Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019) User Reviews (43)

An Inspiring Movie

[karenkeysie · 8/10 · 24 October 2019]

Hello Love Goodbye, despite being a largely feel-good film, did not shy away from the harsh realities that its OFW audience experiences. Despite being upfront with the struggles of an OFW, it still serves as a gentle, hopeful reminder for our modern day heroes to not forget to choose themselves. To not forget that they can allow themselves to dream, to love, and most of all, to be human. It show that love can wait but our dreams it knock once like opportunity grab it once it came in your or our life.

Kathryn Bernardo portrays Joy's exhaustion, anger and resolution so potently without much words. It all comes out in the way her lids look heavy from a two-hour sleep; how her shoulders slump as she grapples with the thought of her agonizingly routine life. We see it in her quiet moments in the night when she can catch a few minutes just to stare blankly at the wall. The depiction felt authentic and tugs at your heartstrings, Joy is the symbol of women with dream. And also her leading man this is a more mature role for Alden as well, and the material lets him show a deeper side to his acting chops. His character's personal story carried as much weight as the romance, and in Ethan's vulnerable moments, we see Alden as a dramatic actor, and not just a tutti-frutti leading man. That's not to say that he didn't play the charismatic boyfriend role well, though. The kilig factor we as always cranked up to high, thanks also to his and Kathryn's organic chemistry.

The most unforgettable scene in this movie when Ethan and Joy decided to leave each other to continue their dream and when Ethan said "will you give the rest of your time with me in Hong Kong? ". Those line make me sad and overwhelmed because even they know that they leave each other they choose to understand and make those little time to make memorable, they choose to spent those time to be happy. This movie make us inspired that life is like a photography, we developed from negative.

Love is About Letting Go...Not Sacrifice

[spasek · 7/10 · 13 April 2021]

I've seen a few of Kathryn Bernardo's films, and I believe she turned in the performance of her life. She stepped away from the typical romantic-comedies (many of which are actually quite good), and challenged herself to take on the role of a much deeper and much more complex character in Joy.

I have always marveled--and not in a good way--of how people tend to use others; even people they love; even members of their own families. Of course, children are usually guilted into it. In short, it's a parent's way of saying, "I suffered, and so now you must suffer too. Why? Because it's how families work."

As stated in other reviews, I am an ESL teacher. I've lived and worked in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I know quite a bit about how Asian parents tend to treat their kids. Of course, it's not all bad. You'll scarcely find parents who are more dedicated to teaching their children about discipline and hard-work. The large contrast between them and western parents, is that western parents tend to allow their kids to do whatever they want. They're spoiled beyond belief. What is needed is a balance.

As the eldest daughter, Joy is in Hong Kong working several jobs in order to keep herself alive as well as sending money back home to her family in the Phillippines. She has a nursing degree. Her dream is to go to Canada to pursue what she loves. Of course, she meets and falls in love with Ethan, a young man who is also from the Phillippines, who is trying to support his family as well, after a disastrous relationship that nearly cost him everything.

Ethan, of course, is hoping that Joy will decide to stay in Hong Kong, and not go to Canada. This is when the film really grabs the viewer to see what Joy will decide to do.

Love is not about sacrifice for someone else. Sacrifice is about losing something, and love is never about loss. It's always about who you are. In all her wisdom, Joy has to explain this to Ethan as well as outlining the consequences of not pursuing her dream. Fortunately, Ethan finally gets it and is able to do what only love can do: let go. As soon as you try to hold onto it, love ceases to be love.

Filmed in Hong Kong, we're giving a stark and not-so-pleasing depiction of life for many immigrants struggling to survive. Some can do it. Some can't. In the end, you can only truly look after yourself and not lose sight of your own dreams. Of course, the world, and even your own family will throw every reason at you to NOT pursue your dreams. If you give in, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you forge ahead, then you have gained more profound wisdom about life than what most people can only dream about.

My only complaint of the film was that the chemistry between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards was not what it should have been. And because of this, the film loses a bit of its heart and depth. I'd say it was pretty obvious that Kathryn Bernardo did not want to do any kissing scenes with Alden due to her love and respect for her boyfriend, Daniel Padilla. The only kiss we see is one on her forehead in the dark. Can you imagine the lack of depth in a film like Titanic if Jack and Rose only held hands and never shared a kiss? I couldn't help but wonder how much more powerful the film would have been if another actress had performed in the role, or if Padilla himself hadn't turned the role down (which I read that he had).

Still, this is a memorable film that challenges everyone to go after their dreams and let nothing and no one stand in your way.

HONEST REVIEW: Nothing special about the movie's plot except the best performance from Kathryn and Alden

[jtk-75-248152 · 8/10 · 4 August 2019]

Maybe because I couldn't relate to the movie. But Kathryn and Alden was so great they make the ordinary story extraordinary! And don't forget the kilig factor Alden brought up on some scenes. Overall, not a waste of money.

