She dating the gangster

"She's Dating the Gangster" is a Filipino teen romantic comedy-drama film that was released in 2014, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. The film is based on a novel of the same name, written by Bianca Bernardino. It stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, two of the most popular young actors in the Philippines.

Plot

The story revolves around a young woman named Athena Dizon, played by Kathryn Bernardo. Athena is a straight-A student who is focused on her studies and has no interest in boys. However, things change when she meets Kenji Delos Reyes, played by Daniel Padilla.

Kenji is the son of a notorious gangster and has a reputation for being a troublemaker. He's also the complete opposite of Athena he's loud, arrogant, and always getting into fights. Despite their differences, Kenji begins to pursue Athena, and she eventually falls for him.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Kenji's ex-girlfriend, who is also involved with his father's gang, comes back into the picture. This sets off a chain of events that puts Athena and Kenji's relationship to the test.

Themes

One of the main themes of "She's Dating the Gangster" is the idea of first love. The film explores the intense emotions that come with falling in love for the first time, as well as the challenges that can arise when navigating a new relationship.

Another theme of the film is the idea of identity. Kenji struggles with living up to his father's expectations and dealing with the reputation that comes with being the son of a gangster. Athena, on the other hand, struggles with balancing her academic goals with her newfound romantic feelings.

The film also touches on themes of family, loyalty, and forgiveness. Through Kenji's relationship with his father and his gang, the film explores the complexities of familial relationships and the sacrifices that can be made in the name of loyalty. Additionally, the film shows how forgiveness can be a powerful tool in healing relationships that have been damaged.

Reception

"She's Dating the Gangster" was a commercial success in the Philippines, grossing over 300 million pesos (around $6 million USD) in its theatrical run. The film was also well-received by audiences and received positive reviews from critics.

Some critics praised the film for its engaging storyline and strong performances from its lead actors. However, others criticized the film for its reliance on popular teen romance tropes and lack of originality.