'Unconditional' comes at the right time


"Unconditional" ought to be a simple enough love story save that it's cast in what may be deemed as complicated circumstances.

In the movie, Anna (played by Rhian Ramos) goes on vacation following heartbreak. She meets Greg (Allen Dizon) and eventually falls for him. But he seems tentative taking it to the next level despite obviously liking Anna too. Why?

Because Greg has a secret that's not really a secret---except it suddenly seemed like it might be necessary to make it so, because to him, a transman, the risk could be great if Anna finds out (he might lose her!).

"Unconditional" is a movie that comes at the right time. It challenges conventions about love that, thankfully, today's moviegoer can confront authentically; without blinking or blushing, and certainly sans apologies.

Rhian and Allen are fully committed to the characters they play. There is much honesty in every emotion they delineate, from confusion and cowardice up to acceptance and assertion. They mine it all from a place of conviction that viewer can't help but respond accordingly.

Joel Lamangan as tita Jonell may be a hoot but she can also make you bring out a hanky. He is unforgettable in this movie---gotta love her to bits!

Elizabeth Oropesa shines in whatever movie she does. "Unconditonal" is no exception. That key dramatic scene she did as Dolores with Greg is powerful. You'll know what we mean when you see it.

Shot in Siargao, the movie takes advantage of the picturesque. We loved all of the scenes that involved water. The movie can also be a good summer movie because of this but, hey, we'll take a good movie any time of the year.

We have to make mention of the theme song of the movie "Kulay Ng Puso" written by JovenTan and sung by Kaye Cal. It upped the emotional value of some of the scenes like all good theme songs do.

"Unconditional" opens in theaters nationwide on June 25.

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