Wikipedia

An Inconvenient Love

An Inconvenient Love (with a working title as Open 24Ever) is a 2022 Philippine romantic comedy film starring Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, directed by Petersen Vargas[3] and produced by Star Cinema.[4] The film was released on November 23, 2022, in 175 cinemas[5] in the Philippines.[6]

An Inconvenient Love
Directed byPetersen Vargas[1]
Screenplay by
  • Joaquin Enrico Santos
  • Daisy Cayanan
Story byJoaquin Enrico Santos
Produced by
  • Carlo L. Katigbak
  • Kris Gazmen
  • Catsi Catalan
  • Daisy Cayanan
  • Kara U. Kintanar
  • Carmi Raymundo
  • Marizel Samson-Martinez
Starring
CinematographyNoel Teehankee
Edited by
  • Mai Calapardo
  • Benjamin Gonzales Tolentino
Music byTeresa Barrozo
Production
company
Distributed byStar Cinema
Release date
  • November 23, 2022 (2022-11-23)
Running time
124 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office$274,431
(₱15 million)[2]

Plot

edit

Manny, a company heir working undercover as a trade union activist, pretends to be in a relationship with Ayef, a passerby, to hide from police hunting for participants during a rally against his father Wilfredo's company. Caught in a rainstorm, Manny lends his umbrella to Ayef, who is heading to the 24-Ever convenience store, before parting ways. Ayef is then shown to be working part-time at 24-Ever to support her ambition to become a professional animator in Singapore, while Manny seeks to prove himself to Wilfredo, who disapproves of Manny's plant boutique shop business. Manny and Ayef track each other down on social media and discover that their workplaces are located near each other. Manny becomes a frequent customer at 24-Ever and slowly gains Ayef's heart, while Ayef learns more about Manny's family from him and becomes friends with his autistic half-brother Dobs.

After Ayef discovers that her domineering mother Terry has been deliberately sabotaging her internship application in Singapore to force her to stay in the Philippines, she goes for a ride with Manny to 24-Ever. After both release their frustrations about their respective families and their happiness with each other, Ayef and Manny agree to be in a romantic albeit conditional relationship for 100 days, subject to whether it is convenient for them to continue. Over the succeeding weeks, Ayef and Manny enjoy being a couple, despite Manny being found out by his father as a labor activist, while Ayef passes her internship interview for Singapore. Falling drunk at a date, both express that they have fallen in love with each other.

Manny invites Ayef to his house for a birthday dinner with his family. However, Wilfredo is incensed when Ayef inadvertently reveals that she met Manny at the rally, while things escalate when Manny's estranged mother Meryl arrives and chastises Wilfredo for his infidelity with Dobs' mother Agnes, who is also Manny's stepmother. As Manny's parents storm off, Wilfredo angrily demands that he close down his plant business and leave Ayef. Outside, Ayef asks for a break-up with Manny, citing his failure to stand up for her over the dinner, but Manny chastises her for loving him only in a less stressful time. Arriving at her home, Ayef encounters her father Filemon standing up to Terry and comforts him. The next day, Terry apologizes to Ayef for sabotaging her dreams and gives her blessing to pursue the internship in Singapore. Manny sees Wilfredo abusing Dobs and decides to stand up to his father before moving out, accompanied by Agnes and Dobs.

On the end date of their supposed relationship, Dobs reminds Manny of Ayef's promise to join him in a drawing session, prompting Manny to seek Ayef one last time. Arriving at her residence, Manny is told by a surprised Terry that she is on her way to the airport for her flight to Singapore. Terry contacts Ayef and tells her of Manny's request. Ayef then runs off to meet Manny at a rally, during which the couple make their romance permanent as Manny wishes good luck to Ayef in her journey.

