Romantic Throes And Lovelorn Fantasies In TO LOVE AGAIN

To Love Again

Directed by Danny Zialcita, To Love Again (Viva Films) predictably struggles through obstacles common to romantic comedies. It transports romantic love well beyond the cocoon and glow of newly discovered then threatened and finally redeemed amour. Love is renewed as familial sacrifice with entire communities (the lovers’ immediate family, even a logging camp crew helping to salvage its smoked-out embers). And while we know all will end well, that this recuperated love remains celibate up until the awaited wedding night, we laugh heartily anyway. In so many ways, Raffy (Sharon Cuneta) and Bullet’s (Miguel Rodriguez) love is panacea to the fraught romances whose looming shadows satiate hunger for real-time, real-life ruses. We should earnestly consider the contexts in which the film was viewed and somehow unpack fascination for the sometimes cumbersome romantic comedy, and why despite its humdrum turns, its predictable resolutions of well-worn conflicts, it ultimately seduces through its customary web of romantic throes and lovelorn fantasies. Despite the film’s commonplace structure and narrative, romance brims, heaving in unison alongside Raffy and Bullet. Add to this the unfailing chorus of support cast Liza Lorena (Clarita), Tommy Abuel (Rodolfo), Charlie Davao (Don Ramon), Rodolfo "Boy" Garcia  (Raoul), Ramon D' Salva (Leo de Gracia) and Suzanne Gonzales (Nina). For all appearances, Raffy seems empowered, yet this is convenient illusion as she is not freed from the shackles of society’s expectations. Frankly, I liked independent Raffy better than her ego-booster version.

The plot of a Sharon Cuneta film is for the most part immaterial. With every filmic foray into the world of beautiful people, it makes viewers very happy to see young couples pitching woo in helicopters, yachts and exclusive resorts. Puffed up by such singular approbation, Zialcita is happy to churn out a film filled with high-walled houses that have everything including people who dress up to the nines for breakfast of fresh strawberries and cream, wear shoes and over-padded designer clothes around the house. Of the little they are asked to deliver, everyone in the movie does quite well. Rodriguez articulates with maturity, a little stagey at times, but engaging nonetheless. Cuneta still makes a play for the fans in every scene, but less so in this film, and she can be quite absorbing at times. Predictably we side with the wounded heroine whose only desire is to find true love. It is this seamless unity of Sharon as star-performer that seals the deal. To Love Again rehashed the romantic comedy with little or no challenge offered its viewers. Festooned with romantic froth, the film failed to challenge conventional ideas about romance. Nor did it offer a fresh way of conjuring obstacles to the fruition of romantic love. It is jarring to see Raffy’s character succumbing and in the end, dulling through her own volition her newly honed sense of self. It is only perhaps the acute timing that endows this film uncertain redemption. A two-hour dose of romantic thrill becomes by all means, momentary salvation.

Directed By: Danny Zialcita
Screenplay: Mike Vergara
Director Of Photography: Felizardo Bailen
Musical Director: George Canseco
Film Editor: George Jarlego
Production Designer: Peter Perlas
Produced By: Viva Films
Release Date: June 30, 1983