Kita Kita (2017)

Kita Kita (2017)

A dialogue-driven romance that satisfies and subverts Filipino romcom tropes

The Very Best

8.0

Movie

Philippines
English, Japanese, Tagalog
Comedy, Drama, Romance
2017
FEMALE DIRECTOR, SIGRID ANDREA BERNARDO
Alessandra de Rossi, Carolle Urbano, Empoy Marquez
84 min

TLDR

Whatever flaw you think this movie has, I don't see it.

What it's about

A woman suffering from temporary blindness and a forward, friendly suitor go on romantic adventures in Sapporo.

The take

It's uncanny how innocent love can resemble stalking and obsessiveness. We first see Lea’s (Alessandra de Rossi) perspective as she meets funny-man and friendly neighbor Tonyo (Empoy Marquez) out of the blue. Later, we see Tonyo’s perspective and follow his pathetic journey through the heartbreak that led to him shadowing and eventually speaking to Lea. By the time we see both perspectives, it’s too late to judge the surprising events that unfold. The premise seems simple: it follows a relationship that feels comically wrong as it involves a temporarily blind woman and a man who only develops his confidence from not being seen. But it comes alive thanks to the playful chemistry and casting of de Rossi and Marquez, who charm in this brilliantly self-aware Pinoy rom-com.

What stands out

Empoy and Alessandra likely weren’t meant to be a long-term pairing, but they ended up being the most naturally iconic love team Pinoy showbiz has produced.

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