Cast and characters

edit

Main

edit
  • Belle Mariano as Ayef—a graduating student and aspiring international animator who works part-time at a convenience store named 24-Ever.[7]
  • Donny Pangilinan as Manny—22-year-old owner of HalaManny, a boutique plant shop near 24-Ever.[7]

Supporting

edit
  • JC Alcantara as Dobs—Manny's brother, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[7]
  • Epy Quizon as Filemon—Ayef's dad
  • Matet de Leon as Terry—Ayef's mom
  • Adrian Lindayag as Jobert—Ayef's friend and co-worker.
  • Iana Bernardez as Kookie—Ayef's friend and co-worker.
  • Sheenly Gener as Fetussa—Ayef's friend and co-worker.
  • Chino Liu as Ben 1—Manny's plant shop helper.
  • Brian Sy as Ben 2—Manny's plant shop helper.
  • Teresa Loyzaga as Meryl—Manny's mother
  • Lara Quigaman as Agnes—Manny's stepmom
  • Maxene Magalona as Viviana—Manny's sister
  • Tirso Cruz III as Wilfredo Siena—Manny's dad and the owner of the Siena Corp.
  • Nicco Manalo as a policeman
  • Dwein Baltazar as Ayef's professor
  • Nor Domingo as a labor activist
  • Jomari Angeles as a labor activist
  • Clara del Rosario as interviewer
  • Aldo Ramzjoo as corman

Production

edit

Development

edit

An Inconvenient Love marked the return of Star Cinema in the big screen[8] and was the 30th Anniversary offering of the film outfit.[9] The film was first announced in the finale of the He's Into Her (HIH) All Access Grand Concert on August 27, 2022, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.[10] On September 14, Star Cinema revealed in their social media accounts about the filming status of the movie saying "Keep your eyes peeled for the full cast reveal coming your way very soon".[11] On September 29, the full cast of the movie was officially announced.[12]

The movie is set in 2022, as evident on how the protagonists dressed up; which exhibits a color palette referencing the eponymous 24-ever Convenience Store, where the lead characters love story blooms, and aimed to represent the young generation.[13] According to Cayanan in an interview with the Philippine Star, "An Inconvenient Love" was written taking reference with DonBelle and what Gen Z's way of expressing love at the present time; with the realization, especially after the pandemic, that life runs fast and people were too busy with their lives.[14] On a separate interview, Donny shared with Metro Style about playing the character of "Manny", as the most challenging role so far in his entire acting career; while commending the superb characterization of Belle as "Ayef".[15]

On a 32-minute Star Cinema special documentary—Donny and Belle:Their Moment—released on November 30, 2022, Donny expressed his hopes about the viewers' take-away on their film, saying "Sana, we're able to move people...and importantly, people are going to fall in love again with Filipino-made movies".[16]

Director

edit
 
Director Petersen Vargas

I wanted to create characters that felt like real young people with real-world dreams and struggles.

I requested a lot of preparations and did specific workshops for their respective characters. We even immersed in an actual convenience store along Tomas Morato.... The characters their audiences will see are not just a result of my direction. It's one thing to follow my instructions, but they also have their vision and that's what made the experience better.

— Petersen Vargas, on directing An Inconvenient Love.[17]

The film sealed as the debut project of Petersen Vargas on Star Cinema.[9] The project was handed to him as a full story line with Donny and Belle as its leads.[13]

Music

edit
An Inconvenient Love (Original Soundtrack)
Soundtrack album by
Zack Tabudlo, Moira Dela Torre, BINI and BGYO
ReleasedNovember 25, 2022 (2022-11-25)
Recorded2022
StudioEP
GenreOPM, Soundtrack
Length21:32
LanguageFilipino
LabelStar Music
ProducerJonathan Manalo

On November 15, 2022 Star Cinema has revealed the official soundtrack of the film[18] and was officially released on November 25, 2022.[19] In an Instagram post by Zack Tabudlo, it was revealed that the music video of "Pinadama" will feature the lead stars of the movie, Donny and Belle,[20] and was released on December 4, 2022.[21]

