of Empoy and imagined him to be handsome, and Empoy said you Are (really) blind.

MAKES me think Karl, how in the world would a blind know by feel a handsome face? Answer: yung makinis parang porcelana, yung medio bilogan hindi kudrado, yung hindi baku-baku kasi parang kita kita. Eh.

Hi Karl! Plan to watch it again nga, if the wifey doesn’t object. She doesn’t like me to have crushes. Hahaha!

Amazing piece, sir WGV! Wanna watch the movie. 😀

Thanks, Harry! Go watch! Empoy actually grows handsomer with every line he delivers.

Will, I like your style of writing. I hope you think about writing a novel and have it published. For sure it will be a best seller. Like sir Edgar and the rest of the guys here, you have a way with words.

Hi Gracie! Mutual Admiration Society!

Love. In the end, that’s all there is. No regrets, just the love for people who have wonderful souls that are headed in the right direction. Blind beauty or beast regardless!

And a soul full of venom who throws all rules and guidelines out the window is considered a national treasure to some, an embarrassment to many.

Reality: Pinoy style.

ps. wish i could see the film!

Hi Alicia! It’ll be on YouTube or something soon I think. I’m not reading press releases on commercial success, sad to say. I hope I just missed reading them.

You mentioned the herione suffered temporary blindness from an accident. Did she regain her sights, and if she did, what happened to their relationship? The loss of the sense of sight build in her the temperance to be less judgemental. It gave her the ability to ‘see’ things differently from one possessed of all senses. Is there a permanence to her values consequential to the loss of the sense of sight.?

Seems the loss of one sense helps one to recalibrate their awareness and acceptance of their surroundings, Would the loss of one’s ability to think properly, affected as it were by black propaganda, fake news and attempts at skewing news to normalise unsavoury police activities, temper one’s values. If that were so, I suggest the senses that were lost to 16 M is the sense of smell and sight. We should bring the stench of death and the awful sights of men women and children in their death throes, right into the homes and offices of 16M.

Hi Chemrock! Agree with the second paragraph, but can’t answer the question in the first. Spoiler, bro.

“How she would love to be a first-class citizen in native land, Lea avers. You can almost see Baseco in her eyes as she delivered those lines, probably loathing and loving her country at the same time.”

Feeling like a second class citizen in our own native land. It used to be because we were colonized by foreigners but we had been free of foreign masters for decades. Nowadays, the first class citizens are Filipinos. They lash out and lord over the socially, politically and economically deprived second class Filipino citizens instead of getting them unstuck in the ruts.

It is comforting to see the American public come out with torches and pitchforks for the outrageous, vulgar and potty-mouthed Scaramucci. It is disconcerting to see Filipinos applaud an outrageous, vulgar and potty-mouthed leader. Most diaspora Filipinos love PH but loathe the unchecked behavior of some of its citizens.

Hi Juana! insightful comments as always. Between loathing and loving, I am amazed that we still go on and collectively look for things that are lovable about us. Filipinos as second citizens. Hmm. I always tell my wife we have a silent caste system in motherland. Sad, but we go on loving just the same. Bahala na ang Diyos sa mga tila mapang-aping kababayan natin.

The age of innocence will probably not return.

Childlike joy has given way to a very teenage rage with many, directed at the wrong people.

Wonder what the next stage will be, as people slowly discover they have fallen not for pores and Visayan jokes, but for a truly unspeakable.

IBRS there is this yarn I like telling long ago as management trainor to sleepy trainees: entitled “Kita ko, Kita Ko” of a lady cheating her husband and her pet parrot squealing on her. It was not a blissful loss of innocence but a sensuous loss of morals. Anybody heard that one?

We watched the trailer. My lady loved it… And glowed with joy at seeing and hearing her own people on screen…

How striking that it takes place in Japan not the Philippines : that they are living in beautiful Hokkaido in the least populated part of Japan.. And live the life of ‘ordinary’ people without the the Philippines overwhelming issues of extreme poverty, over crowding, slums and drugs, death and crime.

I think this is may be the underlying message of this film : that Fiipinos can live their lives this way and still be Filipinos, loving, laughing and caring.

Bill, And why not a Romeo and Juliet doing a walk about in Darwin’s outback? Being factual or cynical: it seems right and original for filmmakers to do it in beautiful Hokkaido and not in the squalor of Manila demonstrates a fantasy form of ESCAPISM. Done beautifully by twist and turn by one’s religion and the cleverness of reason.

There’s a valid storytelling reason, beyond escapism, for setting the film in Japan: it’s just that what happens in the movie wouldn’t work well if the two leads were surrounded by Filipinos. Throughout the movie, Tonyo and Lea are isolated; unlike your typical mainstream Tagalog rom-coms where the guy always has a best dude and the girl has a troupe of cheeky BFFs, in Kita Kita, Tonyo and Lea only have each other. And that’s believable because they’re OFWs in a relatively remote are of Japan, and it allows their romance to blossom unhindered.

Idea not mine; refer to The Knee-Jerk Critic:

#KitaKita : #TheKneeJerkCritic Movie Review

I’m sure from a movie making perspective, there’s a tendency when going on location to go to great places to visit, hence why almost every Disney show will go to Hawaii, it’s a good excuse to combine work and play for cast and crew.

