My mom got a gift from my uncle’s wife and it was a DVD. To my surprise, it was A Journey Home. A movie directed by Paul Soriano and a movie presented by Jubilee Evangelical Church & Youth for Christ. I’ve heard good things about the movie, and I just knew that I would eventually see it sooner or later.
It was much more than I expected. In all honesty, I was crying throughout the whole movie. Not just simple crying though, I really had my eyes swollen for a day. The movie is just full of heart-warming scenes that it’s virtually impossible to keep a dry eye and to keep a closed heart.
I cannot stress enough just how excellent the acting was in the movie. I think all the artists really gave their heart and soul into each of their roles, most especially Soliman Cruz who did a tremendous job in the movie. I think the hallmark of a great performance in a movie is making the audience and viewers feel and empathize what the character is going through. With Soliman, I honestly could feel all the pain, love, and sacrifices that he goes through. What a great actor!
The story is about a man named Dante who has been out of touch with his family for 20 years. He lost his job and then finds out that the wife he left has just died. He goes to her wake and was able to see his children Raffy and Kristine. Raffy was aloof and obviously mad because his father had left them for 20 years. Raffy’s wife, Gayle, tries to bring Dante back into their lives thinking that it would heal Raffy’s wounds.
As the plot moves forward, Dante because of circumstances that occur in the movie, moves in to live with Raffy and his family. As Dante tries to make amends, he actually starts to become really close to Raffy’s wife Gayle and their son. But true to the reality of how the movie captures real world emotions, Raffy just seems unable let go of the anger he feels for his father. As the story unfolds, it is very much interesting and encouraging just how much even 20 years of separation can do when hearts open up, and forgiveness becomes the focus.
I love how realistic and how positive A Journey Home was. It concentrated on the values of forgiveness and family. Something most of us take for granted.
It’s really rare for us to see that kind of movie in the Philippines. I also felt a bit sad that it wasn’t shown in major theaters last year. I guess they intended it that way. I believe that it should be shown nationwide. Maybe relaunch it? Each Filipino should watch a Journey Home.
I suggest going to a video store and grabbing a copy of this wonderful movie DVD. A must watch and hopefully it will give you a new perspective as to how we see family and how we need to learn to give and ask for forgiveness 🙂
My Rating for A Journey Home: 5 out of 5 stars
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