JESSIERYL A.

DIMATULAC OCTOBER 18, 2022

The 2021 film "More than Blue," directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, written by Won
Tae-yeon, and screenplay by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, is a romantic drama based on the
same-titled Korean film released in 2009. JC Santos as Charles Keith "K" Macabuhay and Yassi
Pressman as Sue Ann "Cream" D. Luis are the main characters. The film was released on
November 19, 2021. Nuel Naval's objective is to convert the Korean drama series into a Filipino
indie film featuring Filipino actors and dialogue. The film is available on streaming sites such as
Netflix, as well as in theaters throughout the Philippines.
In the film More than Blue, Charles Keith, aka "K," and Sue Anne, aka "Cream," played by
JC Santos and Yassi Pressman, respectively, tell the story of how they met in high school and
went on to live together in a platonic relationship. Later, they joined forces to write songs for
pop singers. K and Cream have been orphans since middle school. K's father passed away from
cancer and his mother left when he was young, while Cream's family was destroyed in a terrible
car accident, and that is how their connection started. As they work together to achieve their
goals, K received a life-changing condition that caused him to make detrimental decisions.
When Cream eventually meets John Louis (Diego Loyzaga), an affluent dentist, with whom she
declares that she has fallen in love. K can't help but be relieved that Cream will not be left
alone even though it breaks his heart. K even asked John's girlfriend Cathy (Ariella Arida) to help
him in getting the two together. That is the point at which K is looking for a suitable mate for
Cream, someone who would care for and love her as much as he does, but it is a tough task
because K must let go of the one he loves the most.
The key highlights of the film include the directing, writing, cinematography, acting, and
sound. In terms of directing, Director Nuel Crisostomo Naval used a variety of creative camera
angles and mirrored pictures to create a classy appearance for the scenes. His selection of
settings appeared stunning on the screen, especially the bridal studio with its spiral staircase
enclosed in a tower with transparent glass walls, Cindy's stylish photography studio, and the
vividly illuminated Jones bridge with its elaborate lighting posts. The film's outstanding
production value gave it a lot of class despite the story's inherent melodrama. For the writing,
Won Tae-yeon, and Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, the screenplay's writer, uses a variety of literary
devices and storytelling tactics, including foreshadowing, flashbacks, and symbolism, to let the
story stand out and come to the surface. As opposed to being a snooze fest of excessively
saturated talkies, it also excels at giving fascinating conversation that helps to make the movie
even more interesting. This film's cinematography is likewise a step up in terms of quality. It's
not very spectacular or groundbreaking, yet it's beautifully built in its simplicity. The amount of
care put into creating a simple but extremely meaningful atmosphere in the photography
studio as the photos, close-ups, and overall set design all come together to produce a really
unified direction that truly appeals to all the senses is a perfect illustration of this. In the matter
of acting, several performers, including those who played Bonnie and John, delivered weak and
forced performances. The film's first scene was admittedly shoddy and had cringe-inducing
acting. But it was Yassi Pressman and JC Santos who stole the show. Their chemistry felt so
genuine. Despite being a remake of a Korean film, they did a great job. The constant transition
between the many characters, as well as the overall ending, were pretty enjoyable. You can
witness the characters' personalities change over time. The dramatic twist also allowed
Pressman to put everything on the line, which she accomplished admirably by delivering a
convincing performance. Finally, there's the sound. Cesar Francis Concio is in charge of musical
composition. Original Filipino music from artists and bands such as Ang Bandang Lapis, Lyca
Gairanod, Edsel of PPOP GEN, Hans Paronda, and Marion Aunor is used throughout the film.
The music is melancholy and will touch you with the context of the film, such as the track in the
opening scene of the film titled Kabilang Buhay, which foreshadows future events in the film.
Overall, the Pinoy version of the romance-drama sensation "More than Blue" is
magnificent in every way. Drama and emotions are sensed throughout the entire viewing
experience. Despite some flaws and imperfections, the author and the performers who worked
hard on the film managed to create a fantastic performance. This film is still proof that Filipino
filmmakers have a strong eye and sensibility for innovation and outstanding story-telling, as
well as a testament to Filipino films' limitless possibilities. A deeply moving love story about
secrets, sacrifice, and a kind of selfless love that is well worth watching.