Popoy,, we’ve done lots of walking here.. There is lots of beautiful outback close by… My lady’s Facebook page has lot’s of photos..And she is always looking for more places to photograph with a selfie.. But “Darwin’s Outback ” ? Excuse me. Darwin did come to Australia in the 1830’s as part of the great 3 year voyage around the world. But he stayed just 6 weeks, mostly in Sydney…From memory he made a couple of expeditions on horseback to check out the wildlife. He made the comment later that the Australian fauna & flora are a ‘Second, separate creation”..And Australian fauna & flora gets no substantial mention in his books on evolution…

By the way, the fauna & flora of the Philippines is also unique and deserving of protection. I remember decades ago on Mt Mayon being shown a young Eucalyptus type tree which is only found the Philippines and completely unknown in Australia.

Darwin (the city) is absolutely the most heated and humid place on the planet, I think. Miserable place. You dump pork, veggies and soup mix out the third story window and by the time it hits the pavement, you have sinigang.

BTW, I love sinigang, but with Bangus now, for my age. But I ask the wife to make Pork Sinigang with the usual Liempo fat now and then — well, we have to go sometime. As someone posted in TSH, sorry I can’t recall who, the problem with all this healthy living thing is that one day one will die from NOTHING.

My wife is a spectacular cook, so I’ll go out smiling and scarfing down everything from the pig’s butt to his face. Yum.

JoeAm if I may, it is there that a Fil-Ozzie Physician told me during a picnic in the park that he observed the Pinoys living abroad will have as many organizations as there are families and will usually have conflictive relationships, suspiciously tribal in origin. It was there also that I observed beautiful mestizas product of white inter-partnerships with “Abus” (pls pardon the used of that word). I guess JoeAm we, our bodies will have different reactions to extreme cold and heat.

As we can cook eggs and whatever on the sidewalk of New York and Darwin’ summers while we enjoy the freezing winds in Melbourne, the minus 50 C in Alberta. When it is summer in the Big Apple it’s winter of rains and floods in New South Wales and Queensland.

In the Visayas, islands surrounded by the sea, ribboned by white, red, gray and light brown beaches; heat reflected and bounced by the mighty noon day sun makes one feel the drip drip down of sweat in one’s legs and backside. The heat and cold travel not from Jaipur desert to Muzzorie of India’s Himalayas; the heat and cold spread not from sea to shinning sea, but percolate and circulate in paradise Visayas in the middle of an ocean’s turbulence. Been there sweating and shivering with the locals in them lovely places.

Dying of nothing ? Ummmmm It might be the best option N’Herrrera.. :- (

Ah, you are waxing poetic today, popoy, fun to read and feel. The Visayas are sooooo alive with landscapes and seascapes and skyscapes, a region where the planet’s global weather patterns collide to make each day a surprising delight, always beautiful. Even the jet engine screech of Yolanda falls into its proper place as a right proper and spiritual banshee. The only place with even more dynamic beauty that I’ve visited would be the Patagonia region of Chile. It’s a great place to go for walks if you lean 45 degrees into the wind.

At the wrong time of the year Darwin is awful.. October to March is wet season and if not raining 100 humid..Not nice.. But from April through September I am told it is lovely : warm dry days and mild nights..

By the way Joe, ‘Nose to Tail’ eating is bug now among the low carb/paleo type people.

And PS to N’Herrera : that saturated fat will not kill you : another myth from the 1950’s with no evidence to back it up.. The science has ben done for decades to back the isea that saturated fats kills us. None of the science could prove anything. It’s bunk !

Ok, that is a relief, but now I have the alternative of going kaput in the hospital dying of nothing — see Lance’s post below. 🙂

Here’s the actual quote, NH.

Lance, thanks. I saved that quote!

“And live the life of ‘ordinary’ people without the the Philippines overwhelming issues of extreme poverty, over crowding, slums and drugs, death and crime.”

I agree , Bill… too much idyllic scenes is dangerous IMHO, hence why i think “Live Show” (or other similar movies), less idyllic but realistic and tackling real issues, need more viewing. If you’ve not seen it, watch it, Bill , more films like this IMHO is what the Philippines needs.

Lance my remark was said in an approving way…not disapproving way. The film is meant to be inspiring and romantic…I suspect tha this most Filipinos aspire to live a life in such surroundings and not in the dirt & grime with over crowding, slums, death and drugs… In a country where such things are commonplace escapes are needed and wanted and enjoyed…

Hi Bill! I always thought you were badass, a tough customer, but do I discern a certain tenderness? Hahaha! Go watch the movie to feed your inner Filipino.

WE will when it gets here Wil.

Hi Irineo! It’s still good that we can talk like this and try to understand unfortunate events. As long as we care, we can share.

There was a proposed piece for a movie of a modern Romeo and Juliet written in Balita Toronto a few years ago which suggested to be starred for a come back by now in their best acting years Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. Thought then it was a high “politically correct” one as conceived of a rekindled resurgent hot love of a pretty Lady Senator and a rags to riches handsome Provincial Governor. Knowing a country’s politics how it was then and now, it would have been more real life than a fantasy of Romeo and Juliet. But who knows if it would have won praises from a trying hard masses.

