"Para Sa Broken Hearted" Movie Review: Just Damn Too Perfect

"Para Sa Broken Hearted" stars Shy Carlos, Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao, Sam Concepcion and Yassi Pressman.

Back in 2015, Viva Films adapted one of the best-selling novels of online celebrity and author Marcelo Santos III. The film was "Para Sa Hopeless Romantic" starring Nadine Lustre, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Inigo Pascual and Shy Carlos. The film stayed a bit far from the format of it's original source material and wasn't really a big hit. This year, Viva Films adapts the sequel of the book, with Shy Carlos as the only cast member returning for her character.

"Para Sa Broken Hearted" stars Shy Carlos, Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao, Sam Concepcion and Yassi Pressman. The film is directed by Digo Ricio, it is produced by Viva Films and Sari Sari Films. The film follows three intersecting stories of five individuals who got hurt by love, led by Jackie (Shy Carlos) who decided to go to Baguio to stay at her aunt for a while after her break-up with her ex-boyfriend RJ (Marco Gumabao). She meets Kath (Louise Delos Reyes) who is also trying to move on from a heartbreak after she fell for a mysterious guy named Alex (Sam Concepcion). On the other hand, Alex is also trying to recover from his past relationship with Shalee (Yassi Pressman). Each story tackles the pain of heartbreak, acceptance, moving on and the courage to learn to love again.

Being a fan of the two books by Marcelo Santos III, I must say that this film exceeded all of my expectations. Although the movie adaptation of the first book was average, this movie nailed it. It perfectly captured the pain and sadness of the original source material. The way it depicted the emotional euphoria that one feels when they're in love was very creative and very close to what we imagine in real life. The lines are very organic and realistic. The way they told the stories through segments (which is what the first film failed to do) really reflected the novel, although you don't necessary need to read both books as this film was designed to act as a standalone film.

The film was also visually stunning at every frame. I love it's use of colorful lights to set up the tone. I know a lot of films have been using this neon colored scheme shit on lighting, but this one worked for the film. The fantasy inspired sequences, from the musical type moments, the talking ceiling, the space walk and even those very small details like the slow motion sequences while Alex and Kath were talking in a restaurant was very creative and genius. The film kinda looked like a scrapbook that came to life with it's gorgeous visuals. Not to mention the film's beautiful soundtrack which adds more punches to the tone and atmosphere of each scene.

Shy Carlos, who was the only actor to reprise her role as Jackie from the first movie, was amazing. Marco Gumabao was also very effective as RJ. He was perfect as her partner because they looked good together onscreen. Sam Concepcion and Louise delos Reyes were both good choices for Alex and Kath. They were able to display their acting prowess thru their characters. Their performance was outstanding. Yassi Pressman did not fail us with her heartbreaking portrayal of Shalee.

To sum it all up, this movie adaptation of Marcelo Santos III's best selling novel managed to surpass my expectations. They gave us a film that pays respect to it's original source material. They've done it in all the right ways, which is a rare and unbelievable feat. In simple words, it's just damn too perfect.

Rating: 10/ 10