Wikipedia

Five Breakups and a Romance

Five Breakups and a Romance is a 2023 Philippine romantic drama film written and directed by Irene Emma Villamor.[2] The film stars Alden Richards and Julia Montes.[3] This marks Richards' production debut through Myriad Entertainment,[4] as well as Montes' first film since the 2016 film Padre de Familia.[5]

Five Breakups and a Romance
Theatrical release poster
Directed byIrene Emma Villamor
Written byIrene Emma Villamor
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyTey Clamor
Edited byRenard Torres
Music byLen Calvo
Production
companies
Distributed byGMA Pictures
Release date
  • October 18, 2023 (2023-10-18)
Running time
102 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office₱100 million[1]

Plot

edit

In 2015, Lance Sandoval, a medical student visiting friends in Singapore, meets and begins a relationship with Justine Ramos, a fashion designer who has moved there to pursue a rising career. When Lance returns home to the Philippines to resume medical school, Justine agrees to keep in touch, staying in Singapore to climb the ladder as a fashion brand manager. They find long-distance relationships to be unsatisfactory.

After nearly a year, Justine moves to the Philippines to reunite with Lance, exchanging her high-paying Singaporean job for one as a consultant to a fast-fashion brand in the Philippines. The couple struggles in their relationship and in their individual lives – Lance with medical school, and Justine with her new job. This leads to tension between them, and they get into a heated argument. They break up but still feel connected to each other.

In 2018, at the renewal of vows of Justine's parents, they reunite and fall in love again. Later, they move into Lance's condo together. Lance is now a general surgeon. When the COVID-19 pandemic begins in 2020, he is on the pandemic's frontline. An infidelity ensues, causing another break-up.

Later, Justine has rebuilt her life in Manila, establishing her own fashion brand, as Lance continues to practice medicine. They reunite again in 2023 when her father gets hospitalized. They briefly catch up on one another's lives before finally saying goodbye.

Cast

edit
 
 
Alden Richards and Julia Montes play the lead roles of the film.

Production

edit

Five Breakups and a Romance was first announced on April 18, 2023.[6] According to The Philippine Star on April 23, 2023, the cast and the production of the film had finished their filming, editing and dubbing[7] after a 13 day shoot.[8] The film was shot mainly in Singapore and Manila's Bonifacio Global City.[9]

Promotion

edit

A scene drop from the film was released early in September 2023.[10] The official teaser of the film was released on September 16, 2023.[11] It was followed by the release of a two-part in-depth discussion with Montes and Richards titled Five Breakups and a Romance: The Actors.[12]

Release

edit

Five Breakups and a Romance was released in the Philippines on October 18, 2023, initially in 210 cinemas and was expanded to 231 cinemas on its second day and eventually to 242 cinemas.[13][14][15] A day before its general release, a premiere night of the film was held at SM Megamall.[16][17]

The film was released in selected cinemas in California on November 24, 2023,[18] and in 42 cinemas in the Middle East on November 30, 2023.[19][20] It was shown at Palace Dendy Brighton Cinema 4 in Melbourne, Australia, on November 25 and 26, and at the Hoyts Blacktown Xtremescreen Cinema in Sydney on December 2 and 3.[18]

Reception

edit

Box office

edit

Five Breakups and a Romance earned ₱30 million ($US 538,000) in its opening week at the box-office.[21] As of December 12, 2023, the film had grossed ₱100 million ($US 1.79 million) at the Philippine box-office.[1]

Critical response

edit

Writing for The Philippine Star, Jerald Uy gave the film a positive review commending how it navigates through the audience's shared nostalgia, writing, "The story structure is a smart way to tap into the viewers’ recent memories of love and loss." Uy also praised Richards' and Montes' performances and Villamor's script, saying: "Her beautiful script seamlessly complements the breathtaking shots of the movie."[22] Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News also reviewed the film positively, rating it 8 out of 10 stars and stating: "both [stars] imbued their characters with passion so palpable that you feel the exuberance of their thrill, pain of their regret and weight of their emotions."[23] Angelica Villanueva in her review for Manila Standard also gave a positive review, stating that Richards and Montes' performances elevated the film and delivered a "compelling performance", further adding: "Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, from the delivery of intense lines to the passionate exchanges in a particular scene. They bring a magnetic charm to the film, making it an unforgettable experience."[24]

In the Daily Tribune, however, Stephanie Mayo wrote that he enjoyed Richards' performance but gave the film an unfavorable review on the whole: "Overall, Five Breakups is a paper-thin, hackneyed love story masked by gorgeous visuals. A visual spectacle without drama or romance ... nothing in this drama resonates."[25] For ClickTheCity.com, Wanggo Gallaga found a lack of chemistry between the leading characters and rated the film 2 stars out of 5, writing, "[T]he film favors telling over showing. ... We need to see it when Richards and Montes go through these raw, emotional moments".[26]

