The 2019 blockbuster "Hello, Love, Goodbye" distinguished itself from other romance films of its time by breaking away from the traditional happy ending. Instead, it offered a potential future for Joy (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ethan (Alden Richards), whose love story unfolds amidst the socioeconomic struggles of Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

It was a risk to produce a sequel to "Hello, Love, Goodbye" which earned massive success, but Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana made "Hello, Love, Again" a compelling continuation of the story.

The sequel explores Ethan and Joy's lives after leaving Hong Kong, shifting the narrative to Canada during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its depiction of OFWs struggling to make ends meet is arguably the best on-screen portrayal of the Filipino pandemic experience to date.

Ethan and Joy's relationship faces significant tests in this unfamiliar landscape. They struggle with unfulfilling jobs, profound losses, and moments that lay bare their vulnerabilities. What's good about the sequel is it retained the socioeconomic lens of its predecessor, highlighting the harsh realities faced by the less privileged. In times of despair, the poor often have no choice but to endure and sacrifice, even at the expense of their dignity and happiness.

Succumbing to tropes

Years after their breakup, Ethan and Joy reconnect in Canada, but the film veers into tropes like fake dating, love triangles, and second-chance romances.

These elements make "Hello, Love, Again" easy to compare with other films such as "It Takes a Man and a Woman" (2013), "Starting Over Again" (2014), "Never Not Love You" (2018), and "The Hows of Us" (2018), all of which explored themes of breakups and reconciliation.

However, those films arguably presented a more nuanced discussion of whether people deserve second chances than this sequel achieves.

To balance the romance and drama, there was the comedic presence of Joross Gamboa and Valerie Concepcion, the nostalgic return of Ruby Rodriguez, and the brief yet familiar comfort with the original cast of "Hello, Love, Goodbye." Then there was the hilarious Jennica Garcia, whose minor role has an impact on Joy and Ethan's arcs.

More mature take on immigrant life

Despite the clichés, "Hello, Love, Again" provides satisfying closure for fans. It resolves lingering questions about Joy’s pursuit of her dreams and how time transformed both characters. Ethan learns that true love often means letting go, while Joy emerges as a stronger yet more vulnerable female character.

Viewers were also in for a treat for shocking scenes between Kathryn and Alden. They really went all in, particularly in intimate scenes which will surely surprise fans of Kathryn.

It also showed the acting prowess of Kathryn and Alden. Kathryn as Joy captures the nuanced struggles of an OFW navigating personal sacrifices, while Alden as Ethan has become a more emotionally intelligent guy while still being charming. The chemistry between the two remains undeniable.

The film also serves as a heartwarming tribute to OFWs. While it doesn’t quite capture the immigrant experience in Canada as vividly as its predecessor did in Hong Kong, it still offers a touching narrative. The limitations of shooting in Canada may have hindered the sequel's authenticity, but it effectively conveys the love and resilience of Filipinos abroad.

Though predictable at times, "Hello, Love, Again" provides a moving continuation of Ethan and Joy's story, a celebration of love and forgiveness, and the constant search for one's true home.