The film Star Cinema almost did not make

MANILA, Philippines - TV and film executive Enrico Santos considers the production of In The Name Of Love as some sort of a miracle given the current trends and conditions in the local movie industry. Enrico wrote the story and collaborated with director Olive Lamasan for the screenplay of the Aga Muhlach-Angel Locsin starrer, which is now showing in theaters.

“In The Name of Love is too dangerous for Star Cinema’s preferences, and a leap of faith for our audience,” quips Enrico. “The movie may be the 18th anniversary offering of the film outfit, but in terms of subject matter and scope, it is definitely a first.”

The movie, according to Enrico, is a modern Romeo and Juliet movie, a far cry from the usual movies being produced nowadays.

Enrico adds that In The Name Of Love provides the audience with a different cinematic journey because, “in the movie, you’ll fall in love, hate, understand, forgive and then fall in love again with the characters. The public will witness how the characters change. Suffice to say, it is like watching three movies.”

In the movie, Aga plays former dance instructor Emman Toledo who is assigned to choreograph for the Governor’s Ball. There he meets Cedes Fernandez (Angel) and Dylan Evelino (Jake Cuenca) whose engagement will take place.

Direk Olive concedes that the strength of Enrico’s story and script is its surprising, unusual way of storytelling.

She shares that In The Name of Love’s challenge lies in ensuring that the audiences are engaged, even if the storytelling’s structure is a bit different.

Enrico, upon seeing the rushes of the movie, admits being in awe of the lady director’s magical touch and full grasp of the material that silent shots like painful glances and simple movements of the body illuminate the story further.  

“Star Cinema has mastered the art of producing romantic comedy movies, but here, Inang (as Olive is fondly called) did the impossible possible — maintain the kilig level of Star Cinema movies amidst suspense, danger,” enthuses Enrico. “And then I realized that having truly gifted, committed director and actors is undeniably the centerpiece of any movie masterpiece.”

Enrico, who has been in the business for more than two decades writing, creating, producing and directing for both the small and big screens, admits that In The Name Of Love reminded him why he is in showbiz.

“I wrote some scenes of the movie even if I know they wouldn’t be shot,” shares Enrico. “But they happened, so seeing those delicate scenes taken gave me a high. This is really one of the rare times that a director fought hard for her writer, so I am thankful to both Star Cinema and Inang for the trust and confidence.”

When asked of the lessons that Olive has taught him, Enrico quips, “the humility of a saint, and the patience of a servant, and that the director is the No. 1 actor on the set.”

According to Enrico, In The Name Of Love, given all its laudable aspects, may not happen again in the near future.

“The movie is too expensive and daring,” states Enrico. “Aside from that, this might be Aga’s final vehicle with Star Cinema, Angel’s only foray into the movie genre, and Jake Cuenca’s career-making role. Maybe, Inang will tackle another subject matter for her next outing. The movie, after all, feels like all the stars aligned for this cinematic phenomenon to be witnessed by everyone.”

Direk Olive admits that in her nine-movie career, she had the most difficult time shooting this film. On the other hand, Aga, who is considered the most bankable leading man of his generation, described working on the movie as a truly new experience.

Aga adds that, “parang bumalik kami sa kindergarten ni Angel.”

Enrico guarantees that the hard work done by everyone involved with the production will be evident in the film.

“Seeing the movie completed is an inspiration,” says Enrico. “In The Name of Love is a fitting 18th anniversary offering from Star Cinema.”

Aside from writing, Enrico is also one of the most promising directors of Star Cinema. In fact, he directed the Paa episode of the hit horror flick Cinco.

He is working on the Maja Salvador-Matteo Guidicelli starrer Basted, which he wrote, directed and produced for Skylight Films, the maindie (mainstream indie) arm of Star Cinema where he is one of the prime movers.