Hello, Love, Goodbye (A Film Review)

“Hello, Love, Goodbye”
(A Film Review)
By Jen Ballat, Lexine Aaliyah Gensaya, and Jennylyn Romano
“Hello, Love, Goodbye” is a sensational romantic drama by Star Cinema. “If you love
me, why are you making me choose?” is the most iconic line from this film, questioning the
very basis of their desire, a journey into achieving self-love without submitting to the depths
of self-absorption. According to IMDb (2019), it was written by Carmi G. Raymundo (story),
Cathy Garcia-Molina (director and screenplay), and Ronalisa Co (screenplay), starring
Kathryn Bernardo as Joy Marie Fabregas and Alden Richards as Ethan del Rosario. Hallare
(2019) noted that on its released date in the Philippines, July 31, 2019, this film scored as the
“highest-grossing Philippine film” breaking the record that was previously held by “The
Hows of Us'', which also starred Kathryn Bernardo and was directed by Cathy
Garcia-Molina.
Co-writers of the director, Carmi Raymundo, and Ronalisa A. Co, are also known for
their hit written films. Starting with Carmi Raymundo, a producer, screenwriter, and
Creative Manager of Star Cinema. Her various most established written films are “You
Changed My Life”, “A Second Chance”, “Starting Over Again”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”,
and of course “Hello, Love, Goodbye”, with the help of her creative team (Selim, 2018).
Following this, Ronalisa A. Co is a writer and an additional crew. Some of her successful
written films and television series are “Hello, Love, Goodbye”, “I Love You, Hater”, and
“Forevermore” (IMDb, n.d.).
Altogether, the glimpse of hardships that overseas Filipino workers endure in Hong
Kong were highlighted through Joy's perspective, a domestic helper who envisions a secured
future in Canada, for herself and her family. In the middle of searching for new employment,
she met Ethan, a bartender who was originally looking for intimacy. When their path crosses,
they eventually fall in love with each other, leading to a conflict between their dreams. Later
on, without any resentment, they reconcile by accepting the decision that they want for
themselves and appreciating the experience that enables them to grow as a person.
As previously mentioned, the focal point of this film is about ‘dreams’, we all have
dreams but not all people turn them into a goal. Berrios (2020) emphasized that the
difference between dreams and goals is that "dreams are thoughts that may or may not be
fulfilled", while "goals are real and can be accomplished with a great deal of effort", the
movie illustrates how these two things differ. Take, for example, Ethan and Joy's argument
in the climax that shows a parallel situation to Ethan’s long-term relationship with Tanya,
his past lover. Ethan never got the chance to accomplish his dreams with Tanya resulting in
enormous regret as shown in his tattoo named by her, yet when Joy came into his life he
finally learned and took action for himself. Another scene that is significant to the flow of the
story is the foreshadowing after the pageant when Joy expresses her admiration for Tanya's
success, and how Joy frequently checks the time, venturing into various forms of jobs that
are not legally aligned with her degree. Based on this, we understand her true intention,
which is to provide for her family and to be a nurse in Canada. Although comedy and
romance are taken into account, the focus of the movie is not faded into obscurity.
What makes the movie remarkable, aside from the plot, is the characters that enliven
the film, such as the alike disposition of Joy and Ethan, exhibiting a ‘devil-may-care’ attitude,
but with a distinctive subject in mind. Also, the dialogue, namely the ‘hugot’ lines were
coherently delivered by the main characters: Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, and the
marvelous performance of the supporting characters serve as the 'comedic relief', breaking
the potential tone of ‘monotony’: Kakai Bautista, Lovely Abella, Maymay Estrada, Jeffrey
Tam, and Joross Gamboa. Along with its dialogue, the soundtrack fits the narrative of every
character in their respective scenes. Moira Dela Torre and Jason Marvin’s song “Ikaw at
Ako” (2019) featured in the film is considered as the ‘theme song’ that plays a huge role in
the dramatic effect. By the same token, the ambiance, color, lighting, and transition control
the intensity of the moment. For instance, the colors blue and grey were associated with
‘despair’, whereas red and purple were associated with ‘euphoria’. In addition to that, the
drone used in the film flies smoothly, the reason why shots at the edge of the cliff found in
“Lion Rock Hiking Trail'', close to the epilogue, were captured exquisitely. Even if Hong
Kong is a bit crowded, the camera does not tremble at all. The costume, on the other hand, is
not extravagant, which is a positive aspect, considering its similarity to the actual clothes that
most people wear here in the Philippines. All in all, their trials and tribulations were offset by
the breathtaking film they created.
Besides this, the film teaches us that difficult decisions must be made and that these
decisions must be accepted for the sake of love. Notwithstanding, the script brought to life
numerous contemporary issues in our society, particularly in terms of compromising family
unity and risking criminal actions in pursuit of their material wealth goals. However, this
film has its weakness, specifically, the 'lack of chemistry'. ‘ Romantic chemistry’ is crucial to
make the film believable. According to Wikipedia (n.d.), GMA Network promotes ‘AlDub’:
Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza since 2015 in Eat Bulaga segment, "Juan for All, and All
for Juan'', while ABS-CBN promotes ‘KathNiel’: Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla since
2013 in their television series "Got to Believe". Even though their acting skills are
exceptional, the corresponding pair that were established affected the audiences' emotional
attachment.
Inferring on the execution and the outcome of the film itself, the filmmaker
succeeded in their goal. Recognizing that the purpose of this film is to depict the plight of our
Filipino migrant workers and their desire to pursue their dreams which particularly, is
shown in Joy’s role. Trying to save money while working as a DH in Hong Kong, hoping to
move to Canada and pursue her nursing career. Another purpose here is to show that there’s
nothing else that would give us satisfaction other than choosing ourselves and it’s not a form
of selfishness, which served as a reminder to the audiences. The film is undoubtedly worth
watching because even though the love story is most likely to be relevant, it provides the
audiences with a unique stance of the realities in life, especially of being an overseas worker.
It also didn’t have a typical ending such that most romantic dramas, it proved that true love
is having a mature relationship. A relationship that won’t hold you back from your dreams
but instead, would help you grow to achieve them. Furthermore, the film aided in cultivating
a deeper perception of the course topic by showing the reality of life and love. That it’s not
always relaxing, manageable, and in favor of you. Most of the time, you need to make serious
decisions and most importantly, sacrifices.

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