Labyu With An Accent is a Philippine romantic comedy that premiered on Netflix on March 25, 2023. The movie is directed and written by Coco Martin, who also took up the lead role as Gabo alongside Jodi Santamaria as Trisha. Patrick John Valencia writes the screenplay, and Malu Sevilla is the movie’s co-director.
The plot of the film follows two individuals named Trisha and Gabo, who come from different worlds yet fall deeply in love with each other. Jessie Lasaten gives the music, and Hermann Claravall is the cinematographer.
-Labyu With An Accent Review Contains No Spoilers-
The movie takes up a typical route of a rich girl falling in love with a poor man and staying together despite all odds. Trisha, who hails from the USA, visits her grandma in the Philippines after she caught her boyfriend cheating on her. There she comes across free-spirited Gabo, who does odd jobs to keep himself afloat. They fall in love with each other following a 10-minute tour of the town. But the relationship is filled with roadblocks as her parents, especially her cold-hearted father, coerce her into marrying her cheating fiance.
Anyone could foresee how the plot would go right after the first act. The romantic relationship developed within less than a day is also outlandish and seems less probable. Incorporated with unfunny jokes and icky one-liners, the film gets painfully unbearable too soon. The over-the-top dance moves by the lead actor will make one wince involuntarily.
Besides the cliched first half, the plot took a rather sinister turn during the second run. As Gabo moves to America following the love of his life, the tone of the movie shifts heavily. The attempt to show the staggering difference between a hearty town in the Philippines and the ruthless city lights of the USA is achieved successfully. A social commentary about Filipino labour is made by the creators through some troubling scenes, which is one of the major themes during the last half.
However, the creators managed to insert a substantial amount of misogynistic views disguised under a Filipino man’s “principles”. Gabo is against his highly learned and educated girlfriend working because he needs to prove to her parents that he is capable. It reeked of an insecure man, and the character quickly becomes unlikeable. At that point, it felt like a sad ending would actually be a happy ending in the movie. The creative decision to display unhealthy opinions and borderline toxic relationships is not the right approach. Gabo, a stripper who does not look at the profession any differently than other jobs, was least expected to have a bigoted outlook.
Well, the story is not surprising in the slightest during the last few minutes as well. It follows the usual dramatic scenes along with melancholic background music. People drift apart, and realisations occur; one can predict what would happen next. Overall some parts of the movie were entertaining and took a fresh perspective. Nevertheless, it spiralled downhill as more time went by.
Coco Martin, who is one of the popular actors in the Philipines and has previously done major roles, failed to keep the movie interesting. His role was tacky and could easily make one uncomfortable. Jodi Santamaria did an adequate job; however, it was not enough to save the movie.
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Labyu With An Accent: Final Thoughts
What seemed to be an unusual romantic love story turned out to be very similar to 100 others. It follows a common plotline tinged with stereotypical views and archaic forms of opinions which should be long forgotten. The jokes are unfunny and forced, along with romantic gestures that come off as harassment. I would not recommend it to anyone, not even my worse enemies.
Labyu With An Accent is now streaming on Netflix. Did you watch the movie yet? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below!
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Grabe! Total waste of time. Same old story just different actors, what is the difference between this movie and love or money? That is why i’m not surprise na bumabagsak ang pinoy movies. Mag isip naman kayo ng bago, parati nalang ganyan.
It is not a waste of time watching this movie. This movie allows you to think, let you know how hard to be a TNT in US. Indeed, there are shortcomings with this movie, like Gabo not allowing Tricia to work. But, overall, this movie is not a waste of time. For us, who seldom watch Filipino movies, I do enjoy this film. Also, I thought Coco’s jokes are real funny.
Yes, negative reviews seems have an effect of contaminating viewers opinion. I truly hope, people watch this film. Support our Filipino film. Yes, Philippine movie industry need a lot of improvement to compete with k dramas. But, I do think it will get there eventually as long as we help them, we support them. Do lift them up and not bring them down.
, but I do hope that people watching this movie will judge it for themselves rather than be alter by the negative comments
yes i did watch the movie despite the bad reviews, my opinion is ok sana galing ng mga actors but the story is crap! imbes na lunukin ni gabo pride nya at magtulungan nlang sila ni tricia para umasenso which all of the ofw’s can relate, ano ginawa nya? nakioag break sya kay tricia, bumalik sa pagiging macho dancer, super kitid ng utak. iniwan si triciang luhaan at confuse.
