Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After: The Reel Reflections Issue

editorial board

Vol. 3 No. 1

April 2022 - May 2022

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Johann Andaya

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Princess Natasha

Andrea Tulio

MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Tabucon

Writing Staff

Briar Rose Estrebilla

Francine Alexandrite Strong

Jeanette Lips

Josh Martin Samson

Kate Cristylle Pinagunda

Rose Anne Marie Tan

Trixiah Khaye Castillo

Letter from the Editor

Attention all romcom enthusiasts! Our latest issue is jam-packed with enough love and laughter to make your heart skip a beat. We’re taking a deep dive into the world of romantic comedies, exploring each of their highlights, genre conventions, form conventions, and story conventions of three iconic movies: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Four Sisters and a Wedding,” and “On Your Wedding Day.”

First up, we have the classic tale of a high-stakes bet turned whirlwind romance in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” This movie is filled to the brim with hilarious antics, outrageous bets, and plenty of steamy chemistry. Get ready for some major glamour, because this movie has it all!

Next, we have “Four Sisters and a Wedding,” a family drama filled with emotional moments, snappy oneliners, and unforgettable characters. This movie has all the heartwarming feels, with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry and comedic chaos thrown in for good measure. You won’t want to miss the sparkle that this movie brings to the table!

Last but not least, we have “On Your Wedding Day,” a coming-of-age romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless, feeling like you’ve been on an up and down emotional rollercoaster. This movie has all the elements of a classic romcom - awkward moments, grand romantic gestures, and plenty of heartfelt emotions. Get ready for some dazzling experience, because this movie is sure to make you swoon.

So grab your popcorn and settle in for a fun and flirty ride through the world of romantic comedies. With these three movies, you’re in for a treat filled with all the zing and romance you could ever want!

where plastic meets aesthetic

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

A rom-com about a journalist and an executive who make bets to win each other’s love in 10 days. PG. 3

Four Sisters and A Wedding

A Filipino family drama about four siblings trying to stop their youngest brother’s wedding. PG. 9

On Your Wedding Day

A South Korean romance about high school sweethearts reuniting after years apart. PG. 13

ROM-COMmend

“Legally Blonde” follows Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Despite facing judgment from her peers and professors, Elle’s determination and positive attitude never falter, and she proves herself as a talented and intelligent lawyer, discovering her true passion for law and finding success personally and professionally. Reese Witherspoon’s outstanding performance as Elle and the excellent supporting cast contribute to the film’s overall charm and humor. The sharp and witty screenplay strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart, making “Legally Blonde” a timeless classic that celebrates the power of self-belief and hard work, and a must-watch for anyone looking for an uplifting movie.

An advice columnist, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), tries pushing the boundaries of what she can write about in her new piece about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days. Her editor, Lana (Bebe Neuwirth), loves it, and Andie goes off to find a man she can use for the experiment. Enter executive Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey), who is so confident in his romantic prowess that he thinks he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. When Andie and Ben meet, their plans backfire.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Donald Petrie directs the spiffy romantic comedy How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days based on a clever screenplay by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, and Burr Steers. Kate Hudson, known for her endearing performance in Almost Famous, plays the role of an ambitious journalist who surprisingly develops feelings for the man she is deliberately spurning, and she does it with great perkiness and humor. Matthew McConaughey also shines in the film, playing a selfabsorbed male who learns the importance of exhibiting patience, self-sacrifice, and the willingness to bear all things for love. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days is a funny and entertaining exploration of sexual politics that proves equanimity in a man is a great aphrodisiac. Although Donald Petrie has directed other films such as My Life in Ruins and Miss Congeniality, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days remains his most grossed movie to date.

Media Convention

FORM CONVENTION.

Just like any other 90’s romcoms, the background music is an upbeat disco music showing the production team, director, and the writer’s name. In this movie, the introduction explicitly showed magazines written by the female lead, Andie Anderson. Surprisingly, the title was not projected on the screen during the introduction as well as the male lead, which was later shown in the movie.

STORY CONVENTION.

American slang words were fairly used in the movie along with journalist jargons. The first few scenes were mainly about the female lead, her friends, and her work. The male lead was shown much later in the movie and the last scenes revolved around them.

GENRE CONVENTION.

