She's Dating the Gangster

She's Dating the Gangster is a 2014 Filipino romantic comedy-drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Bianca Bernardino. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in the lead roles, with Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and Sofia Andres in supporting roles.

The film tells the story of Athena Dizon, a high school student who reluctantly agrees to pretend to be the girlfriend of Kenji Delos Reyes, a notorious gangster, in order to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Despite their initial dislike for each other, Athena and Kenji slowly begin to develop feelings for each other as they spend more time together.

As their relationship progresses, however, they are forced to confront the realities of their very different lives. Kenji is the son of a prominent gangster, and is expected to someday take over his father's criminal empire. Athena, on the other hand, is a hardworking and ambitious student who dreams of becoming a journalist. When Kenji's father is killed, he becomes increasingly reckless and dangerous, putting both himself and Athena in danger.

The film is set in two different time periods, with the younger versions of the characters portrayed by Bernardo and Padilla, and the older versions portrayed by Gomez and Zulueta. The two timelines are cleverly intertwined, with the older characters reflecting on their past experiences and the choices they made.

Throughout the film, She's Dating the Gangster explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggles of young adults trying to find their place in the world. The chemistry between Bernardo and Padilla is undeniable, and their portrayal of two young people falling in love amidst the challenges and dangers of Kenji's criminal world is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

In addition to the central love story, She's Dating the Gangster also features several subplots, including the relationships between the older characters and their families, and the rivalry between Kenji and his childhood friend Lucas, who is also in love with Athena.

The film's cinematography is beautiful, with stunning shots of the Philippine countryside and the bustling city of Manila. The music, composed by Bernardino herself, adds to the film's romantic and nostalgic feel.

Overall, She's Dating the Gangster is a poignant and entertaining romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of young love and the dangers of getting involved in the criminal underworld. The performances of the lead actors are impressive, and the film's storytelling is both innovative and engaging.