The Monkey Turf Rundown #RetroReview
ELISE: Indeed, a beautiful hurt
01.14.20
Rating:
9/10
First love is beautiful hurt...
Now I understand the hype.
The simplicity, in its deepest sense, is what makes this movie a stand-out amongst other films of 2019. It is sincere, painful but there is an unexplainable joy that you will just caught yourself having that bittersweet smile in the end. It will let you experience a different kind of hurt and will lead you in finding pleasure in pain.
"Elise" is no doubt, a typical story of first love. But the superb execution is something else. Director Joel Ferrer managed to put everything in place. My heart is happy on how he visualized and how well he presented Bert and Elise's love story without trying hard to be another movie of love. He was able to pull off a work that is simple yet real. Some people said it is maybe because this is his story of his first love. But who cares? The finished product will speak for itself.
Enchong Dee and Janine Gutierrez worked well together. They may have an unusual chemistry but their performance is believable. I guess their friendship off cam and their professionalism plays a big part. And of course their competencies as two of the bests of this generation. They will slowly ravage you with their emotions and will leave you with a wonderful feeling of love... inspite of the hurt.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that "Elise" is a must-watch and it is saddening that it didn't get the recognition from the masses that it deserves during the time that it was out there in cinemas. The people who watched it first on the big screen were lucky as the move is such an experience.
Good news is "Elise" is still on Netflix. Catch it as it is more than worthy of your time.
Overall, 9/10.
Gš
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