What a nice surprise of a movie...

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 21 January 2021]

Right, well I didn't really know what I was getting into here when I sat down to watch the 2019 Tagalog movie that was filmed in Hong Kong. Initially I thought it was a Chinese movie, but upon seeing the names of the cast, I looked on IMDb and saw that it was a Tagalog (Philippines) movie and not a Cantonese (Hong Kong) movie. And given my fascination with Asian movie, of course I sat down to watch "Hello, Love, Goodbye".

And I must definitely say that writers Carmi Raymundo, Cathy Garcia-Molina and Ronalisa A. Co came up with a rather enthralling storyline; one that definitely provided as much of entertainment and enjoyment, as it was a movie that was very watchable and likeable.

The storyline is one that easily sways away the audience, because it is wholehearted and nicely told storyline. And milling about in the storyline are some nicely detailed and interesting characters. So a big thumbs up to the writers on this accomplishment.

I will say that the acting in the movie was good. Now, I am not overly familiar with Tagalog cinema, but my wife told me that there were some rather famous Tagalog actresses and actors in the movie. Nevertheless, I think the acting performances were spot on.

At the same time, with providing a good story and good entertainment, "Hello, Love, Goodbye" really brought me back to my four years of living and working in Hong Kong. This movie stoked so many memories and definitely spurred a desire to return to Hong Kong to revisit that fabulous place.

If you like romantic movies, then I strongly believe that the 2019 movie "Hello, Love, Goodbye" from director Cathy Garcia-Molina is a movie that you will thoroughly enjoy. I was more than genuinely entertained by this movie, and it is a movie that I can warmly recommend you sit down to watch.

My rating of "Hello, Love, Goodbye" lands on a well-deserved seven out of ten stars.

Truly amazing

[alvintalavera · 10/10 · 31 July 2019]

This is so far, the best Filipino movie of 2019. I really love the story, which shows a lot about the lives of Filipino workers in Hong Kong. It is not like any other of those Filipino rom-com, and drama movies you've seen before. This will make you laugh out loud a lot and cry hard.

For me this is Cathy Garcia-Molina's best movie. Kathryn and Alden really shines in this, great acting by the whole cast. It also has great shots, cinematography and soundtrack so it is a must watch!

Hello, Love, no Goodbyes.

[richarddillomes · 7/10 · 22 March 2020]

Being the highest-grossing Philippine movie thus far, I hope you don't mind if I came into watching this with high expectations. Still I was skeptic because the assumption was it will be another one of those formulaic Star Cinema movie starring Kathryn Bernardo, directed by Cathy Molina-Garcia, set in an international location, usual love story but with a twist: we get a new boy this time in the form of Alden Richards. For the most part I was right, it was all you could ever expect from the same group that gave us the highest-grossing movie the year before, 'How's of Us.' Amidst it's shortcomings, 'Hello, Love, Goodbye' is a pleasant surprise for a movie who's theme has been done a million times. Part of it's success can be attributed to showing us the reality of our hardworking domestic helpers in Hong Kong (which the OFW community all over the world related and responded to) and it did not give us the usual ending we are used to, which makes a sequel possible seeing as all three already expressed interest in doing.

The story was well-written for the most part and my favorite was the start of the movie. It was a different approach, fast-paced and intriguing. While at some point it had to slow down to become what it really was meant to be in the first place, a typical Pinoy love story, at least it introduced something new to the audience that can be the new norm in the future. Acting-wise, Kathryn and Alden both delivered but both lacked maturity which I'm hoping can be improved on once the sequel rolls around. There were exchanges that fell flat because either a) it was poorly-written or b) both did not have the capacity to deliver them with the emotions needed. It took a while for their chemistry to kick in, possibly a result of being pigeonholed in their respective love teams for a long time. Kathryn can act, but she has certain mannerisms when she deliver some of her lines that breaks my concentration from her acting. I'm still getting rich girl even though she's supposed to be covered in filth from hiding under a pile of garbage bags. Alden still comes from the John Lloyd Cruz school for acting, but as soon as he develops his own signature he should be destined for greater things. The supporting cast did what was required of them, with Maxine Medina and Jameson Blake as highlights.

There's always the burden of asking whether this is the movie that will propel Philippine cinema back to it's old glory. Obviously this is not it, but delightfully it's not a step back as well. Knowing this specific tandem and formula works, hopefully everyone involved will be more keen on wanting to elevate the viewing experience the second time around. I keep harping on this because I honestly believe it has the potential to become even more special than what they've already done here.