Romantic - Comedy. A lighthearted movie with humorous plot and lines that revolves around common ideals such as love, enemies to lovers, work/academic competitors and the likes.

Technical Codes

CAMERA MOVEMENTS.

Tracking shots are usually used in the movie. walking and talking scenes, a tracking shot stays on the subjects as they move.

SHOT SIZE.

Medium and Close up shots are commonly observed in the film which helps in the development of the characters, especially when they are talking to each other and to also evoke emotions in the audience especially when they are eager to make each other fall in love.

ANGLES.

The most common angle used in the film is eye-level. This angle gives viewers a more intimate perspective on the action happening in front of them. Also, this angle is commonly used on Andie and Barry, which are the main characters of the film.

Symbolic Codes

OBJECTS.

2 The plant that Andie gave to Benjamin died in the film. This shows that their love is dead since their love for each other wasn’t really true anyway.

4 However, despite portraying gender stereotypes, it also had a sense of promoting women empowerment. The composure magazine was a magazine intended for women with all of its articles about beauty and women. In addition, the writers of the magazine itself are also women. Also, the boss of Andie was shown as a powerful, motivated, driven woman.

New York ManhattanCity,

SETTING. The film is set in New York City, specifically in the borough of Manhattan.

Throughout the movie, we see various iconic locations in Manhattan, such as Central Park, Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The film also features scenes set in other parts of

1Andie’s bag that she purposely left in Benjamin’s apartment means that their interaction with each other would still continue. And that happened when Benjamin saw her tickets. He then found an opportunity to go out with Andie again.

3The concerts that they have attended implies gender norms. Andie wants to show Benjamin that she is not fond of basketball games even if she was and it was shown that Ben wouldn’t want to go to a Celine Dion concert.

the city, including a basketball game in New Jersey and a weekend trip to the Hamptons.

Overall, the setting of the movie is a romanticized version of New York City, with glamorous parties, fashionable outfits, and stunning cityscapes.

COSTUME. The fashionable outfits of the characters in the movie, especially women portrays a stereotypical concept of beautiful women that is propagated by mass media is sexy, well-dressed, have shiny hair and many superficial things.

Written Codes

The introduction in the beginning of the movie with the layout of a magazine maybe depicts the main character, Andie, a writer for a magazine. Also, the title of an article shown with the magazine layout was slightly similar to the title of the movie, which was also written by Andie.

BODY LANGUAGE. Andie acts like a needy girlfriend in the film which shows that she would make the guy hardly in love with her. As the movie progresses, we see Andie further play the crazy girlfriend. She shows up at Ben’s office with a small dog and matching outfits, calls Ben excessively throughout the day, intrudes on guys’ night, and discusses their future family together in a photobook she made with help from Ben’s mother.

HOW TO MAKE A

American ed.

Rom-Com

• Handsome and charismatic guy with a cool car/ride must be the male lead.

• There is always a DUMB BLONDE.

• The female lead is either a skinny, gorgeous, popular blonde or an introverted sexy brunette.

• Glamorize being a journalist.

• New York setting.

and all the girls dreamed that they’d be Ben’s partner

The children of the Salazar family have been pursuing separate lives in recent years. Teddie (Toni Gonzaga), the eldest, is working in Spain; Bobbie (Bea Alonzo), the second child, is working in New York; Alex (Angel Locsin), the third child, is a Manila-based independent film assistant director; Gabbie (Shaina Magdayao) is a school teacher who lives at the family’s home; and CJ (Enchong Dee) works as an IT professional in Manila. After a few years of not being together as a whole family, they find themselves reuniting when CJ announces his plan to marry Princess (Angeline Quinto), his girlfriend for three months. CJ’s sisters come together for the planned wedding and have agreed to dissuade him from marrying his fiancée. As they interact again, the siblings face feelings and issues they’ve tried to hide for the longest time, leading them to re-examine how they were before and who they are now, to ultimately face the biggest test of their bond.

Technical Codes

CAMERA MOVEMENTS.

