CEBU, Philippines - In the tradition of bringing to life the most stirring stories as created by the industry’s finest talents, Star Cinema presents “Barcelona: A Love Untold,” set to screen in key cities worldwide this month via TFC@theMovies.
“Barcelona: A Love Untold” marks several milestones for Star Cinema and the film industry as it is multi-awarded Olivia M. Lamasan’s newest masterpiece after her blockbuster movie “Starting Over Again.”
The movie about two individuals’ journey to love and life is written by Carmi Raymundo, the writer behind some of the most iconic Star Cinema films such as “A Second Chance,” and who is also reuniting with Lamasan after their last movie together which also happens to be “Starting Over Again.”
Finally, it brings back one of the most-loved team ups in Philippine entertainment: Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in a movie that showcases them in more mature roles.
According to Lamasan, in this movie, the two leads have transcended their status from teen stars to actors. “Natutuwa ako. Now they’re not only concerned with their fans, but their audience and connecting with their audience beyond the fans that they have,” Lamasan explains.
In “Barcelona,” Daniel is Ely, a student taking his masters in Architecture and at the same time working as a tour guide and waiter in Barcelona, Spain. He is a man trying to move on from a past love.
Lamasan was impressed with Daniel’s portrayal of Ely. “Ang talino ng tao na ito. Grabe ang depth. Iba talaga if one has lived through and lived with pain. Right away, dini-discuss mo pa lang ang eksena nakikita mo na sa mata.”
On the other hand, Kathryn as Mia travels to Barcelona to start anew. She wants to make up for her past mistakes and prove herself worthy.
Like Mia, Kathryn also wants to prove herself further in terms of acting. According to Lamasan, “Based on experience on the set, I asked Kathryn, ‘Kathryn, why did you accept this project?’ She said, ‘Inang, I want to be able to explore kung hanggang saan ko madadala ang aking acting ability. I want to be able to prove myself.’”
Lamasan added that Kathryn was very open, saying, “Malaki ang tiwala ko kay Kathryn kasi lumaki yan sa akin.”
Kathryn said it was an honor for the team to be directed by Lamasan. “Dito talaga all out. Talagang pag si Inang, hindi namin alam kung paano niya napapalabas ang lahat, gaano pa kabigat o kagaan ang scene. Kaya siya Inang talaga. Grabe ang guidance niya. Lahat iyon binabantayan niya. We’re very thankful na tinanggap ni Inang itong project na ito. Grabe ang pasasalamat namin dahil lahat ng artista gusto siyang makatrabaho.”
Daniel said they repaid the privilege with their willingness to learn. “Ang hirap lang minsan ng eksena. Pero hanggang pinipiga ka ng pinipiga lalabas at lalabas naman eh. Hanggang bukas ang puso mo kay Inang, lalabas at lalabas iyon sa take, kung hindi, walang mangyayari.”
Together, Mia and Ely travel through their individual struggles until they find themselves falling for each other. The story details a budding romance until Mia realizes that Ely has yet to move on from his past. It is in this light that the famous line from the movie, “Huwag mo akong mahalin dahil mahal kita. Mahalin mo ako dahil mahal mo ako because that is what I deserve” reverberates to viewers.
The plot is inspired by the story of the church of Sagrada Familia which was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi as the people’s apology to God but has remained unfinished because of his death in 1926.
According to Raymundo: “Hanggang ngayon hindi natatapos ang apology na ‘yon, so ang gandang metaphor. Ang gandang metaphor sa character na either hindi pa natatapos magmahal, mangarap. Kasi tayo naman kapag gumagawa tayo ng kuwento ang ganda na naging coherent ‘yong lugar sa kuwento ng pelikula.”
“Barcelona,” which earned P23 million on the its first day, also features Aiko Melendez, Joey Marquez, Ana Capri and Joshua Garcia. (FREEMAN)