I like to see Kita Kita the movie hoping it will be in Netflix soon and I admire the review as written here in TSOH the idea of love conquering physical blindness by mental cognition really says: LOVE CONQUERS ALL. The faults in this my comment may be obvious since I have not seen the movie nor read Wilfredo’s excellent rendition of it word for word.

Hi Popoy! Word for word, Popoy. I command you! Hahaha!

In military communications, only generals and their commanders (wives) end their comm by command of; lesser ranks uses by order of. I don’t have the time to read word for word, your one minute takes me four minutes to do or cogitate. I like to avoid the varied meanings evoke by every word. I am verbose as it is now. If depends on the target whether one needs use a shotgun or a single shot sniper rifle.

This link is not to diminish but amplify the impact in TSOH of Wilfredo’s excellent piece. This is reality, a coin’s other side of fantasy.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=x+factor+filipino+band+and+simon+comments+youtube&qpvt=x+factor+filipino+band+and+simon+comments+youtube&view=detail&mid=7B5645828165A17553AB7B5645828165A17553AB&FORM=VRDGAR

Thanks for the link, Popoy. Enjoyed it immensely. You wonder, how can a group of sisters project such love and devotion coming from a country that seems devoid—even incapable—of such sentiments?

You are welcome WGV, I look at their mother’s face which made everything that’s good in the link so Filipino, so worthy of admiration.

Trust Wil among us to be the best and untiring gold panner, unselfishly sharing with us those big nuggets of gold — lifting our spirit with love stories at these times when we need upliftment. May I be a nationalist and claim that Empoy and Lea’s story can only be a Filipino love story?

NH, maybe the comedic aspect or lifestyle (ie. OFWs in foreign country) of all this is culture-specific, but i’m sure handicap-to-normal love stories is a sub-genre of love stories in general.

But what’s interesting IMHO is , is this sub -genre new? did Hollywood create it? or has it been around since the Greeks? I’m not familiar with literature on handicap love (either orthopedic, senses, or mental); the book that comes to mind immediately off the top is “Lolita” but that was more on age gap (and sex drive) than handicap.

As far as movies, the most recent I saw was “Me Before You” quadraplegic , for deaf “Children of a Lesser God” , for blind though, all i can think of right now is “Daredevil”.

This is definitely a sub-genre of love stories, how far it goes in story-telling history i’m not sure. But the appeal i think is in the suggestion that love is blind (literally in this case). That when you match 2 uneven couples, there’s something that’s there that binds them. What it is has to be love is the assumption… but i’m more interested in why there is this appeal in the first place, NH, ex. what happens if Lea

suddenly gets her sight back, and wants to upgrade to a richer more handsome Empoy? Now you get to the love-tested genre of love stories (like “Indecent Proposal”, “Moulin Rouge” etc. etc.). As for a mashing up of these 2 genres, handicap-normal & love-tested , i think “Theory of Everything” Steven Hawking’s story comes closest.

Maybe it’s just plain HOPE expressed as wishful thinking via a romantic bubble? 🙂

I.E. shabu minus the addictive high?

Hi Sonny! It happens everyday. It’s real, not wishful thinking. A bubble? Or the very firmament on which the country is built? Shabu minus the addictive high. Right! Endorphins can be triggered by love, food, friends, poetry, music, exercise or physical activity, also by banned substances. Why do people even go to the ugly side of getting high on life?

A big HI back at you, Wil! I know you from the body of comments & blog entries you write, of course. And so among other things I conclude you are a glass half-full kind of guy rather than half-empty. I do understand what’s going on in your review of ‘Kita kita.’ My comment that you’re responding to is more about LCpl’s comment about the romantic movie genre in general rather than your review.

As a rule I invest less attn reading reviews of movies I have not seen than those I saw. So it is a GO SEE vote for ‘Kita kita.’ By your recommendation, I will see the movie when it comes my way and then come back to your review and compare notes. I am the same way to those who ask my opinion of a movie, always keeping in mind the adage ‘de gustibus non est disputandum,’ i.e. there is no accounting for tastes. Incidentally the only Tagalog movies I’ve seen in the year were BARCELONA and APOCALYPSE CHILD. I rate them both as respectable cinema productions.

(NOTE: Sorry for conflations that may seem to come across. 🙂 )

PS My ‘golden age’ of movies still belong to the LVN, Sampaguita, Premiere tandem cinema production houses. I don’t have a critical volume of Tagalog works to render judgment on our young playwrights and artists. I defer to the critical eye of Wil for this.

Hi NH! Quota na ako. Nag-comment ka na. Hahaha! Thank you for the love!

Empoy strikes gold.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/01/17/empoy-turns-emotional-gusto-ko-lang-po-magpasaya-ng-tao

Yes, enough of those tall, dark and handsome guys — not truly representative of most Filipinos; kami naman! More, more, Empoy!

Yes, kami naman — short, dark, and never mind.

You’re handsome in discourse, NH. Love is blind.

