A Journey movie review

MOVIE TITLE: A Journey

This dramatic and heartwarming Filipino story is now available exclusively on Netflix.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 54 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: C

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review: https://amzn.to/3VTxofz

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about three childhood friends who go on a journey to Australia. One of them has cancer, so the other two help her cross items off her Bucket List.

I’m a big believer in Bucket Lists, so the description of the movie caught my attention. Checking off items on my list has definitely been empowering for me over the years and given me goals, meaning, and quality to my life. I highly recommend it! In this film, the list is called a “Magic List.” If you like the notion of creating such a list, check out this book that has a bunch of ideas for you to consider: https://amzn.to/3VTxofz

The movie was directed by RC Delos Reyes.

THINGS I LIKED:

I had never seen any of the actors in the movie before. The cast includes Paolo Contis, Patrick Garcia, Kaye Abad, and Jimmy Santos.
We get to spend time in Manila, Philippines, as well as travel to Tasmania, Australia.
It’s fun to see some Filipino food and hear some of their popular music.
We get to see a real Tasmanian devil and the famous “little penguins” in Australia. So cute!
I like that Netflix includes a lot of international films for us to discover and experience.
The voiceover dubbing did a really good job matching the audio with the lips of the actors.
There’s a touching scene where the married couple bear their souls and verbalize their love for one another. My eyes filled with tears because it made me remember when my sister’s husband was dying of cancer and they reflected on their marriage and life together. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
At the 1 hour 17 minute-mark, notice what the daughter and her father do with their fingers. I learned what that meant when I was going to China on many business trips a number of years ago. Americans don’t do that hand gesture but we should; it’s very sweet.
There’s a twist. I could feel something coming but I didn’t know exactly how it was going to play out.
There are a few moments from earlier in the movie that give you a satisfying call-back toward the end. I always love that.
There’s a conversation/debate by the characters about which is most important: the journey, destination, or the people you do it with. Which do YOU think is the most important?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There are a lot of flat, bad acting moments.
There are some choppy editing transitions.
The woman with cancer complains a lot even though her husband and friend try hard to help her check things off of her Magic List.
At one point, Shane talks about the huge amount of medical bills she accumulated during her first bout with cancer but then later, she tells someone that her friend paid for everything. I appreciate it when writers and directors pay closer attention to details.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored
People get drunk
A woman’s cancer returns
We see a topless woman
Some profanity, including an unexpected F-bomb
Talk of intimate relations
We see someone throw up
Talk of death
Someone dies

THEMES:

Cancer
Life
Bucket Lists
Choices
Friendship
Infidelity
Getting out of your comfort zone
Challenging yourself
Supporting loved ones
Service and contribution to the world

FUNNY LINES:

I didn’t spot any funny lines because this is mostly a sad drama, although the characters do some fun things during their journey.

INTERESTING LINES:

“You know what they say: It’s not the destination; it’s the journey. Why go through whatever you’re going through in life if you won’t end up where you want.” – (Patrick Garcias)
“We’re not just cruising through life. It’s all about love and destination.” – (Patrick Garcia)
“You know, for me, it’s the journey because that’s how you mature. That’s where you learn. Sometimes, the ending is different, depending on the journey, right?” – (Paolo Contis)
“What do you think, Shane: the journey or destination?” – (Patrick Garcia) “I think it’s who you’re with.” – Shane (Kaye Abad)
“I’m wondering why people put things off in life.” – Shane (Kaye Abad)
“Surviving is not the same as living.” – Shane (Kaye Abad)
“Love stories are all the same; they just wear different clothes.” – agent
“I heard a saying: it only takes one person to believe in you.” – (Patrick Garcia)