Accolades

edit
Award Year Category Nominee Result Ref
Box Office Entertainment Awards 2024 Box Office King Alden Richards Won [27]
Gawad Lasallianeta Awards 2023 Most Outstanding Filipino Film Five Breakups and a Romance Nominated [28]
Most Outstanding Film Actress Julia Montes Nominated
Most Outstanding Film Actor Alden Richards Won
Luna Awards 2024 Best Screenplay Irene Villamor Nominated [29]
Best Cinematographer Tey Clamor Nominated
Best Musical Scorer Len Calvo Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2024 Movie of the Year Five Breakups and a Romance Nominated [30]
Movie Director of the Year Irene Emma Villamor Nominated
Movie Actor of the Year Alden Richards[a] Won
Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year — Nominated
Movie Musical Scorer of the Year Len Calvo Nominated
Movie Production Designer of the Year Ferdi Abuel Nominated
Movie Loveteam of the Year Alden Richards and Julia Montes Won
The EDDYS 2024 Box Office Heroes Julia Montes Won [31]
Alden Richards Won
Best Actor Nominated [32][33]
Best Actress Julia Montes Won
Best Production Design Ferdie Abuel Nominated
VP Choice Awards 2024 Movie Actress of the Year Julia Montes Nominated [34]
Movie Actor of the Year Alden Richards Won

Notes

edit
  1. ^ tied with Dingdong Dantes

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "'Five Breakups and a Romance' earnings reach P100M". ABS-CBN News. December 12, 2023.
  2. ^ "Irene Villamor brings real feels to reel story anew". The Manila Times. October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  3. ^ Abad, Ysa (August 29, 2023). "FIRST LOOK: Alden Richards and Julia Montes in 'Five Break-Ups and a Romance'". RAPPLER. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Digital, Sun Star Davao (October 3, 2023). "Alden Richards, Julia Montes tandem poised to smash box-office records". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "Julia Montes reveals 'greatest fear' in working with Alden Richards". www.philstar.com. October 20, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  6. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 19, 2023). "Julia Montes, Alden Richards to team up for upcoming film 'Five Break-ups and a Romance'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  7. ^ "What to expect from Alden and Julia's 'unexpected' movie teamup". www.philstar.com. April 23, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  8. ^ "Alden Richards, Julia Montes wrap up filming for 'Five Break-ups and a Romance'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  9. ^ "Alden Richards, Julia Montes return to the big screen via Five Break-Ups and a Romance". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  10. ^ "Five Breakups and a Romance scene drop goes viral". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "Julia, Alden drop teaser of Five Breakups and a Romance". ABS-CBN News. September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  12. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. "Five Breakups and a Romance: The Actors (Part 2)". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  13. ^ Bueno, Leah (October 17, 2023). "Alden Richards pens message for Julia Montes, Irene Villamor ahead of film's showing". ABS-CBN Push.
  14. ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "Alden Richards thanks Julia Montes, Direk Irene Villamor for Five Breakups and a Romance experience". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  15. ^ "Alden Richards, Direk Irene Villamor grateful for support on Five Breakups and a Romance". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  16. ^ "Stars from all generations come together at 'Five Breakups and a Romance' premiere night". GMA Network. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  17. ^ "Sharon Cuneta applauds Alden Richards, Julia Montes for Five Breakups and a Romance". GMA Network. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Watch 'Five Breakups and a Romance' in Australia, America, and Middle East". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  19. ^ "Five Breakups and a Romance set for grand release in Middle East cinemas this November". The Global Filipino Magazine. November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  20. ^ "Five Breakups and a Romance heads to Middle East on November 30". GMA Integrated News. GMA News Online. November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  21. ^ Ramos, Kayla (October 26, 2023). "Alden Richards and Julia Montes Are Proud of Five Breakups and a Romance for Reaching P30 Million". When In Manila. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  22. ^ "Review: Five Breakups and a Romance taps into our shared nostalgia of love and loss". Philstar Life. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  23. ^ Hawson, Fred (October 20, 2023). "Five Breakups review: An emotional roller-coaster ride". News.ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  24. ^ Villanueva, Angelica (October 23, 2023). "A journey through love and heartache". Manila Standard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  25. ^ Mayo, Stephanie. "Five Breakups and a Romance Review: Alden Richards, the gem in this tepid non-story", Daily Tribune, October 20, 2023.
  26. ^ Gallaga, Wanggo. "Movie Review: Where Is the Love: a review of Five Breakups and a Romance, ClickTheCity.com, October 20, 2023
  27. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (May 14, 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards hailed Box Office Queen, King". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  28. ^ "GMA Network, ilang Kapuso stars, personalities, at shows, nominado sa The 6th Gawad Lasallianeta". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  29. ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (July 2, 2024). "Kathryn Bernardo, Cedrick Juan among 40th Luna Awards nominees". Inquirer Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024.
  30. ^ "Nora, Vilma, Sharon, Maricel magsasabong sa 40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies". Abante Tonite. June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  31. ^ "The 7th Eddys to honor box office heroes". Manila Bulletin. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  32. ^ "7th EDDYS: Vilma, Maricel, Marian, Kathryn for Best Actress". Philippine Entertainment Portal. June 14, 2024.
  33. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (July 8, 2024). "Piolo Pascual, Julia Montes, Charlie Dizon win top acting honors at 7th Eddy's". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on July 8, 2024.
  34. ^ "5TH VPCA NOMINEES". 5th VP Choice Awards. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Five_Breakups_and_a_Romance&oldid=1251490241"