An Inconvenient Love (Original Soundtrack)
No.TitleWriter(s)ArtistLength
1."Pinadama"Zack TabudloZack Tabudlo3:56
2."Aking Habang Buhay"Moira Dela TorreMoira Dela Torre4:14
3."Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi"
  • Gianina Camille Del Rosario
    Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen
BINI4:58
4."Tumitigil Ang Mundo"
  • Frederico Miguel Claveria (Hiphop Uncles) of Flipmusic
    Marcial Domingo Antonio (Hiphop Uncles) of Flipmusic
    Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen of FlipMusic
BGYO4:08
5."Lagi"Louie Martin CanariaBINI4:16
Total length:21:32

Marketing

edit

On October 21, 2022, the official teaser trailer was released,[22] with over 1 Million views within the first 5 hours of its release,[23] and the official poster three days after, which leads to Twitter Philippines' trending topics domination, right after the release.[24] On October 28, the full trailer[25] of the movie was revealed at the Grand Media Launch event.[26] On November 12, the second trailer was released, which shows confrontational scene from the lead characters.[27] As part of the movie promotion, the lead casts Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano embarked on a provincial tours in the Philippines and overseas,[28] named 24Ever Tour,[29] which also includes their guest appearance on a US news program, NBC Palm Springs[30] and in the Philippines' television show It's Showtime (November 29).[31]

Release

edit

Theatrical Run

edit

An Inconvenient Love premiered Tuesday night at the SM Megamall in the Philippines, ahead on its scheduled regular screenings on November 23, 2022.[32]

Release Date Country Format Ref.
November 22, 2022 Premiere Night (Red Carpet)[A] Movie Theater [33]
November 23, 2022 Philippines,[B] Guam, Australia, New Zealand
November 24, 2022 Brunei, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
November 25, 2022 USA, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria
November 26, 2022 United Kingdom
November 27, 2022 Austria, Spain
December 3, 2022 Hong Kong
December 30, 2022 Cambodia [C]

Streaming

edit

The romantic comedy film premiered on Netflix in February 2023.[34]

Reception

edit

Box office performance

edit

The romantic comedy film grossed ₱15 million[35] in ticket sales as of November 30, 2022 (₱4 million came from its first day).[5]

Screening

edit

Domestic

edit

In the Philippines, the number of the movie screenings was increased from 160[32] to 175 cinemas.[5]

International

edit

An Inconvenient Love was shown in 20 countries from November to December 2022, with regular screenings scheduled in Guam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Cambodia.[36] On November 16, 2022, the Dubai special screenings of An Inconvenient Love scheduled on December 4, 2022, was announced as sold out.[37]

Critical response

edit

Jason Tan Liwag of CNN Philippines expressed in an article saying "An Inconvenient Love captures the social isolation and the need for independence that seems characteristic of coming-of-age narratives post-pandemic...writers Cayanan and Santos situate the young love squarely under the guillotine of socioeconomic and sociopolitical turmoil...[and] with how disingenuous the family drama devolves into and how it tosses discussions of abuse to the side".[38] Nazamel Tabares of Pelikula Mania praised the cinematography of the film saying "this is one of the most good-looking films of Star Cinema in terms of cinematography" and emphasized the effectivity of DonBelle's portrayals with the characters saying "more than the romance, An Inconvenient Love is a coming-of-age story...and it works because of how good Donny and Belle has become as actors".[39] Rafael Bautista of Nylon Manila described the film as a convenient watch saying "the rom-com vibes are there,..but it also cuts surprisingly deep with its story of love and young adulthood in today's world, DonBelle's acting continues to impress with a chemistry that lights up the silver screen".[40] Ryan Oquiza of Rappler shared in an article that the film restores faith in the love team genre emphasizing "[the] An Inconvenient Love has a lot of things going on in the background and sometimes, urgent issues [of the society]...but, focuses on romance. Vargas ingeniously finds a way to have the lovers come to a compromise and to forward the notion that love can overcome obstacles and transform people".[41] Avram Francisco of This is Hype praised the script, the film's visuals and DonBelle's chemistry.[42]

Awards and nominations

edit
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2023 ContentAsia Awards Best Asian Feature Film An Inconvenient Love Won [43][44]

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ "Attended by the ABS-CBN executives, the casts and the creative team of An Inconvenient Love."
  2. ^ "In the Philippines, the film was shown in 175 cinemas."
  3. ^ "In Cambodia, the film was dubbed in Khmer."