******* 1. From the title, the movie is about seeing.

2. The repeated term “kita” has two meanings. In the first instance, it is a verb, meaning “to see.” In the second instance, it is a pronoun, in the second person form, meaning “you.” I see you. ICU.

3. As I gather, the ironical conceit in this film about seeing is that the female protagonist, Lea, becomes blind. Yet in her blindness, she becomes capable of seeing something in the male protagonist, Empoy, something that she perhaps might not be able to see if she were not blind. This is so because, usually in our perceptions, we often focus on appearance alone. We fail to see beyond form and thus fail to grasp content, which is substance.

4. Thus, in becoming blind, Lea is able to go pass the illusion of form and arrive at a perception of the substantial attributes of Empoy. Caring. Sacrificing. Humorous.

5. As we know, perception is a puzzle. Perception can be contrafactual; it can be illusional or even delusional. We may be looking at the same object but have different, even opposite, impressions. The impressions may differ not only in form but in substance. This is most obvious in the case of Duterte.

5.1. Some see his form as prepossessing in its absolute certitude and, consequently, his substance — whatever it is — as something right, right to believe in and to follow.

5.2. Some see his form as unprepossessing in its absolute inconsistency and, consequently, his substance as something wrong, wrong to even think and much less to perform.

6. Caveat: it is a mistake to take the old dichotomy of form and content as a single-level binary or even as a dichotomy. The human form, for example, has many a content — bones and muscles and organs – and each element has its own form and substance. Note that substance may refer to material as well as to immaterial content. Function, for example, is immaterial; it is a process.

6.1. The form and substance of Duterte are not homogenous. He may be right in some of his actions and wrong in others. But not all actions are equal and, on balance, we must give greater weight to actions that cause more harm than good.

7. Of the five senses, the sense of sight predominates in terms of utility. It is our gateway to the external, it is our primary means of apprehending the world and each other. It is also synesthetic. We not only see with our eyes. We can speak and we can feel others with our eyes.

8. As it happens, I am bingeing on Japanese films this winter. They are truly aesthetic in form and substance.

8.1. A year ago, I happened to watch a samurai film “The Hidden Blade (2004)” on a government TV channel that shows great films free and on demand. Going back some years ago, I also chanced upon “Departures (2008).” Both films are about honor. The first is about living with honor and the second about honoring the departed.

8.2. I wonder if our films involve around the concept of honor? My impression is that they don’t. If they do, it would be about honor as amor propio (self-love), and not as living integrally with heart and mind united. *****

We seem to have a kindred thing in at least one aspect — I love a lot of things Japanese. The sense of honor is probably a big part of it.

I’m a big fan of those prints, NH. Just the art of it all, it moves me.

For me, NH, it’s the prevalent (Samurai) idea of living your life as if already dead, whether the end result of that life philosophy is decadence or inward living, or somewheres in between, seems to me that that source of all things Japanese.

* that’s the source

I like reading stories of the Samurai too. Of course Miyamoto Musashi is a historical Samurai.

“- I love a lot of things Japanese. …”

This triggers a lot of other names, NH: Artemio Ricarte, patriarch of Aquino clan, Jose Laurel, Japayukis(?), …

There is something too about knowing and not knowing. People strongly overestimate what they know. How good you know a bicycle? Just try to make a sketch of its main components now. You see? What I mean with overestimation? And do you know how to make steel? Gears? The efficiency of a bicycle? A lot of this knowledge is not in your head but in other heads, books, internet or the things themselves.

Indeed sight is our strongest sense, so strong that we confuse seeing with knowing. Blind people don’t have that problem, their sense of knowing is very different. Their awareness how much they rely on others for knowledge too.

(Getting older you start even confusing fragmented knowledge with complete understanding, understanding with wisdom. Proof? Look at the septuagenarians Duterte or Trump.)

One can draw a more accurate bicycle from memory by drawing the empty spaces between the physical objects, which is an allegorical lesson that suggests the smartest people start by exploring what they don’t know and adapting their old knowledge to that. Most of us start by defending our incomplete knowledge, which is rather stupid. Thanks for that enlightenment.

Made worse by starting with a personal objective and trying to force-fit the explanation and strategy/ moves against a modified objective for public consumption.

LOL! Like me arguing with Bill re “Might Makes Right” of the War of 1812, Joe. Last I read about the War of 1812 was 10th grade! Did I know then that i’d be arguing with another dude from Australia about its merits? no, i’m having to Wiki all this stuff up, but the essence of what was taught in high school, is still what frames my understanding of that War.

So whatever that “essence” is, “our” perspective remains. The contents not so. Very timely, josephivo’s post , now I’m questioning much of my knowledge to account what i really know and what’s just the essence of it. But what is this “essence”, ie. in the War of 1812, that we were repelling the British, hence the protagonists; vis a vis Bill’s view that we were the antagonists for acting as France’s thorn.

Ditto for me, re: the French Revolution, the Revolutionary coalitions vs France, Napoleonic Wars, et al., the period from 1789 to 1815 and the rolling heads of King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette, Desiree & Marlon Brando. Ohhh, my head … 😦

Lance & Sonny, what was taught about this history depends on what the governments wanted to propagandise !

I’m happy to spell out the truth..As I have no skin in it.

