Kita Kita

Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo's 2017 Filipino film is a small love story set in Japan. Lea works as a tour guide in Sapporo; on the day she learns her fiancé has betrayed her she loses her sight temporarily and is told it could become permanent without treatment. Tonyo, who lives across from her, keeps knocking on her door, bringing food and talking to her, and because she cannot see she knows him only by his voice and his behaviour. The film builds that closeness slowly and takes its humour from his clumsiness. The ending arrives on a disputed choice that separates the film from the expectation of romantic comedy. Despite a small budget it was a large box office success in the Philippines. The rapport between Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez carries the whole film. Who it's for: viewers who like quiet romance. Who it's not for: anyone expecting a happy ending; the film does not give one.