Rachelle Danya M.

Dela Rosa Grade 12 Cassiopeia

Movie Review: Kita Kita

Kita Kita is a romantic-comedy film initially released on March 2017 written and
directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernando. It emerges as an out-of-the-ordinary film in its down-to-
earth honesty, subtly exuding magic in the ordinariness of the created story of Lea and Tonyo
and the very casual portrayal of the main actors, under the extra-careful handling of the director.
Starring Alessandra de Rossi as Lea and Empoy Marquez as Tonyo.

The setting of the film is at Sapporo, Japan with its picturesque background sceneries. A Filipina
named Lea works there as a tourist guide and had been engaged to marry a Japanese man named
Nobu for 5 years but was unfortunately withdrawn. Due to extreme stress, Lea had acquired
temporary blindness which is when Tonyo suddenly makes an appearance until they finally
become friends and develop a romantic relationship. Like most local films shot abroad, we are
taken to a virtual tour of Sapporos many tourist destinations. The Japanese milieu or ambiance
adds an element of charm and mystique to the mood of the film. It had greatly complemented the
sentiments felt by the characters. It feels realistic but also had dream-like qualities to it that adds
the beauty of the film. Also, it makes the audience have the urge to visit and go to these places to
enjoy for themselves.

The cinematography was truly exceptional and with it comes the creativity of how the story was
presented. There were certain parts of the film that goes back and forth from present to past
which had added to the unique flavor of the narrative, it had utilized perspective very well that
confusion does not arise among viewers. On the first part of the film, the point of view (POV) of
Lea was used to convey her story and on the latter part, the point of view (POV) of Tonyo was
used to infer the revelations of the film. It feels like a puzzle getting completed piece by piece
and in the end, you will fall in love with the whole picure.

Alessandra De Rossis portrayal of her character Lea as a vulnerable but strong woman makes
her endearing enough to make one root for her. Empoy Marquez as Tonyo is also what makes the
film enticing to viewers. Having Marquez as a leading man alone already sets it apart from
others. He was able to use his skills in comedic acts to make kilig moments feel unpretentious
as it unravels the depth and sparks of a true and honest love in the ordinariness of life. His plain
looks and her blindness made a strong statement about discovering another person from what's
inside him foremost. It tells how the physical appearance is not really important when it comes to
finding genuine love.

Set on the streets of Sapporo, Japan, the scenic background coupled with its great musical score
intensify every frame of the film, be it an emotional sequence or a downright hilarious one. KZ
Tandingan's heartfelt rendition of Air Supply's song "Two Less Lonely People in the World"
enhanced the romantic mood. The effervescent chemistry between de Rossi and Marquez,
however quirky and odd they may look together, is palpably sincere and lovingly infectious.

This movie touches the very core of the heart. It shows the power of kindness, acceptance, and
selfless love. It teaches us that good things can happen if only we have the patience to wait. It
demonstrates how love can transform our lives if only we have the courage to be open and if we
allow someone to see us for who we really are.