The movie uses tracking shot movement to create visual interest and convey emotions. This camera movement is very evident in the movie as they use the camera through space, following a character or moving object through a scene or simply highlighting the surrounding area.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Four Sisters and a Wedding is a 2013 Filipino comedy-drama film directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. It is a Filipino comedy-drama film about four sisters who band together to prevent their younger brother’s wedding, which they believe is a mistake. The film delves into the complexity of Filipino culture and tradition, as well as family dynamics and sibling conflicts. As they work together to derail the wedding, the sisters face their own personal issues and unresolved conflicts, eventually realizing the value of family and forgiveness

Written Codes

SHOT SIZE.

The camera angles are effectively useful, with close-ups done for many major important scenes like Teddie, Bobbie & Alex’s confessions, most of CJ & Princess’ talk at the pool area of her house & most of Bobbie’s conversations with Tristan & Trixie.

ANGLES.

The movie uses an eye level shot so that we, the viewers, have an impression of being immersed in the action. The eye level shots help us to witness CJ’s emotions as the story progresses.

The family members’ constant displays of love are one of the key written codes in “Four Sisters and a Wedding.” The characters frequently exchange “I love you” declarations with one another throughout the film, both in private and public contexts. The interactions between the four sisters, CJ, and their mother are particularly clear examples of this.

Who’s your fave Salazar sister from ‘Four Sisters and a Wedding’?

Bobbie Alex Teddie Gabbie write your answer here

Symbolic Codes

OBJECTS.

1Rebisco biscuit sandwich (which stands for the siblings’ very close relationship with each other prior to the main plot).

“Rebisco has been an enduring part of Filipino families in the last 50 years,” Rey Delos Reyes, Rebisco’s SVP for Marketing, said.

BODY LANGUAGE.

SETTING.

The setting is proven effective in its part. The salazar residence provides much of the major scenes in the film. The spa also provides uncertainty over Frodo being attacked by a masseur, with dark lighting for the massage area and bright lights for the reception area. Also the setting for the wedding wherein their wedding theme is a clear parody of The Little Mermaid.

The actors in this movie employ a variety of body language techniques to make their characters come to life and heighten the emotional resonance of their portrayal. The sisters’ interaction with one another, their facial expression when they heard that their baby brother is getting married, and even their physical movement all help to set the tone and mood of the film. Additionally, the character’s tension and conflicts, as well as the happy and celebratory moments that occur throughout the story, can be expressed through their body language.

Media Convention

COSTUME.

The costumes in “Four Sisters and a Wedding” are diverse, which adds to the vividness of the characters and their tales.

FunFact!

• As seen from the graduation photo wall scene, Teddie, Alex, and Gabbie are all graduates of University of the Philippines, while Bobbie is the only Salazar sister to have studied and graduated from Ateneo de Manila University.

• Toni Gonzaga Try To *Back Out*

Of ‘Four Sisters And A Wedding’—

Twice

• Actress Angelica Panganiban was originally part of the main cast but was pulled out and was replaced by Shaina Magdayao.

FORM CONVENTION.

The movie adheres to the standard format of a feature film. The title sequence, which features the title of the movie as well as the names of the main actors and crew, begins the movie after the logos of the production companies. When it comes to the visual and aural components, the film follows the traditional family comedy-drama style, using close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots to depict the characters’ emotions and reactions. Additionally, enhancing the emotional impact of specific scenes and establishing a consistent overall tone is the use of music and sound effects. The movie ends with a list of all actors, crew members, and production companies who contributed to its creation in the closing credits.

STORY CONVENTION.

This film illustrates the standard three-act structure of narrative. The premise is first set up, and the main characters are introduced, along with their conflict. Second, the Salazar sisters’ scheme to end CJ’s relationship and deal with their own resentments and problems is where most of the action happens. Finally, the family comes together to support one another and learn critical lessons about acceptance and forgivingness. The film examines the difficulties involved in trying to uphold family relationships over time as well as the complexities of family relationships.

GENRE CONVENTION. Romance/Family - Comedy that combines aspects of comedy and drama to tell a convincing and emotionally compelling tale.

2The symbolism of wedding for closure as it became the reason for them to have closure with each other and solve all the characters’ problems.

During the summer of his junior year in high school, Woo-Yeon (Kim Young-Kwang) spends his time getting into fights. He isn’t interested in studying. He then meets new transfer student Seung-Hee (Park BoYoung) and falls in love with her at first sight. However, Seung-Hee isn’t interested in Woo-Yeon. To avoid the other male students, SeungHee and Woo-Yeon pretend to date. Seung-Hee also asks him to stop fighting. He keeps his promise and their relationship develops into a real romantic relationship. One day, Seung-Hee calls Woo-Yeon and tells him to take care. She then leaves town.

