A heartfelt story of love and loss
A Journey is a heartbreaking story about three childhood friends and their heartwarming experiences when one of them is diagnosed with a cancer relapse. Shane, Bryan, and Tupe are childhood friends, and although they were separated at some point when Tupe moved to the city to become an actor, they reunited later in adulthood. Shane and Bryan are married, and she learns that she has a tumour in her liver from a cancer relapse when she visits the doctor after a night out with her husband and friend for her birthday.
However, Shane does not want to put her husband through similar financial and emotional constraints since she thinks she has a low chance of survival. Instead, she wants to complete a bucket list of things she wants to accomplish before it is too late. Therefore, Bryan and Tupe agree to help Shane fulfil her wishes by taking them to Tasmania, Australia. However, Tupe and Brian hope to use the trip to convince Shane to undergo treatment.
The premise of A Journey explores the themes of love and friendships. Although the theme of a terminally ill patient choosing to live their life to the fullest in their final moments is not unique, the film’s excellent writing makes it stand out.
The dialogues are light-hearted and provoking, delving into serious life about what people should consider important. For instance, through the trio’s dialogue, the writer explores whether life is about the journey, the destination, or the people. Moreover, the scenery is breathtaking as the trio cruise along the island on winding roads, grass roadsides, lakes, rivers, and penguins. Despite the dreadful premise, the writer keeps a happy and joyous tone in the film’s first half before the tragedy, which turns gloomy and tearful in the second half.
The chemistry among the three characters, Shane, Bryan, and Tupe, leaves a lasting impact, making the film an emotional rollercoaster and tearjerker. It is worth noting that the film is a reunion among the trio and a subtle tribute to the teen drama that aired between 1999 and 2002, Tabing Illog. Moreover, for fans of the classic drama, some scenes like the river, the music, and the cameo at the film’s end add a magical touch. Thus, the familiarity enables the trip to deliver outstanding performances showcasing a bond that enhances the emotional aspect of the film.
Shane delivers a convincing and authentic character and challenges the viewers, urging us not to wait until the last minute to do what we want. Even though she carries a heavy fear, despair, and sadness because of the diagnosis, she is a bubbly bundle of light and optimism. Bryan is the epitome of the kind of husband we want by our side when facing life-threatening situations.
He is loving, supportive, and understanding but does not give up. Tupe’s character transcends the typical portrayal of rich friends in films because he is selfless, inherently compassionate, and supportive in both offering a shoulder to lean on and financial support during hardships.
A Journey is a not-so-unique movie that finds its individualism by taking a less monotonous approach by depicting the optimism of terminally ill patients in the upbeat first half and the unavoidable gloom in the later parts.
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Verdict - 7/10
7/10