‘Forgotten Island:’ Where the past comes alive
By Ferlie Andong
“Forgotten Island” is about two best friends, Jo and Raissa, who find themselves in a magical island, Nakali (short for ‘nakalimutan’ or forgotten), filled with creatures from Filipino mythology. To escape, they must find a way to save their friendship before they lose their memories of each other completely.
The movie has plenty of Filipino mythological characters like Tyanak, Kapre, Manananggal, Dwende and the likes as well as Filipino stereotypes such as parties that include a feast-filled table of Filipino dishes where a portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hangs over, endless gossip, every family’s Tito Boy, karaoke, Filipino gestures such as the use of lips to point, or kissing an elder’s hand for a blessing (Mano po).
The movie is set in the Philippines but the vibe of the movie gives a feeling that it is set in America. Although some Tagalog words are used, to a native Filipino speaker, these words can either sound amusing or jarring when spoken with an American accent. Despite these nuances however, the movie used immense talents that made the Filipino culture shine bright with authenticity. Singer H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano were ideal for their roles and delivered outstanding performances, H.E.R. with her humor and wit and Liza with the range of her “acting” abilities, through her voice.
The animation is visually engaging, with vibrant colors and expressive designs that bring the story to life. Its smooth movement and creative visual style, paired with the music scoring, enhances the film’s atmosphere, allowing the audience to experience a strong sense of adventure and a wide range of emotions specially during the scenes of the Manananggal. It feels like this kind of fear is supposed to happen only in live-action movies and not in an animated film!
The movie also goes beyond stereotypes and uses the universal themes of love, kindness, and respect. It explores the power and magic of connection and memories that can only be formed from deep friendships as well as of courage and hope that one’s life may not be working out the way it’s supposed to. It is believed that eventually, life will put them on the path they’re supposed to be.
Beyond its adventurous storyline, the film is filled with positive energy mostly because the characters are made out to be good-hearted girls except maybe for the Dwendes when they are disrespected (Tabi-tabi po!) Also, the characters are so distinct and memorable, they are not easy to forget and a few of them look ready to leap off the screen and into a plush-toy aisle. The movie also mixes clever jokes and playful puns while keeping the adventure moving at a lively pace.
For the longest time, Ano (what) seems to be the most emotionally charged word in the Filipino language as it carries a whole slew of emotions depending on how it is delivered. Through this movie however, Tayo Na was given an opportunity to shine. Literally meaning, Let’s go, the movie breathes life to Tayo Na with so many emotions that speak to core Filipino values of Kapwa, family, Bayanihan, and the sense of belonging.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeing this movie by yourself but watching it with family and friends makes the experience more nostalgically memorable. Tayo na!
Gino Cabigao of Kulture Ko together with +6THR3E, Project Barkada, Toasty Polvoron, and Malaya Solutions organized the screenings of “Forgotten Island” at two locations: AMC The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, and AMC Cliffton Commons 16. “It’s more than just watching a movie— it’s celebrating Filipino culture on the big screen,” says Cabigao.