References

edit
  1. ^ Dana Cruz (October 29, 2022). "WATCH: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano start contractual romance in 'An Inconvenient Love' trailer". Movies. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Inquirer.
  2. ^ "DonBelle's film 'An Inconvenient Love' earns over P15 million". ABS-CBN News. November 29, 2022.
  3. ^ RAFAEL BAUTISTA (August 15, 2022). "DONBELLE'S NEW MOVIE MIGHT JUST MAKE CONVENIENCE STORES SEXY AGAIN". Pop Culture. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022 – via Nylon Manila.
  4. ^ Pauline Songco (November 16, 2022). "'Inconveniece' in DonBelle's new movie". Headlines. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Daily Tribune.
  5. ^ a b c "DonBelle movie na An Inconvenient Love, naka-P4M sa first day?". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  6. ^ "WATCH: Donny and Belle fall in love on a deadline in 'An Inconvenient Love' trailer". Filipino Movies. October 29, 2022. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Rappler.
  7. ^ a b c Cheska Santiago (September 29, 2022). "Everything We Know So Far About DonBelle's Upcoming Movie, "An Inconvenient Love"". All Access. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Candy.
  8. ^ Iza Iglesias (November 4, 2022). "DonBelle ushers in Star Cinema's big screen comeback". Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via The Manila Times.
  9. ^ a b Carissa Alcantara (November 1, 2022). "Star Cinema returns to the big screen with DonBelle via the film "An Inconvenient Love"". Celebrities, Entertainment, Entertainment News, Movies. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Manila Bulletin.
  10. ^ Acer Batislaong (November 18, 2022). "DONBELLE'S 'AN INCONVENIENT LOVE' GETS A KILIG-INDUCING FIRST TEASER". Pop Culture. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Nylon Manila.
  11. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan begin filming for "An Inconvenient Love."". Movies. August 14, 2022. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via What A Life PH.
  12. ^ Humility Javier (October 5, 2022). "FULL CAST REVEALED: Meet the all-star cast of "An Inconvenient Love"". Newsen. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  13. ^ a b Em Enriquez (November 22, 2022). "Everything You Need to Know About Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan's Outfits in "An Inconvenient Love"". Fashion. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via Preview PH.
  14. ^ Nathalie M. Tomada (November 29, 2022). "Star Cinema head Gazmen: We were not wrong in trusting DonBelle". Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via Philippine Star.
  15. ^ Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso (November 25, 2022). "Donny Says His Character In The Movie "An Inconvenient Love" Is His Most Challenging So Far". People, Celebrities. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  16. ^ Mary Ann Bardinas (December 2, 2022). "DonBelle looks back on their journey towards achieving "their moment" in special Star Cinema docu". Newsen. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  17. ^ Mark Hipolito (November 18, 2022). "Director Petersen Vargas Talks Collaborating With DonBelle in Romance Flick 'An Inconvenient Love'". Pop Culture. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via The Beat Asia.
  18. ^ Citations of An Inconvenient Love OST:
  19. ^ "An Inconvenient Love (Original Soundtrack) - Album Credits". Star Music. November 25, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022 – via Tidal.
  20. ^ "Donny, Belle to star in Zack Tabudlo's new music video". Newsen. November 18, 2022. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  21. ^ "WATCH: Donny, Belle in Zack Tabudlo's 'Pinadama' MV". Newsen. December 5, 2022. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  22. ^ Humility Javier (October 25, 2022). ""Nakakabitin!": 'An Inconvenient Love' teaser trailer sends fans craving for more DonBelle". News. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  23. ^ Rb Sermino (October 24, 2022). "Donbelle pinaluha, binitin sa kilig 1M fan" [Donbelle brought to tears, 1M fans hung in excitement]. Entertainment (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via Abante News.
