Watched off Youtube.
This really is INCORRECTLY tagged as a BEAUTY and the BEAST dupe. This is more of a smash between that AND the PRINCESS and the FROG. In fact, the main plot point of the film is almost lifted off the later. Just saying.
PLOT: After a rich haciendero is saved from his plane crash by a man who has a facial disfigurement, the haciendero gave him a second lease in life as a worker at his huge villa. Her daughter, renowned for her beauty, is at first disgusted by his presence but soon discover the handsome man that magically appears off him by midnight. But to her dismay, its more complicated than a simple kiss of a true love.
Firstly, this film starts with Romnick Sarmenta doing a fourth wall breaking rap narration with all the nineties hallmarks and proceeds to show Jestoni Alarcon, one of Philippine's most handsome leading man, in a prostethic I would just describe as trash then moves with a lot of big songs along the way (Earth Song, and Sweet Child of Mine). Its poptism on the highest level.
It was a weird ass first half of the film.
It even tries to mash the silly tone of the film with Alarcon's action film background, which proceed into an anti-hunting PSA all with the grand and excessive DISNEY-esque Princess moment. In fact, they suddenly dance on what could only be described as a palace out of nowhere with all the fireworks and such. They are in the middle of a mountain region. How is that even possible lol?
Then second half happen.
Most of the stars of the film really piles up in this section. Its where it really trump what it initially was - a Beauty and the Beast reimagining. It became more of an allegory. AND Le Greta, really does not let her PROUD self down AND confidently face her predicament. It really made it more than a simple fairy tale - and create this weird and more grounded drama. You expect it to happen BUT it smartly edges you out of your expectation every single time. AND also THAT's how you end your film. Its not the best thing ever BUT it knows its theme AND make it work.
This film should not really be this good BUT it shifts in the right time when it needs to. I love every single shift it did - I really wish this can get a true upscale though. The Youtube version do not really do it justice.
Recommended.
