Forgotten Island: A film that took me home

Forgotten Island / Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

A Film That Took Me Home

Looking around at the appreciative crowd of filmgoers, I realised that I was probably the oldest Filipino in the audience. Yet it was gratifying to see so many young Filipinos gathered to watch and support the film. Their presence reminded me that Filipino stories continue to connect generations.

One of the most memorable moments was a scene featuring Raissa by the beach. The setting reminded me of my youthful years in Maasin, Zamboanga City, because the coastline looked remarkably like Cawit Bay. For a moment, I was transported back to a place filled with precious memories.

The bird’s-eye view of the island also reminded me of my journeys to Basilan Island, just across the sea from Zamboanga. I felt a deep connection as I noticed the similarities between the islands, especially their rugged coastlines and jagged mountain peaks.

One downside, however, was the visual overload. The rapid succession of scenes, combined with the explosion of colours, sometimes felt overwhelming. I would have appreciated a few quieter moments that allowed the story, scenery and emotions more room to breathe.

— Review by Rene Molina

Synopsis 

Your best friendship is worth fighting for.

DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island.

The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths.

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

Starring: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga
Written and directed by: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado
Producer: Mark Swift