Most of the time, when you see a movie being advertised across social media channels or almost every television show, the typical question would be, “Who will play the lead roles?”
We should not omit to ask though, “What is the movie about?” Regardless of which question gets answered first, the most important thing is how the message is conveyed to those who came to watch the film.
That feeling you get when you order food from the restaurant, and you get to smile while you’re eating and finally burp in satisfaction – yes, that same set of emotions while watching is what I personally wish to feel. Because let’s admit it – you don’t want to watch anything for nothing. A movie, as cliche as it gets, is tagged, impacting with the message it conveys, how it is conveyed without having to say so much. “Isa Pa, With Feelings” is all that, both literally and figuratively.
But how does this movie prove that there’s more beyond words?
1. You are understood and fought for by a person who chooses to without having to say a word.
Gali, a deaf, independent man, played by the award-winning actor Carlo Aquino, struggles to find himself a place in the world of those who can hear, especially after having to go through a bad break-up with Anika (Arci Munoz). Anika chose to end her relationship with Gali because eventually, she got fed up “taking care” of him. This triggered Gali’s fear of entrusting his heart again to someone.
Mara, a once goal-driven woman whose only aim was to make her family happy enrolled in Sign Language classes where Gali became her teacher. A friendship sparked between the two, especially at a time when she grieved her failure to pass the Architectural Board Exam. Gali made her see through the world beyond silence, and she chose to stand by him despite whatever circumstances in his disability even when at first, his resistance was strong.