KUNG PAANO SIYA NAWALA (2018) and WAR ROOM (2015)

I was thinking quite some time what films could best describe the decade. 
2010's is a great decade for movies.

I posted before on my Twitter account that "Kung Paano Siya Nawala" is my best Filipino film of the decade. And an acquaintance asked me to respond for his article regarding the films that defined the 2010s. You may check it on click here

This film is truly memorable for me. I'm not a fan of romantic movies however this romance drama film stands out. JM De Guzman, in one of his finest performances, portrays Lio a man suffering from face blindness. This condition is a reason for him not to interact much with other people until he met Shana (Rhian Ramos), a carefree spirited girl. Lio begins to discover that love flourished as you find the right one for you. However, Shana has her problems on her own that she needs to face. Can they help each other? Is Shana the right one for Lio?

Kung Paano Siya Nawala is a romantic film that reflects a generation searching for identity and love. Face blindness is a condition which is not discussed before in any movies. It's also a condition where a person is unable to connect well with others. What I love about this film is that even Lio has face blindness, his loved ones didn't treat him differently. His loved-ones didn't force him to do something that might isolate him from his condition.

Forgiveness is also a strong message in the film.

I consider "Shana is everyone at the bar while UDD's Anino is playing as a background music" as one of the most memorable cinematic moments of the decade.

Faith-based films are usually criticized for being preachy and having multiple messages. It may sound funny but I find it enjoyable to watch.

"Don't fight here! This is the war room!", as one of Dr. Strangelove movie characters uttered.

"War Room" (2015) is one of the best produced faith-based films. The film revolves around a wife having resentment to her husband because of his shortcomings. She also has suspicions that her husband is entertaining other woman which will eventually prove her right. Until she met an elderly woman that taught her to fight not only for her marriage but also her identity with God.

War Room is also the best Kendrick Brothers movie. While the film focuses on marriage, it didn't veer away to its message that prayer is important in spiritual life. It's a weapon for spiritual battle and warfare. Moreover, love and forgiveness are given much attention in details in this movie.

The finale scene where the elderly woman is praying for the next generation is giving me goosebumps. She prays that the next generation will take a stand to lead. And it's good to see on screen the unyielding hope and care/concern of older generation to younger generation.

Among the four Kendrick Brothers movies made, this one so far is my favorite. Marriage as a main plot and theme of the story in Kendrick Brothers movies are often discussed. It has also an in-depth look where they pick-up from their previous movie "Fireproof". In "War Room", though it has different characters and situations, it is poignantly depicted. Miss Clara as a supporting character has a great impact to the lead character Elizabeth to put her trust on God regarding her marriage through prayer. In "Fireproof" (2008), Caleb's father let him have the 40-day love journey through a journal and prayer. It's noticeable that there were unnecessary characters in "Fireproof" as well as superfluous subplot. In "War Room", we can see the improvement of Kendrick Brothers in storytelling, narrative and direction as well as technical aspects, aesthetic, artistic and creative values.

In the scene where Tony confesses and asks for his wife's forgiveness, Elizabeth's (Priscilla Shirer) response through her nuance is subtle. She tells her husband, "I'm not done with us. I will fight for our marriage. I've learned that my contentment doesn't come from you. I'm His before I'm yours. And because I love Jesus, I'm staying right here."

There's also a hair-raising or goosebumps moments when Elizabeth realizes that she's more than a conqueror. It is when she rebukes and thwarts the enemy’s distractions by declaring God's power. This moment is powerful among memorable speeches in faith-based movies. "I don't know where you are, devil... You have played with my man. ...No more! You are done! Jesus is the Lord of this house and that means there's no place for you here anymore. So take your lies... accusations and get out in Jesus name! My joy is found in Jesus and just in case you forgot, He has already defeated you, so go back to hell where you belong and leave my family alone!"