THE BEST FILIPINO MOVIE EVER

[kingsjreal · 10/10 · 23 October 2019]

This is the best pinoy movie ever. The characters are superb. Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards performance was the best. There is no boring moments in the movie. It's a must watch for everyone. Kathryn Bernardo played the role of Joy a Filipino worker in Hong Kong who is struggling and doing odd jobs to take care of her family. On the other hand Alden Richards played the role of Ethan a funny and unserious bartender who later crossed path with Joy and the story of their undying love begins. The story is not just another pinoy love story. It's a story that shows the struggle of all OFW . I was touched and move by the acting of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. They made it possible for me to relate with the movie. I'm not a Filipino but I was able to get every piece of the movie because of their wonderful onscreen chemistry. Kudos to the cast and crew. Good job Director Molina. I wouldn't mind to travel again for the part 2 of this movie. It's worth my time and my money. More movies for this duos please. I would always travel with my family to watch their movie onscreen. More movies for Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards please. They've won my heart.

Mature and bold love story

[Sirfaro11 · 6/10 · 30 October 2020]

The two stars from the two different stations hit it off with good chemistry in this mature love story. Although the story is as typical as any Filipino love/romance movie could be, I like the fact that the writer and director went for the bold path of ending the movie with "goodbye", instead of coming up with an epilogue that let the two lovers meet again in some future. The two lead stars are engaging enough for you to care what happens to them in the end but there are some parts where it could drag. Still, I can understand the clamor when this movie came out in 2019.

Great Movie

[errichcervantes · 10/10 · 16 August 2019]

Its an eye opener to some of the facing problems of OFW

WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!

[Honest_Reviewer32 · 10 August 2019]

I was excited to watch the film due to the hype and some of my friends posting about it on social media however, I was very disappointed after watching the film as the acting from the lead actors including supporting cast appeared quite scripted and very awkward. Kathryn & Alden seemed too rehearsed and some of their co-actors were really annoying. The story was predictable and recycled from previous films. Only thing I appreciate was the cinematography and soundtrack. Save your money and just watch this on netflix or cinema one when it airs.

A simple mirror

[edwinchoy · 7/10 · 22 August 2019]

This is another cheese pinoy movie, but base in real life, that is the point, at the end family is not the principal role, a twisted end, a lot of lacrimogen bomb, good for the family but pinoy is the new korean drama

best filipino love story movie

[mj-oralde · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

This movie is almost 90% accurate when it comes to portraying ofw life in china. acting is very good and I never expected that kath and alden would have a good chemistry.

not good not bad

[eldonjohn-42265 · 5/10 · 17 February 2020]

Another Kathryn same ol' tone of character film! I wish that her writers and directors would gave her something different worthy of famas or urian award, she deserves it, it was just the material that always failed her.

The story could have been very good to tell, but it was the storytelling that seems to be ordinary and safe... it could have been pushed a little bit more.

but at the end of the day, it makes you feel something and that is what Filipino films are good at

Superb acting and story

[cjeanjocson · 10/10 · 3 August 2019]

Kathryn and Alden gave justice to their characters. You'll forget that these are actors just portraing roles because they portrayed their characters so well! The chemistry between these two is overflowing! These movie is not just a love story, it's a life story. It tells you the life of Overseas Filipino Worker abroad, the struggle that they have to go through to achieve their goals for themselves and thier family.

Hello, Love, Goodbye

[aysarmiento · 10/10 · 4 August 2019]

Unexpected chemistry of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. They successfully portrayed their characters. The plot of the story is great and we want more! Great job Team HLG! Part2 please!!!

What the world needs

[karlkennethwatson · 10/10 · 2 August 2019]

Real emotion, it gives you a glimpse of what its like to be an ofw worker, more so being a domestic helper.

Teaching one that inorder for you to love others, you need to love yourself first. You need to choose your own happiness

Nice.

[rhajeanyahmini · 9/10 · 2 November 2019]

Pretty great. Finally, no cheesy cliché Filipino romance in here. It's a great start for hollywood-esque films 😁👍 It even has lessons like remember to care for your family and how to love someone purely. How much OFWs work hard just to provide for their family and how other people should appreciate that. The best one is 'I love you but this time, I love myself more.' :)

Alden Richards' character, Ethan, is pushy, creepy and problematic.

[wilfredlucas · 3/10 · 18 August 2019]

Ethan will continue sending friend requests even if Joy declined several times already. He will make the radio station talk about Joy in public without her permission. He will use another phone to text Joy anonymously. He will act like a police even if Joy is weeping out of fear. He will squeeze through inside a small room knowing that Joy will be uncomfortable. He will continually send "Need a friend today?" text messages even if Joy has rejected it so many times. I don't know how a Filipino girl reacts to such moves, but if people consider this as "nakakakilig," there's a problem.

