Take Me to Banaue

Take Me to Banaue beautifully captures the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Banaue, immersing viewers in the traditions of the Ifugao people. The cinematography does a great job showcasing the region's natural beauty, making Banaue itself feel like an integral part of the film.

Maureen Wroblewitz delivers a surprisingly solid performance. Given her background, I was impressed by how well she embraced the Pinoy accent, and her effort in learning the local Ifugao dialect added authenticity to her character. Thea Tolentino, however, truly carried the movie for me. Her portrayal brought energy and depth, making the story far more engaging. The chemistry between her and Dylan was enjoyable, even if it wasn't the film's main focus.

That said, I felt that Thea and Dylan's characters somewhat overshadowed the main leads, Maureen and Brandon, which shifted the film's dynamic. Unfortunately, Brandon's performance felt a bit lackluster, which was a slight letdown.

Despite these imbalances, Take Me to Banaue remains a heartfelt film that's worth watching for its beautiful setting and the strong performances that elevate the story, especially for its celebration of Filipino culture.