Elise | An Emotional Colors of Life

02.11.2019 – There have been very exceptions when watching movies in the Philippines. It is rare that new concepts or inspired by western films make it to what is local films are made nowadays. Sometimes you need a fresh new perspective and take the risk. These risks sometimes equate very little box office returns, but get positive critical acclaim due to word of mouth. Sometimes it is very rare to have both, but with local films as a discussion, it is like digging for a diamond in a rough. With Elise it was probably something people should not take high expectations and trust those who have actually seen it. There’s more to share about this film to avoid the ‘Spoiler Alerts’ and that’s where you might find this interesting. Elise appears to be a romantic coming of age film that most have dismissed it just another tried and overused concept in the country. But that’s just above the surface it’s actually a subtle film quite hardly noticed that would change your perspective about Filipino-produced films. There was no huge expectation but this film deserves a second re-watch if you’re keen to be entertained.

SPOILER WARNING! IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN “ELISE PHILIPPINE CINEMAS PLEASE DO AVOID SOME INTERESTING REVELATIONS ABOUT THE FILM AND SOME SURPRISES

An Emotional Taste of Life

In the earlier posters it was said to be "Based from a True Story," but eventually that tagline slowly was phased out. From the opening sequence, it’s about a story of a boy who liked this girl, but it was Elise’s (Janine Gutierrez) perspective that made the right moves in making Bert (Enchong Dee) a better person. Most of the story takes place in the past in the eyes of Bert weaving its way gradually to the present that is unpredictable that is not your usual Filipino film.

Just like an abundance of laughs the dialogue was rich enough that the actors have the right words to tell because the screenplay was impressively written by Joel Ferrer and Miko Livelo. Those two filmmakers deserve their spotlight even though they avoid it and point the light at their talented cast.



Stealing Scenes Pilita almost Corralled this. #PUNS

Rarely, you see the “Asia’s Queen of Song” in a movie such as this stealing the thunder of her young leads. But she was quite a handful the way she portrayed a childish GrandMa with such gravitas. You can never go wrong having a Matriarch who would educate her grandchildren with adult content that makes for good humor. Though it was surprising that she was radiantly funny that was unexpected.

Besides Pilita Corrales her real-life daughter Jackie Lou Blanco was there too. Both women had their spotlight in this timeless tale about two people growing up. Their key roles propel the narrative into just about the right kind of flow on the characters development and shall we say it was a gift that unraveled gently. Not to forget the ice breaker with Victor Anastacio even though a third wheeling companion was also surprising on-screen chemistry with Enchong Dee.

The Colors of a Timeless Moment

Seated inside the cinema watching a film hardly I haven’t heard much or has seen the trailer or marketing in comparison to `Tol, this was a film that immediately just appeared into my social media feed. Having heard a few films directed by Joel Ferrer that I haven’t seen it was on the list of what to see over the weekend that I was looking forward to since word of mouth says this was a good film.

Commentaries aside the cinematography were fresh with the color palettes representing that you’re seeing a flashback of the character’s past was mighty impressive. For someone who not only pays attention to the film’s story, I was keenly observant about the details and background of each scene. It is rare to see this style of filming in a Filipino movie and you can’t determine the timeline of each scene but consider the colors that tell them.



Just like an Abundance of Ice Cream

Everyone needs to be entertained and just the right casting and not like the usual village of smorgasbord actors “Elise” had the right notes and colors to share this well-written film. Every scene is like a gift that unraveled and in each chapter was flavorful of nostalgia feels that relates to the viewers. Everyone has a story share and no I won’t spoil you how it ends you just have to see it for yourself why this film is getting a lot of buzz-worthy vibes.

My only complaint was that Clown Guy #2 towards the progress of the story. Not that he didn’t perform to attract a lot of attention it’s his facial hygiene not funny enough. Kidding aside the overall is another ‘Juwel’ for Joel Ferrer direction for this film in the books certainly deserves another round of viewing to see it!

“Elise” is produced by Regal Films which stars Enchong Dee and Janine Gutierrez in titular roles Now Showing in Philippine cinemas for more where to catch it see the list HERE!

"Elise" Release Date | 6 February 2019 in the Philippines from Regal Entertainment Inc!

RATED: A+

NOTE: This film was screened publicly in SM Megamall in the City of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. This is reviewed with a personal opinion without spoilers not for you to agree or disagree about the views written by the author but to gain insight on his perspective about the film.