It just might be a homage to the 1986 movie Children of a Lesser God, but Isa Pa with Feelings is the Pinoy counterpart that doesn’t disappoint but levels up in almost every cinematic angle you can think of. Of course, Carlo Aquino is no Marlee Matleen and perhaps will never be given that the latter is the real deal (the only deaf performer to have won an Academy Award for Best Actress) but he continuously gives a profoundly moving performance that can only be described as portentously staggering.
The film’s titular semantics was personified early on in the movie and it brought a smile to my face, clearly setting the tone of the screenplay’s aspirations successfully. Without a doubt, showcasing the mood for a realistic albeit practical love story, Carlo Aquino plays the part of deaf Gali teaching Maine Mendoza, Mara, a hearing person, sign language will never leave you cheated into thinking that their relationship follows almost every conventional pinoy love story ending stereotype- such as a poorly orchestrated happy ending.
The film wins the audience’s hearts at the simple thought that not all pairings can be summarized by a love-hate connection in the beginning, an epiphany of momentary ethical acceptance, a montage of superimposing cheeky moments followed by that much-awaited first kiss. Nope. This film doesn’t even have a kissing scene much more a love scene and it surprisingly doesn’t make it much less real. But what you do get in return are brilliant performances by both leads which will make you end up either wanting more or being satisfied. Maine Mendoza is a revelation. Her lack of charisma is heightened by her inherent thespian prowess and her fabricated sincerity.
In fact, this made for the actor character for Maine was portrayed really really well. Isa Pa with Feelings is one of those movies that highlights the fragility of self-esteem and kindness, a love story defined by humility and generosity. And it begs any person in this world to dare take a huge page out of it and see life from a different point of view.
Because in the end, deaf or hearing, pained or compassioned, this movie reassures us, that love will always find a way. Again, this is not a paid ad.
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