PureWow
As you may have noticed, we've been carefully tracking Netflix's top movies list (which explains why we've practically doubled the number of titles in our queue). However, we recently came across an interesting category called "Hidden Gems," which includes quite a few underrated and overlooked titles.
This is where we discovered the 2019 drama film, Hello, Love, Goodbye, a Filipino romance drama that's been praised for its touching story and realistic portrayal of domestic workers.
The movie follows Joy Fabregas, an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong who intends to pursue her dreams outside the city. However, things change when she meets a Filipino bartender named Ethan Del Rosario, who plans to build a permanent life in Hong Kong. Joy and Ethan become close friends and eventually fall in love while navigating the ups and downs of their personal lives.
As seen in the trailer, the chemistry between Joy and Ethan is undeniable. But while it has its fair share of swoon-worthy moments, it doesn't feel cheesy or predictable. Critic Oggs Cruz wrote, "Hello, Love, Goodbye is...fine entertainment, one that doesn’t dumb down the issues it puts forward for the sake of a standard happy ending."
Kathryn Bernardo stars as Joy and Alden Richards plays Ethan. Other cast members include Jameson Blake, Kakai Bautista, Lito Pimentel, Joross Gamboa and Maymay Entrata.
Hello, Love, Goodbye was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and produced by Carlo L. Katigbak and Olivia M. Lamasan. The screenplay was also written by Carmi G. Raymundo, Rona Co Cathy and Garcia-Molina.
A poignant love story that's actually realistic? A hidden gem, indeed.
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