The comeback film of Stars for All Seasons Vilma Santos and Kung of Philippine Drama Christopher de Leon via When I Met You in Tokyo is interesting to watch after their long absence of doing movies together. Both stars appeared in the 2002 Filipino historical drama film Dekada ’70, directed by Chito S. Roño and based on the 1983 novel of the same title by the late Lualhati Bautista.
Apart from the plot, the story concept that the two lead stars have crafted together with their director, Conrado Peru, and screenplay by Suzette Doctolero; and the great acting of Santos and de Leon–there’s nothing more to it. Oh, I must mention that the backdrop of the film, set in Tokyo, Japan is another reason for the moviegoers to feast on. The winter scenes are all postcard-worthy.
Santos plays Azon, known for her generous heart, and meets Joey, a divorcee who still harbors the scars of his ex-wife’s (Gina Alajar) infidelity. It’s about unconditional love, sacrifices, and aging from the perspective of two elderly workers who eventually became lovers, and ended up marrying at their age.
There were conflicts, but nothing much for the moviegoers to invest in. If the viewers have a soft spot for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who are of the same age as the lead stars–the film could move or touch them for sure.
All in all, if not for Santos and de Leon as stars of the film–there’s no reason for most of the moviegoing public to prioritize When I Met You in Tokyo. The only novel about the story of the old couple and the dynamics of their relationship when they started living under one roof. Their banter with each other is real and no put-ons. Their chemistry still works!
As a senior couple, both Santos and de Leon convincingly acted out their characters in their most natural way. If Cedrick Juan hadn’t delivered a powerful performance as Padre Jose Burgos in GomBurZa, de Leon could have snagged the Best Actor Award.
As the Fourth Best Picture in the recently concluded MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal, I leave it to the jury. They may have seen something that I didn’t see in the film.
