The story was straightforward, yet it had an unexpected emotional and dramatic core. However, the film is short and sweet in every sense of the word. This is where the film falters. It skips over the little things.
Jasmine, a young woman with an unspecified mental condition, is central to the plot. It is unknown or unstated whether she has Asperger's or is on the autistic spectrum, but it appears likely. She lives alone in Baguio with her grandma, in relative serenity. When Jasmine's grandmother contracts tuberculosis, she must go to the city to live with her sister Dahlia while her grandma recovers in the hospital. 'Unforgettable' takes us on a fantastic journey with a special child named Jasmine and her beloved dog, Happy. They embark on a long journey to visit her ailing grandmother in Baguio, believing that bringing the dog to her will heal her. As they walk an incredible distance, they confront a variety of hardships and meet numerous individuals who support them along the route. This is the film that will take you on a new voyage of discovery of love, friendship, and family.
The movie had a great cast and was well-acted. Sarah Geronimo, Gina Pareo, and Kim Molina stand out, but the rest of the supporting actors did an excellent job with the minimal material and moments they were given. We never find out what Jasmine's ailment is, for example. Sarah Geronimo, the primary character, did an excellent job at depicting autism on television. Sarah Geronimo's Jasmine is at the centre of it all, and she provides a completely dedicated performance. Geronimo manages to skillfully show the signs of autism, even without mentioning her condition: inability to make eye contact, incorrect social interactions, monotone speech, strong fixation on one topic, and behavioural disturbances (such as tantrums). Sarah Geronimo gives her everything to the role, relying on her charisma to keep Jasmine from being ridiculous or caricature-like.
'Unforgettable' is a film about adventure. An adventure that extends beyond the limits of the novel, an adventure in which the protagonist steps outside of her comfort zone and goes to great lengths to be with her loved one. It may be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It may be simple for others, but not for Jasmine. And each of the stops she made along the way transformed her and the people she met.
It's an unapologetically happy film that sticks out in a cinematic landscape overflowing with all-too-real depictions of the world in all of its cynical and jaded splendour.