The USA revolution happened in 1776-82 with military help from absolutist monarchy France. Why ? Because anything that weakened ( parliamentary ruled ) Britain was good for France….So there emerged a de facto French/USA alliance that lasted for until about 1814.

In France in 1789 there was the french revolution. Now this was very different to the earlier USA one. It was taken over and dominated by extremists who instituted a period of dictatorship, misrule, terror, and execution by guillotine. The King & Queen of France were executed in 1791. A huge proportion of the aristocracy were also executed and those who could fled. Tens of thousands fled, to the UK, to Germany, to Italy wherever. France also declared war on Britain in 1792 and on it’s other neighbors..Out of this maelstrom emerged Napoleon who came to power in ~~1796 because he was a competent general and won battles in Italy and at Toulon.

For the USA France under Napoleon was a new dominant world power ‘safely’ far far away..So trading with France and getting a trading income was a good thing for the USA. For Britain it was the USA supporting an enemy just across the Channel. In 1804 Napoleon assembled an huge army in the ports of France & Belgium to invade Britain.

But his navy was defeated at the battle of Trafalgar and without a powerful navy the safety of the invasion while crossing the channel could not be assured. The British navy blockaded all the ports of France and Western Europe The invasion was cancelled..Instead he invaded the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and eventually the Russian empire

But France’s policy was to encourage the USA to be a thorn in Britain’s side : How by selling dead cheap to the USA all the Louisiana territory, all the land up the Missippippi to Canada and the city of New Orleans. A nice little buying friends and influencing people exercise by Napoleon.

The USA Britain was on 1812-15 was fought in that context. The USA was just a minor ally of Napoleonic France to distract Britain in the war with France in Europe..

When Napoleon was finally defeated & abdicated in 1814, the USA very quickly signed a peace treaty ( The treaty of Ghent )with no changes of territory…Now that was Britain being generous to the USA.

Nice historical brief, Bill. Thanks.

I totally agree with everything you’ve said here, both your strategic points as well as historical— everything jibes IMHO.

But you’ve still missed the point of Might Makes Right vis-a-vis our War of Independence. Western European geopolitics at that time aside, why did American colonists insist on rebelling, because therein lies my argument for Might Makes Right, ie. use of violence focused on tyranny.

Now as you’ve said, Australia was nowhere on the map then; Canada was a century behind the U.S. (just a bunch of fur trappers and traders); I have no idea where NZ was at this time. So maybe it’s one of those, eldest child teaching parents to be better parents deal, hence no revolts from the rest of the Anglosphere. But since then we’ve all been one happy family.

British tyranny is famously outlined in the US Constitution’s first 10 Amendments, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights , these were written to ensure these abuses never happen again, but more important, these were the reasons we fought the British.

Our Bill of Rights, popped up again in France, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_Man_and_of_the_Citizen “directly influenced by Thomas Jefferson, working with General Lafayette, who introduced it.”

There might be confusion as to which represented tyranny, between England & France (both monarchies); but between England and the American colonies, and her subjects, it was England hands down, hence Might Makes Right. Focus on the War of Independence, Bill.

here’s the link to the original discussion by the way:

The power vacuums that President Duterte and China fill with self-interest

Thanks for the French aspirin, Bill. Also good for my blood, btw.

The names Nelson, Marie-Antoinette, Robespierre, Napoleon, etc. have stayed from high school rote memory of that period. Now I learn the whys this late in life. 😦 Never too late, anyway.

Hey Lance not much argument about the USA Revolution. The colonists wanted representation in the Commons and it was denied. Bloody stupid decision.

But George III was mentally ill most of his long reign and the Revolutionary war was probably nothing to do with his decisions.

You are right about the British government learning from that experience : none of the other British ‘colonies’ were denied their own parliaments..or taxed without it being approved by their own parliaments..

( Ireland was invited to wind up it’s own parliament and send then to the Commons…A big mistake but that is another story. )

“(Getting older you start even confusing fragmented knowledge with complete understanding, understanding with wisdom. Proof? Look at the septuagenarians Duterte or Trump.)”

I’ll say if I may about septuans Duterte and Trump, It COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE also. Lord Acton had said it in slow viral over many decades. Michael Korda gave it length in a book. it’s power .IT IS POWER seguro. Interesting read these blokes, but I have yet to see and read a neurologist’s discourse on the Physiology of POWER on the human brain or contrariwise, The Physiology of the Human Brain on POWER. .

Marunong man o nagmamarunung lamang ang mga datan kung walang puersa sa pamahalaan o kaya’y alaws atik at yaman (money as potent source of power) kahit kamag anak o kapit-bahay walang makikinig sa mga tigulang.

“… about septuans Duterte and Trump …”

Now, this my punning and sarcastic heart likes: Recalling the honorific that was bestowed on Joseph Conrad’s hero in LORD JIM, Tuan Jim! We have our American and Filipino heroes – ‘tuan Digong and ‘tuan Donald!! 🙂

******* Popoy, you are right that Duterte and Trump are drunk with power.

However, power (or money) is not an alternative explanation to their “complete understanding.” It is a tool of their mastery. They revel in it and wield it bluntly and nakedly, Duterte more so than Trump. *****

edgar how in the world did you get the idea of me thinking, saying people are DRUNK with power. That’s not so unlike a kind of free press style of reporting that crosses the border into gossiping and rumor mongering in a wet market section.