One year later, Woo-Yeon works at a chicken restaurant and has not gone on to a university. He happens to learn that Seung-Hee is a student at Hankook University in Seoul. Woo-Yeon studies hard and he gets accepted into the same university. Finally, Woo-Yeon meets Seung-Hee, but ....

ABOUT THE MOVIE

“On Your Wedding Day” is a 2018 South Korean romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lee Seok-Geun. The story follows a young man named Hwan-Seung who falls in love with his high school classmate, Yoon-Jung. However, their timing never seems to be right, and their lives take them in different directions. The movie explores the ups and downs of their relationship over the years, as they try to navigate their feelings for each other and the challenges of growing up.

The film was produced by the South Korean production company Megabox Plus M and was released on August 22, 2018. It was written by Lee Seok-Geun, who also directed the film. The movie was filmed in various locations throughout South Korea, including the cities of Busan and Tongyeong. The main leads, Kim Young-kwang and Park Bo-young, were praised for their performances, and the film was a commercial success, grossing over $38 million at the box office. The movie’s soundtrack also received positive reviews and features tracks from popular South Korean artists such as Park Hyo Shin and IU.

Symbolic Codes Written Codes

1 Woo-Yeon gifted Seung-Hee an MP3 player as a sign of comfort and a declaration of a deeper adoration. Indeed, the MP3 player served as a companion and comfort for Seung-Hee throughout the years that they were not together. However, Seung-Hee gave the MP3 player back to WooYeon during their break up, an indication that she no longer wanted anything associated with him, and that it wasn’t going to work anymore.

2 Woo-Yeon did not wait to finish Seung-Hee’s wedding, he was the first one to leave–along with his feelings for her. As the door eventually closes, it was an indication of something ending– a chance for another love with Seung-Hee.

In this scene, they were persistent enough to run around the rain just to get to their favorite hangout spot, only for it to be closed due to a wedding anniversary. This seems to be a foreshadowing that despite Woo-Yeon’s eagerness to pursue Seung-Hee, and even though at some point they were in a relationship, that phase of theirs still ended and closed; and Seung-hee is about to get married.

you’re so lucky, you caught me

Technical Codes

SHOT SIZE.

ANGLES.

Aside from the common eye level shots, over the shoulder shots were also used and relevant in the movie. The over the shoulder angle was mostly used

to emphasize Woo-Yeon’s feelings and longing for SeungHee, as he is the one still in love while she has moved on with her life.

Medium shot size was dominant throughout the movie in order to focus on the development of the characters. However, in some relevant cases, long shot and POV shot sizes were often used to highlight the gravity of the situation. Such shot sizes not only showcase the development of the characters, but as well as the development of the story.

CAMERA MOVEMENTS.

Tracking shots are usually used in the movie. walking and talking scenes, a tracking shot stays on the subjects as they move.

? do Woo Yeon deserve a chancesecond yes! no!

HOW TO MAKE A

Korean ed.

Rom-Com

1 Romcom Korean Edition typically starts with two high school students. A naive and freespirited male lead and a fierce and independent female lead.

2 The first scenes will be all about bickering scenes that will soon develop feelings with each other.

3 They will then break up and years after they will meet again and realize that they still have feelings for each other.

Media Convention

FORM CONVENTION.

On your wedding day begins with a pitch-black backdrop while the director, producers, and leading actors of the film briefly appear on-screen. Then Woo-Yeon began to speak about his life as dramatic music was playing in the background. The movie’s title was again shown at the ending , followed by cast, crews, and sponsor list.

STORY CONVENTION.

With the help of its distinctive fabula/ syuzhet structure, On Your Wedding Day successfully attracted a large audience. The story begins with a near ending scene wherein Woo-Yeon receives a wedding invitation from the love of her life who is getting married to someone else. This is followed by chronological flashbacks revealing how their love story turns out.

GENRE CONVENTION.

Romantic Comedy- a light, comic movie or other work whose plot focuses on the development of a romantic relationship.

thank you for showing up suddenly in my life

where plastic meets aesthetic