It's almost been two years since my family watches a movie together in the cinema because of the pandemic. That's why when my mom found out that the cinema in the nearest mall was officially open, she didn't hesitate to pick a date and buy a ticket for all of us. There are a total of eight entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival for the year 2022 but my mom chose "Family Matters" which was directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval and writer Mel Mendoza Del Rosario. We've all expected that since we know that she is an avid fan of dramas and family-related films because for her it shows Filipino family values and morals. She believes that watching these types of films eventually can make an impact, lasts an impression, and can acquire life lessons that Filipinos can relate to.

_{Original Image was from the article of PEP.ph and was edited in Canva}

On the 27th day of December 2022 at exactly 1:15 pm, the movie started. The opening part of the film will give you an immense feeling as if you're one of the main characters in the film. You will also meet most of the main cast at the beginning, which is the Florencio family. The two elderly couple that was so affectionate, wherein love is visible throughout the years they've been married and their four children namely: Kiko, Fortune, Ellen, and Enrico which is the youngest among them.

_{Original Image was from lionheartv.net and was edited in Canva}

I'm not going to give the full details about the film so that those people who are planning to watch it will not be spoiled but for those people who want to have a glimpse of the plot, this film shows different problems among parents, siblings, children, and their own families as well that they need to fix for them to reconnect once again.

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Characters in the Film (Siblings) and Short Descriptions of their Families

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Kiko - the rich and successful one. Married to Odette. He is a reputable engineer that continues his father's business. He is hot-headed, impatient, rude, and full of pride but a person that wants the best for his family.

One thing that I notice about his family is that they are rich but not genuinely happy. Their children are more in a digital space, more connected to the social world, and lack communication. Odette especially Kiko doesn't spend more quality time with their children which results in later problems.

_{Original Image was from lionheartv.net and was edited in Canva}

Fortune - married to Nelson. They own a pet grooming salon which is the primary source of their income but still suffer from financial stability that makes Kiko look down on them.

Fortune's family is the opposite of Kiko's family. Even though they are not rich when it comes to money, it is visible that they are full of love, they are open to each other, and they are happy despite their financial situation.

Ellen - the unmarried one. The one who always takes care of their old parents and the one who is hoping to find a person she can spend her life with just like her siblings.

Enrico - is considered a 'menopause baby'. A happy go lucky guy with one daughter to his ex-wife. Meaning he has a broken family, which made him a failure in some of his sibling's eyes.

Since they are a broken family, it is hard for them as well as their child to connect. The child is the first one that always suffers in their situation especially if he is not on good terms with his ex

_{Original Image was from lionheartv.net and was edited in Canva}

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What are the things that I love to commend about the film?

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1. You know what? When I watched the film's trailer, I was in awe. That was only a trailer back then but it leaves something in me that makes me want to watch it, that makes me crave it. Upon watching the trailer, I remember telling my mom that there is a new film this Christmas that I'm sure she will love and cry for. The trailer is good, it surely can attract people, especially those people who are into family dramas. I believe that a good trailer is a big part of a film to make it a success since movie trailers are the main marketing strategy when it comes to movies or films.

2. The emotions, and lines, are well delivered by the cast. The selected artists suited very well for the characters they portrayed.

3. The cinematography is immaculate! I love how they edit the video, the combination of colors, filters, lighting, and chosen venues. It sums up so well!

4. It is not heavy drama wherein for the duration of the movie you will just cry, there are funny moments as well that make the movie entertaining to watch.

5. It is relatable for all families. You will realize a lot of things, there are a lot of lessons, and most of all it is worth your money.

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Lessons on the Film

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_{Original Image was from lionheartv.net and was edited in Canva}

There's no such thing as the perfect family

• Every family suffers from different dilemmas. It's not always sunshine, there are also times of storms. It is up to you how you will deal with that, will you stand your ground and show your strength or just give up? Family problems are inevitable, they will always be there, and the only thing that we can do is find a solution and never give up.

Show them, genuine love, while they're still there

• Our parents are getting old day by day. The film made me realize that showing love and affection right now is better than regretting not doing it when they are gone. We are still lucky that we can be with them, so show that you love them until the end.

Mothers are indeed the light of our homes

• In the entire film, Eleanor which is the mother of the four siblings shows what a mother to the household might be. They are the light that shines on our darkest days, and they are ready to listen to whatever things you might want to say to them.

Sometimes our strong desire to give a better future to our loved ones makes us forget to spend time with them

• This is the lesson that I've taken from Kiko's family. It's okay to run your business but don't forget about your children because that is incomparable. Be a good provider but also be a good father.

All in all, I was able to enjoy the movie. Even though it is more than 2 hours I think, you will not notice it because you are intoxicated in watching the film. I am looking forward to watching this kind of movie genre in the future and I recommend it as well for you. You can try watching it and tell me if it makes you cry or teary-eyed because if you will ask me? I'd say I do!

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Lines that made an Impact

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"Your phone will always be there but I won't be"

"For us to connect we must disconnect"