******* Lord Action and extended logic. *****

Edgar, I asked HOW, not where or from whom. Straight thinking I learned from school and from old philosophizing farmers distinguishes the fine line between a woman and a lady; a man from a gentleman.

******* Popoy, What exactly did you mean to convey? *****

******* Ah, the first sentence of the last parenthetical paragraph – how true!

Several years ago, after retirement, I thought I had come to an acceptable understanding of myself and the world. But life continues to surprise, the good as well as the bad. Perhaps the excesses of the bad — especially those of Trump and Duterte — more than the awesomeness of the good.

I was truly shocked by what Duterte said of PNoy yesterday. We have reached unknown depths in the abyss, which seems to be bottomless. *****

In the annals of Philippine jurisprudence the fiscal (prosecutor and D.A. or AG) is the powerful God that sentinels the many gates of the Philippines Legal Olympus. The CJ of the SC is it’s ZEUS.

As in Greek mythology it might already had happened that a God former mere sentinel had already tried to unseat Zeus.

“There is nothing wrong with us. We will always be Tonyo country, unassuming and comfortable in our shoes, never never shy. And we will always be Lea, forgiving, open, not judgmental. blind when in love. We may have several Miss Universes, but walk around and you see Tonyo and Lea in everyone, eking out a living, having fun, holding hands, finding love in unexpected circumstances, a people rocked by natural and self-made calamities but destined to love because we are simply good at it—we were made for it.”

And just like that, my exasperation with us as a people somewhat ebbs. And I stumble upon a little bit more understanding of how it is that we can oust a thieving dictator, yet confer an unprecedented 81% approval rating of a murderous thug for a president. This boundless capacity for love that moved us to reject a fascistic despot is the same dexterity of love to believe that beyond the savage killings, we shall find a blueprint for a place of our own as clean and fragrant and scenic as Hokkaido. This boundless skill in love comes from a bewildering elasticity of the heart to forgive–ojojo, and forget–the transgressions of unfaithful partners and insincere leaders. And from a stubborn refusal to pass judgment on our oppressors–lovers or leaders they may be.

For what is love if not Tonyo’s perseverance of pursuit, despite rejection after rejection from the porch? And what is love if not Lea’s sense of compassion–sterling and true–even for a down-and-out vagrant she doesn’t know? Maybe there lies their and their people’s redemption.

All of these would be just fine if the losses–of life and dignity–were also on celluloid only. Except they are not.

Thank you, Mr. Villanueva, for stilling my rage momentarily.

Hi Hannah! I had to read your comment several times. Joe is right. Comments in The Society of Honor are gems in and of themselves. I shall cherish your words, especially if my own rage seeks to break out of its cage, put there by me like I would a rabid dog which must never be let loose lest I myself become rabid and a danger to society. It’s a struggle to remain hopeful and forward looking in the Age of Dut but there will always be people like you and me who will never stop believing that this too shall pass and we can live lives of quiet rejoicing once again. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Thank you so much.

I have finally seen I shi yu- I see You or (Na) kita kita. Nice!👍

The movie was great, I came across it, the actors are very talented. The script can not be impeccable. Thank you very much, thank you who wrote this script.

This movie is great. I like it so much…

Notes from the Editor

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Sunday, August 6, 2017

Mr pogi tv movie review: kita kita (i see you).

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Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Lea is a tour guide in Japan who suffered from temporary blindness and if not cured in a few weeks could be permanent. Tonyo who lives right across from Lea is persistent and determined to be her friend. They then become closer and Lea has seen the true character of Tonyo.

Alessandra de Rossi Empoy Marquez Junpei Yamamoto Carolle Urbano

Director Director

Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Producers Producers

Erwin Blanco Arthur Pefianco Scarlet Pefianco

Writer Writer

Editor editor.

Marya Ignacio

Cinematography Cinematography

Boy Yñiguez

Executive Producers Exec. Producers

Joyce E. Bernal Piolo Pascual Erickson Raymundo

Production Design Production Design

Composer composer, sound sound.

Lamberto Casas Jr. Immanuel Verona

Spring Films

Philippines

Primary language, spoken languages.

English Japanese Tagalog

Alternative Titles

Kita Kita - Tagalog, I See You, 너를 보는 나

Drama Comedy Romance

Releases by Date

19 jul 2017, releases by country.

Theatrical R-13

84 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by King #adoptdontshop ★★★

Even on second viewing, I still stick to my disgust with how a stalker premise was romanticized. Try to gloss it over, but Kita Kita 's (I See You) theme is still unacceptable and the stalking angle ruined anything genuine this film has to offer. Tonyo's interior motives for being kind and helpful mirrors women's struggle from manipulative sad boys and their persistence even when told NO. It’s problematic!! Hindi nakakakilig.

Having said that, Kita Kita deserves a 3-star rate for a powerful soundtrack, committed acting from Alessandra De Rossi, clean story flow, and beautiful cinematography.

