Love comes in different forms at various stages in life. It might present itself as something typical, such as a relationship between two childhood friends, or it could come as a surprise and turn out to be something quite unusual. If there is one thing to be sure about, it’s that the soul always knows. The indescribable attraction between two people is something that cannot be controlled—it just happen unexpectedly. It just happens naturally.
Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa (The Story of Us That Never Was) is an indie film produced by Nestor Abrogena.
When I saw the trailer somewhere on Facebook, I was captivated by it but had a feeling that it's just like the typical filipino love story films, the cliché ones HAHA. But still, I asked myself why don't I give it a shot (malay mo kung iba pala) THEN AFTER WATCHING THE FILM, I must say that this film is not a typical love story. Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa gives us 'something' that other romantic drama films don't have.
(continue reading to know what is that 'something')
When I say “it makes your mind speak”, it being a slow cinema having a little narrative, this is where the part where you want to say the “what if's”.
Even though having very few narratives, the great cinematography and soundtrack struck the viewers the most.
The symbolism made a big impact to make this film more meaningful. One major symbolism I found is the construction sites that are not yet fully built. This hinting us to thing that aren’t fully formed yet, things that may or may not be completed or fulfilled— like without proper labels, like the two couples of the film; Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emmanuelle Vera).
Other aspects detracting from the overall quality of the film including the narrative and cinematography. The plot fulfills its goal as a simple backdrop against which the film illustrates and exposes a specific stage of love. There is nothing wrong with it in and of itself, but the decision to conclude the story on an unclear note may be the final straw that causes some viewers to discard the film. (Watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon for sequel).
In terms of cinematography, the difficulties of filming scenes in busy public areas cannot be overstated, especially when long takes are involved. But there is one scene, LRT scene to be specific, that the camera is hidden inside a backpack. According to one interview, Emmanuelle Vera said that the cast and crew had a difficult time shooting that particular LRT sequence. They only obtained permission to film in the station, not aboard the train. It was a long trip. It was prohibitively pricey. So they just hid the camera in a backpack. Some of the commuters kept staring at the camera, but they couldn't stop the shot.
The picture below is where the scene I am talking about.
(Fun fact: Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa was suppose to be a short film, shot in 3 days, and turned into a full length movie by accident.)
This is a story of a love that was restricted by walls and boundaries, a love that chose to fight for a short time, a love that meets its end but sees hope, a love that would sacrifice one’s happiness for another.
“Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa (The Story Of Us That Never Was)“ is a great indie film example of a complicated relationship with a weak foundation. Sam (Nicco Manalo) is a film professor and a current "lover” of Isa (Emmanuelle Vera). Isa is still trapped in a long-dead relationship with her boyfriend and now is on the brink of losing another significant person in her life. Sam and Isa are at the edge of abandoning whatever they call their relationship is because it’s becoming toxic instead of strengthening. Sam has an offer to work in Berlin and Isa’s about to leave for the US after she graduates. Every moment is a struggle between the two as they approach the end of the tunnel of their relationship but what’s bothersome is that you know that they can retrieve whatever’s left and all they need is a little nudge to make it work, but they didn’t.
Throughout the film, I kept thinking, “Something is lacking. What is it?” I was looking for something to put the pieces together. Then the last scene happens. Suddenly, it all makes sense.
Rating: 9/10
Watch “Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon” for the movie sequel.
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