I totally agree. I don’t understand why they keep on making these kind of movies. Can’t they how pathetic their storyline is? Please make better movies.
this story sucks! American is very independent even in Filipino family. Story is common too… that is why Filipinos accepts the Korean movies and telenovelas. Remember not all Filipinos in abroad are that kind of rude. Filipinos in abroad helping each other. Once a mom sees her daughter she will surely connect on her in any way esp Filipino mom!
The movie did depict his cousins help him in landing various jobs. It shows Filipino love of family and hospitality. However, there are really instances where some Filipinos will take advantage of poor TNT and even reported them to immigration for rewards money.
Gross and not funny…they’re old and act like lovesick teens who doesn’t know how the world works. The only reason I was able to finish the movie is because I was doing something else. So many unrealistic shit…ICE gets there faster than 911? You gotta be kidding me hahah
the background music are cringey… this movie should stay in the Phil. I cannot recommend it to international viewers. Sorry Jodi & Coco – Coco should’ve given the role to someone younger, maybe this movie would have a chance to get more positive reviews.
I am glad that this movie can be streamed in Netflix. For us where the movie is not shown in our nearby movie theater, we have all been waiting for this in Netflix. And, for me and my family, we love and enjoy this movie. We truly does!
Wow, so many negative reviews on this movie. Sad.
For one thing, this movie targets the Filipino audience category. It’s never intended to be accepted and understood by all international and cultural aspects from all around the world.
I understand Filipino romantic movies are corny. But it is just for pure entertainment to me. Filipinos in general love the soap opera type of movies. This is basically their movie platform.
There are moments in thus movie that bodes well for those who have experienced in these specific situations.
I give the movie thumps up for pure entertainment purposes only.
Thanks
Most of Coco Martin’s movies are always a flop. The same old storyline and can’t speak fluent English, the fact that he is a director. Coco Martin needs to make a movie that he can speak English very well or pretend that he can’t, then suddenly “boom” speak English like a businessman.
Personally, I love the movie. I even watch it twice.
Gorgonia. U seem to be a very big fan of Coco Martin but this film is shitty. I do not know if u live in California or not but it is unheard of that Filipinos turn on fellow Filipinos. This is a santuary state. This film is very unrealistic and very degrading. I dont know what star magic or abs-cbn is thinking. Not a bit of quality in this film.
I use to live in California. And my roommate, who use to attend church congregation narrated to me incident where one member of the church reported some tnt members to immigration. This was however happen a very long time ago and I did not ask what the name of the church, but this is in CA.
Yes, I am a fan of Coco, but I am not what you call fanatic. Like a mother, I would like my child to improve and be better. I wouldn’t turn a blind eye if they need to be corrected because I would like them to be able to compete internationally.
You have a right to your opinion of the film.
Ridiculous waste of time. Gabo’s character was so cringey. I felt bad for Trisha’s character. Like he’s so toxic… I have no clue what Trisha found so likeable in him. Also, this movie gives stupid ideas about the US. Gabo truly sounded like a gold digger and Trisha’s character sounded stupid. Sorry not sorry. Having this on Netflix is embarrassing. Like can’t we wish better for Philippine cinema?
Agree with the tenure. Absolutely horrible. I wish I just stopped watching from the beginning but I was trying to give Filipino movies a chance. Gabo was so annoying and the way he portrayed himself is not sexy at all. Maybe he is a good looking guy but this movie made him look ugly and annoying. The old views on not wanting his woman to work because he has something to prove is a slap in the face, truly shows an insecure man/culture. Also his acting… like he is playing a cool role but he just looks so tacky. There is just a lot to say about how elementary this movie is. There truly is no depth and I’m sad that Filipino movies are still behind with content.
Poorly written movie. What do you expect from a non-screenplay writer? Great movies start from a good storyline. There’s no character development. Such a waste!
Should have googled reviews before watching hahaha!!! At 16 min to the end, I was wondering how they will resolve the conflict. I thought the kiss in the end was not enough to make up for the time I wasted.
Admittedly I was feeling homesick and needed a dose of corny but the pragmatic in me woke up and thought of the practical side of things. Oh well lol