Review by Anj ★½

As much as I love Sigrid Andrea Bernardo as a director, not even a romcom context can justify a stalker premise. Downright creepy. In technical manners, constant inconsistencies in cinematography and sound. Nothing goes well for the script too. Empoy's comedic timing is great though.

Review by regina ★★★½

Wouldn't have worked if Empoy's characterization of Tonyo wasn't as endearing and good-hearted.

Review by Wendell ★★

if you rearrange the scenes in chronological order this is a actually a horror movie

Review by Mars 🍭 2

I could think of three million ways they could have handled this without making Empoy's character borderline creepy/stalker-ish. A noble attempt, nonetheless.

Review by riah ★ 2

sana hindi ko na lang 'to nakita,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Review by James Espinoza ★★

Kita Kita offers an interesting premise, and along with it some very problematic points. The film successfully distracts the audience from overthinking it through humor, particularly via Empoy, who delivers every piece of dialogue like a punchline.

Review by Brent ★★★½

The sleeper hit movie from 2017 is a comedy about a temporarily blind girl and the stalker next door. You can either like the film or hate it, I personally enjoyed the comedy and chemistry of the movie. Empoy's performance resembles a Charlie Chaplin-esque mannerism and timing while Alessandra balances it out. Many are complaining about Tonyo's intentions of following Lea being creepy or disturbing, my take is that he simply wanted to repay her help from before yet the movie didn't present it in a better/less menacing way. Flashbacks are a plot device and it can really drag the movie longer than it really is.

Review by Allen ★★★

stalker si empoy amputa

Review by Jana ★★½

The film got potential but I must say, WHAT A WASTE. There was a really substantial build up. I mean, it's a cliche charmingly coated with peculiarity. No words was a must-have everytime Alessandra's eyes spoke aaand Empoy delivered not with perfection, but a spotlight. This crafted the build up, the bond between the film and the audience, y'know? There was that until the point where the story began to fall into shite, well at least for me.

It was haphazard. The narration and editing and storyline. God the storyline. Not to mention the musical score. Damn, it sucked man. Inconsistency in the character was also evident. EVERYTHING JUST FELT FORCED. It was dragging.

Nevertheless, Kita kita is bold for it traversed the conventional (faces) in the Philippine cinema and it was such a refreshing experience. FUNNY IS THE NEW POGI.

Review by Mark Ortega ★★ 4

Review by Stu ★

Whahaha isinabuhay ng character ni empoy ang creep by radiohead

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Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Alessandra de Rossi

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IMAGES

Movie Review: Kita Kita
Movie Review: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo's Kita Kita
Movie review: 'Kita Kita' is not your typical rom-com
KITA-KITA: MOVIE REVIEW
'Kita Kita' Movie Review: A Fresh Spin On The Cliched Rom-Com
Movie Review: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo's Kita Kita

VIDEO

Review Film Agak Laen 2024 #agaklaen #standupcomedy #shorts #shortsvideo
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COMMENTS

