TV & Film
Ulan (2019) isn’t your typical Filipino romantic drama. Directed by Irene Villamor, Ulan delves into a world of supernatural and magical elements, differentiating it from the usual local romantic comedies seen in cinemas today. Although the film is a love story, Ulan might pleasantly surprise Filipinos about what kind of love story it ends up becoming.
The film tells the story of Maya (Nadine Lustre) whose major life events are always preceded by the onset of rain. From finding love to experiencing her first heartbreak, an unexplainable shower always comes pouring down to dampen her mood. After waiting years to see him again, Maya finds out that her childhood crush Mark (AJ Muhlach) has already settled down with a family of his own. It doesn’t help that shortly afterwards she is spurned yet again, this time by the handsome Andrew (Marco Gumabao) whom she met by chance at a wedding. Maya eventually meets Peter (Carlo Aquino) during one fateful rainy day and finds a semblance of the comfort she has been looking for.
The magical and supernatural elements are what set this film apart from your run-of-the-mill romance. These elements are introduced at the beginning through the folklore tales of Maya’s grandmother (Perla Bautista). Her stories instill a strong imaginative sense in Maya that she carries with her as she grows older. Throughout the film, there are flashbacks of Maya as a young girl encountering tikbalangs—half horse and half human creatures—getting married in the rain by the woods by her home. She asks the tikbalangs why they would continue getting married despite the heavens raining down on them, and they reply that it is because they love each other. This scene cements Maya’s desire to search for her one true love. Though these mythological creatures are just manifestations of her imagination, this touch of magic realism adds another dimension to what would have been a somewhat ordinary storyline. Maya uses these imagined mythological characters as a means to comprehend the world around her and the meaning of love in her life.
Another aspect that stood out was Neil Daza’s gorgeous cinematography and color-grading. Each shot looked like it was dipped in honey-colored hues and, ironically, brought out a warmth amidst all the gloomy rain. Perhaps this is a nod to the film’s theme of finding the silver lining in every unfortunate event. The film is a feast for the eyes—so much so that you almost forget to pay attention to the dialogue as the visuals speak for themselves.
Aside from the stunning visuals, the soundtrack also perfectly complements the entire aesthetic of the film. Janine Teñoso’s dreamy rendition of Rivermaya’s Ulan (1994) perfectly encapsulates the mood of rain. From the more romantic aspects to the darker portions of losing the one you love, the music heightens the emotions expertly displayed by the actors.
Lustre as the leading woman is enchanting on screen with her big expressive eyes and her ability to convey emotion so intensely. Aquino, on the other hand, is endearing as Lustre’s love interest. Other than his acting skills, Aquino’s earnest countenance and good-looks make him a pleasure to watch—it’s easy to find yourself rooting for him throughout the film. From the moment Lustre and Aquino encounter one another in the rain, a connection can already be felt brewing between their two characters.
The decision to separate Lustre from her usual on-screen pair James Reid is bold considering the strong “love team” culture in the country. However, Lustre’s believable and palpable chemistry with Aquino goes to show that local actors and actresses need not be dependent on their usual on-screen partners to deliver an outstanding performance.
For the most part, Ulan does an amazing job at tugging at moviegoers’ heartstrings. The film will have you laughing at comical situations and have your heart fluttering from love lost and, eventually, found. Even if love stories aren’t your favorite film genre, Ulan’s unique storyline, top-notch production value, and skillful acting present an alternative romance story that can be appreciated by a wide range of viewers.
Photo sourced from the official website of Viva Films