'Hello, Love, Goodbye' is at its best when it tells the story of Kathryn Bernardo's character, Joy. In some ways, the film manages to outdo similar mainstream Filipino romance films because of Kathryn Bernardo's stunning performance and the earnest depiction of OFWs. Bernardo, whose acting holds the film together when it was falling apart, effectively evokes a palpable sense of weariness, discontent, and eagerness to alleviate Joy's situation. Actually, I can do without the 'La La Land' love story if the social commentary was strengthened and expounded more. In a similar vein with 'Sunday Beauty Queen,' the film resonates with Filipinos because of its sensible portrayal of what it is like to work abroad in a job you are overqualified in.

But Cathy Garcia-Molina's picture falls apart as the annoying, melodramatic score continues to play in the background, tackier drone shots are added, and more forced, "hugot" dialogues are delivered by the leads. Sure, this is how cliché-ridden mainstream Filipino romance plays out. But how I wish we get movies that transcend this generic romantic stratagem. 'Hello, Love, Goodbye' fails to offer something new to romance movies as an art form, which is disappointing since the OFW story and Joy's arc have so much potential.

BEST OF 2019

[lmtabanao · 10/10 · 3 August 2019]

This is by far the first movie of Alden Richards that I watched. At first, it was just an attempt to like the tandem of Kath and Alden but it turned out to be an affirmation of their chemistry. I was moved and even shed some tears even in scenes where not much is expected. Simple conversations that will make you fall into tears. Very touching movie. It's actually about Love in general and that includes Love of Family.

It was the most best movie of Alden and Kathryn i ever watched

[chan-charlene11 · 9/10 · 4 August 2019]

This not just a love story..it was more than a love story.. its story of dreams that we need to see how far we can go and nothing can stop us even love. And i salute all Filipinos who works hard and conquered other countries for their families. WE ABSOLUTELY NEED A SECOND PART IN THIS ONE. I don't really into in Filipino movies it was my first local movie i watched in 2019.

Much Love

[jeuzeah · 10/10 · 3 August 2019]

I would love to watch this over and over again. i Love the film all in general. i was so speechless, so please help your self to witness this Movie. it's not your typical love story but it was a real life of an ofw that working hard.

Not your ordinary love story. A story highlighting selfless love and sacrifice

[lessliegozum · 10/10 · 3 August 2019]

Breathe of freshness on screen, we've been served with a platter of good offering, AR's gentleman antics and KB's toughness and complexity complements each other's character just right, a movie that highlights the life,pain and sufferings of filipino working abroad especially Hongkong an eye opener about the common misconceptions about the life of our modern day heroes the brave ofws. Another masterpiece from direct Cathy Garcia Molina for mixing out the reality of life abroad, stories of risk-takers the dreamers sacrifice & selfless love.

The Story Has Potential - The Film Failed to Deliver

[gulagulabla · 1/10 · 24 August 2019]

As far as the film's story goes, it has so much potential. It depicts a few of the many instances of what OFWs experience while working abroad. But the way Cathy Garcia-Molina presented the story was too mediocre.

Their choice to cast Alden and Kathryn was bad. There isn't any chemistry between them. The chemistry happened between the viewers and Alden/Kathryn, but not between the characters themselves.

Alden's character was unrefined. His acting was subpar. His smile is problematic. Instead of conveying something that relates to being hurt or having a struggle, it becomes out of place and sometimes creepy.

The camera shots were out of place. It felt like the production team were trying to show off their drone shots even when it would have been better to just use a simple wide shot. Close-ups were not utilized properly.

The script contained the typical "hugot" lines. At the same time, the film contained at least 30 minutes of pure exposition. It became a film of telling rather than showing.

I haven't talked about the problems with the other casts. But overall, the film was purely a waste of time. I would have felt better if I just watched the film "Anak" with the other OFWs in one of the film's scenes.

Unexpectedly Real!

[dazzylila · 10/10 · 27 October 2019]

Oh they went deeeeeppp.

This isnt just one of those sappy romance stories, no, it covers real-life topics (i assume) about Filipinos foreign workers, immigration etc. I gotta admit that i never really think twice about these things but this movie makes me feel the pain! We just gotta be grateful of choices we have in life - some people have it harder.

Now, Kathryn (Joy) is such an amazing actress! I can almost relate to everything shes going through in the movie. And oh, prepare tissues cause youre gonna need em.

P/s: Low-key Hong Kong Tourism ad done right. lol

A Filipino movie that you should watch

[jammic-89563 · 10/10 · 18 August 2019]

This is by far the best Filipino movie of 2019. And one of the best of all time. There's no waste or boring moment. This movie sets the new benchmark for Filipino movie. A must watch and highly recommended. 👍