  24. ^ JE CC (October 25, 2022). "DonBelle dominates Twitter anew after poster release of upcoming rom-com film 'An Inconvenient Love'". Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022 – via LionhearTV.
  25. ^ Chlarine Gianan (October 28, 2022). "The Official Trailer of DonBelle's 'An Inconvenient Love' is Finally Here". Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Mega.
  26. ^ Danielle Domingo (October 31, 2022). "Watch the Trailer for "An Inconvenient Love" with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano". News. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via MYX Global.
  27. ^ Kathleen A. Llemit (November 4, 2022). "WATCH: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano starrer 'An Inconvenient Love' releases second trailer". Movies. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via The Philippine Star.
  28. ^ Angelo Sanchez (November 8, 2022). "Tambalang "DonBelle" ready na sa kanilang tour para sa pelikulang "An Inconvenient Love"" ['DonBelle' is ready for their tour for the movie 'An Inconvenient Love']. Showbiz (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via Balita.
  29. ^ ACER BATISLAONG (November 21, 2022). "DONBELLE SPREAD LOTS OF KILIG NATIONWIDE WITH 'AN INCONVENIENT LOVE' 24EVER TOUR". Pop Culture. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022 – via Nylon Manila.
  30. ^ Reggee Bonoan (November 12, 2022). "DonBelle bumandera sa isang US news outlet para sa 'An Inconvenient Love'" [DonBelle appeared on a US news outlet for 'An Inconvenient Love']. Showbiz (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022 – via Bandera.
  31. ^ "WATCH: Donny, Belle bring 'kilig' to 'Showtime'". Entertainment. November 30, 2022. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  32. ^ a b "IN PHOTOS: Star Cinema is back in cinemas with DonBelle movie 'An Inconvenient Love'". Newsen. November 23, 2022. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  33. ^ Humility Javier (November 15, 2022). "'An Inconvenient Love' to hold international screenings in the US, Europe, and more". Newsen. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022 – via ABS CBN News.
  34. ^ Citations about "An Inconvenient Love" on Netflix, as follows:
  35. ^ "'An Inconvenient Love' earns over P15 million". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  36. ^ "'An Inconvenient Love' charms weekday box office". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  37. ^ "Dubai screening of 'An Inconvenient Love' sold out". Newsen. November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022 – via Expat Media.
  38. ^ Jason Tan Liwag (November 25, 2022). "DonBelle's 'An Inconvenient Love' ushers kilig back into cinemas". Film. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via CNN Philippines.
  39. ^ Nazamel Tabares (December 1, 2022). "'An Inconvenient Love' Review: How can young love survive today?". Newsen, Reviews. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Pelikula Mania.
  40. ^ Rafael Bautista (November 25, 2022). "THERE'S NOTHING INCONVENIENT ABOUT DONBELLE'S 'AN INCONVENIENT LOVE'". Pop Culture. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Nylon Manila.
  41. ^ Ryan Oquiza (November 28, 2022). "'An Inconvenient Love' review: A movie that restores faith in the love team genre". Movie Reviews. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Rappler.
  42. ^ Avram Francisco (December 5, 2022). "An Inconvenient Love Review: Can Love Really Be Convenience-Centric?". Movie Reviews. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via This Is Hype.
  43. ^ ContentAsia Awards (July 21, 2023). "2023 Nominees". ContentAsia Awards. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Josiah Antonio (August 24, 2023). "'An Inconvenient Love' wins Best Asian Feature Film at ContentAsia Awards". ABS-CBN News.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=An_Inconvenient_Love&oldid=1250680990"