"Forgotten Island" explores an untapped territory in Hollywood filmmaking: the fantastical realm of Filipino folklore and popular culture.
There's plenty to touch on here: the intersection of mythology and religion that resulted in the colourful creatures on the island of Nakali; the bittersweet reality of locals leaving home and the family they've fostered; and the Filipino warmth that's ever so present in the characters of Jo and Raissa, two best friends strengthened by a shared sense of adventure. It's a great movie that captures a small percentage of the zeitgeist in the Philippines from the 1990s to 2000s, but it somehow represents the country well, nonetheless.
In "Forgotten Island", Jo and Raissa's long obsession with finding the island of Nakali leads them to a key that opens the gates to this magical place. Growing up, going there has always been the dream, so the two friends embark to Nakali on their last night before Raissa leaves for the United States to pursue her studies.
Directed by Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford ("Puss in Boots: The Last Wish"), "Forgotten Island" is a vibrant and engaging film that celebrates the people and memories we don't take for granted.
Throughout their adventure in Nakali, where memories are a form of currency, Jo and Raissa are constantly offered an easy escape from their obstacles in exchange for their decades-long friendship. How the film builds their dynamic, from meeting outside the school counsellor's office to being present in each other's milestones, is endearing and quite effective as an emotional hook that turns the movie from a quaint adventure film into a love child of "The Hangover" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind".
The Philippine setting is also essential to this story, because while the moral and thesis of the movie is universal, the foundation of this country is rooted in an overwhelming amount of love, resilience and compassion. As a Filipino, I'm proud to see how these elements come into play with such a positive message.
"Forgotten Island" can be persistent in its humour, as it bounces back and forth with gags and narrative detours, but it's a well-made film that captures some of our best attributes of being human.
“Forgotten Island” is now showing in cinemas (New Zealand).
Featured images from Universal Pictures.
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