Kita Kita (I See You) is a wildly successful rom-com indie movie starring Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Had it been released in the 2016 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), it would have been in good company with many regarding it as the best roster of the festival in recent years. It was pulled out because of additional re-editing that needs to be done. Released seven months after, the producers were only hoping to breakeven amidst expectation of next day pullouts from the cinemas. P320 million after and dislodging 'Heneral Luna' as the most successful independent film, it even has inspired an Indonesian version.
With the idyllic Sapporo as background, the sunshine-y disposition of Lea (De Rossi) becomes clouded when she suffers from temporary blindness due to extreme stress. Her neighbor Tonyo (Marquez) insistently tries to befriend her and being the only two Pinoys in the area, one can't help but give in which opened up a whole new world for her even if she's going to places she's already been to, not even seeing a single thing due to her affliction. De Rossi took on the role because she wanted to do something "light", having been associated mostly with heavy drama. Marquez was charming as the never-say-die suitor, effectively showing us that personality trump looks, and sense of humor is the way to a woman's heart.
The only issue that needs to be discussed is the stalking part. While yes Tonyo had good intentions, some would argue that the end doesn't justify the means. Others will say there's nothing different from what Tonyo did when compared to someone who would camp out on a person's social media platforms. In fact, privacy in this interconnected world has devolved from being a reality to a concept. During the last flashback scenes, there was a mixed feeling of unease and comfort. Wherever you may side about this, it's never wrong to show kindness especially to those who need it whether they see that they need it or not.
