Kung Paano Siya Nawala (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Kung Paano Siya Nawala (2018) is a Filipino romantic drama directed by Joel Ruiz. The film stars JM de Guzman and Rhian Ramos in a story that attempts to delve into the complexities of love, identity, and the struggles of living with face blindness. Despite its ambitious premise, the film falls short in delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with its audience.
Plot Overview
The film follows the life of Lio (played by JM de Guzman), a man suffering from prosopagnosia or face blindness, a condition that makes it difficult for him to recognize and remember faces. This condition isolates him from forming meaningful connections, making his world a lonely place. Lio meets Shana (played by Rhian Ramos), and the two form a relationship that challenges Lio to confront his condition and the emotional barriers he has built around himself.
However, instead of fully exploring the intricacies of Lio’s condition and its impact on his relationships, the film offers a fragmented narrative that fails to build a strong emotional connection with the audience. The movie touches on Lio’s struggles, but it never fully immerses the viewer in his world, leaving the character’s journey feeling incomplete and unsatisfying.
Character Development and Performances
JM de Guzman delivers a nuanced performance as Lio, capturing the internal struggles of a man disconnected from those around him due to his condition. However, the film’s script does not give him enough material to truly shine. Lio’s character lacks depth, and the film does not explore his backstory or his coping mechanisms in a meaningful way. This leaves viewers with a one-dimensional portrayal of a man defined solely by his illness.
Rhian Ramos, playing Shana, brings charm and warmth to her role, but like JM, she is hindered by a script that fails to fully develop her character. Shana’s motivations and reasons for falling in love with Lio are never fully explored, making their relationship feel superficial. The chemistry between the two leads is present, but it is not enough to overcome the film’s shortcomings in storytelling.
The supporting cast, including Agot Isidro, also delivers competent performances, but their roles are minimal and do not contribute significantly to the narrative.
Themes and Analysis
Kung Paano Siya Nawala aims to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the search for love in the face of personal challenges. However, the film struggles to convey these themes in a way that feels authentic or impactful. The narrative is often disjointed, with conversations that start with potential but abruptly end without resolution. This lack of continuity makes it difficult for the audience to invest in the characters or their journey.
The film also misses the opportunity to raise awareness about prosopagnosia in a meaningful way. Instead of delving deep into Lio’s condition and its psychological effects, the film glosses over these aspects, leaving viewers with a shallow understanding of his struggles. The result is a movie that feels more like a collection of missed opportunities rather than a cohesive story about a man overcoming his challenges.
Cinematography and Direction
Visually, Kung Paano Siya Nawala is well-shot, with a focus on creating a mood that reflects Lio’s internal world. The cinematography captures the sense of isolation and disconnection that Lio feels, with the use of muted colors and close-up shots that emphasize his detachment from his surroundings. However, the film’s pacing and editing leave much to be desired, as scenes often feel disconnected, further contributing to the narrative’s lack of cohesion.
Director Joel Ruiz attempts to create a film that is both introspective and emotional, but the execution falls short. The film’s pacing is slow, and the story meanders without a clear direction, leaving viewers more confused than enlightened by the time the credits roll.
Where to Watch Kung Paano Siya Nawala (2018) Online
For those interested in watching Kung Paano Siya Nawala, the film is available for streaming on Netflix. As one of the most popular streaming platforms, Netflix provides easy access to the film for viewers who are curious about this romantic drama. The movie is also associated with TBA Studios, known for producing quality Filipino films.
Conclusion
Kung Paano Siya Nawala (2018) is a film that had the potential to be a poignant exploration of love and identity but ultimately falls short due to its weak storytelling and underdeveloped characters. While JM de Guzman and Rhian Ramos give commendable performances, they are unable to overcome the film’s narrative flaws. The movie’s inability to fully explore its themes and characters leaves it feeling incomplete and, as the title suggests, somewhat lost.