REVIEW
It's so simple an idea but it works. "Kita Kita" is really just a two-actor film about a Filipino tour guide in Saporro, Japan, who gets her heart broken and goes blind. Her neighbor, also a Filipino, comes over to her house every day to try and cheer her up and a romance blossoms between them. The movie revolves around this simple plot ...
'Kita Kita' review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful
Kita Kita is about Lea, played by De Rossi, a Filipino tour guide living and working in Sapporo. When Lea discovers that her Japanese boyfriend has been cheating on her, she goes blind. Tonyo ...
Review: Kita Kita
Though it takes some time, Kita Kita reaches these places eventually, traversing the tragedy of love deftly and mercilessly. Unrequited love is a weird emotion; it is part nostalgia, part sadness, part warm and fuzzy and somewhat beautiful in its emptiness. All of this is experienced and the cheesy build up to these moments are contextualised ...
Movie Review: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo's Kita Kita
But Sigrid Andrea Bernardo 's newest film, Kita Kita, is a break from all that. Kita Kita, a play on "nakikíta kita," stars the unlikely tandem of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. It is set in picture-perfect Sapporo where Lea (de Rossi) works as a tourist guide, bringing guests from all over the world to the Japanese island's ...
Movie Review Of 'Kita Kita' Starring Alessandra de Rossi
Kita Kita is directed by Sigrid Bernardo who was also responsible for the award-winning film Ang Huling Cha-cha ni Anita. 3. This film takes you on a tour of the beautiful city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. The places they visit—Odori Park, Moerenuma Park, Mt. Moiwa, and Yurigahara Park—are definite must-sees! 4.
‎Kita Kita (2017) directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo • Reviews, film
Having said that, Kita Kita deserves a 3-star rate for a powerful soundtrack, committed acting from Alessandra De Rossi, clean story flow, and beautiful cinematography. Review by Anj ★½ As much as I love Sigrid Andrea Bernardo as a director, not even a romcom context can justify a stalker premise.
Kita Kita
Kita Kita (I See You; キタキタ) is a 2017 Philippine romantic comedy film written and directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, and starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez.Set in Sapporo, Japan, [6] the film follows Lea (De Rossi), a Filipino tour guide living in Japan who goes blind after having witnessed her Japanese fiancé's infidelity. . After a while, fellow Filipino and charmer ...
Kita Kita (2017)
DIRECTV Stream Review for 2024; Fubo Plans and Pricing 2024 - Everything You Need To Know; ... Read our dedicated guide on how to watch Kita Kita (2017) Appears on. The Best Amazon Prime Movies for Your Parents. ... A coming-of-age movie that circles around friendship and the atonement of a boy. 8.7. queue hide Movies. Series.
MOVIE REVIEW: Alessandra and Empoy, unconventional couple in Kita Kita
by Mari-An Santos. Published Jul 20, 2017. Kita Kita, starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez, is Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. As sleeper hits go, Kita Kita (I See You) could very well be one. After all, Filipinos love a good romantic comedy--and they especially like ones that will take them on an emotional ride.
'Kita Kita' Movie Review: A Fresh Spin On The Cliched Rom-Com
Kita Kita is all lighthearted and funny - until it hits you in the face with the reality of life and death, a MacGuffin that definitely sets it apart from the rest of its genre peers. Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez's newest film perfectly falls into the category - focusing on the supposed disparity in looks. But what sets apart "Kita Kita" is its attempt to put a different spin on ...
Movie review: 'Kita Kita' is not your typical rom-com
This film written and directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo is definitely not the typical rom-com. Having Marquez as a leading man alone already sets it apart from others. It was this unlikely pairing of De Rossi and Marquez that made "Kita Kita" work so well to engage its viewers to laugh and cry. His plain looks and her blindness made a strong ...
Kita Kita Movie Review
With Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez as the headliners of the film, comedy is expected to be its selling point. Set in the beautiful backdrop of Sapporo, Japan, Kita Kita is more than just a showcase of its actors' comedic chops backed by the location's beautiful landscape. Fun, charming, and sweet. Problematic. Comments.
Movie Review
18 thoughts on " Movie Review | Kita Kita (2017) " Comment navigation. Older Comments. Pingback: POETRY | TEN SPRINGS AGO - vienna noreen. bessclef says: 2017-08-06 at 21:39. There are two kinds of Filipino movies: the rom-coms with a theme song from the 80s, and the gritty ones that feature so much poverty. I like the idea that this may ...
Movie Review: Kita Kita
Reviews. 4 Comments. Title: Kita Kita. Director: Sigrid Bernardo. Actors: Empoy Marquez, Alessandra De Rossi. Combined Rating: 4.5 Stars. Elaine Says: Last July 22, 2017 Me and my friends went to Eastwood to watch the movie Kita Kita, we were excited to watch this because of Sapporo Japan, and yes, also because the actors in this movie was the ...
'Kita Kita' Review, a Light Film that Breaks the Heart
With the film's leading actress, Alessandra de Rossi, Kita Kita brings forth a film that received thousands of praises because of its quirkiness thanks to the hard work of the film's leading man, Empoy Marquez. Although it is a story people may find original, looking at the movie thoroughly brings the audience to that typical romantic ...
Kita Kita
Here's my review on this wonderful indie movie. Far from the usual, there is no doubt why the film "Kita Kita" is a hit breaker in the Filipino film industry. While grandiose film companies team up two popular young couples like Jadine and Kathniel, this film by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo is a stranger to the big screens.
Movie Review: KITA KITA
6. I learned six lessons in the movie: Stress can make you blind. Eating cabbage can make you happy. The law of karma is real. Kindness kindles hope. Life is unfair. Love can heal. 5. I gave this movie 5 stars and 5 thumbs up even I only have four thumbs.
The social significance of 'Kita Kita'
Film editing by Marya Ignacio. Production design by Thesa Tang. Lamberto Casar Jr. and Immanuel Varona, sound engineers. "Kita Kita" is shortened Tagalog for "Nakita Kita," roughly "I Saw You" in English. Alessandra de Rossi is the beauteous Lea. Empoy Marquez is Tonyo, the one who has a face only a blind person can love.
Kita Kita
Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. The definitive site for Reviews, Trailers, Showtimes, and Tickets ... Kita Kita 1h 35m
Mr Pogi TV Movie Review: Kita Kita (I see you)
Movie Review: Kita Kita. ... This review will be short like me and Empoy. I will try not to spoil a thing so don't worry! One, the story. It is a predictable type of love story (for me ok?) I kind of predicted the end but I did not expect the feels. Like seriously I was like 'oh f*** no sh**'. Having a story like this in the Philippine cinema ...
‎Kita Kita (2017) directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo • Reviews, film
Review by King #adoptdontshop ★★★ Even on second viewing, I still stick to my disgust with how a stalker premise was romanticized. Try to gloss it over, but Kita Kita's (I See You) theme is still unacceptable and the stalking angle ruined anything real or genuine this film has to offer. Tonyo's interior motives for being kind and helpful ...
Kita Kita (2017)
Rated: 4/5 Sep 23, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews Audience Reviews View All (2) audience reviews. Daryl D ... "Kita Kita" is different. This movie relied on script, great story, drama and the ...

‘Kita Kita’ review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful

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Movie Review | Kita Kita (2017)

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It was funny as much as it was heartbreaking—in the worst possible way.

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Movie Review: Kita Kita

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