The beauty about watching the Viva movie simply called ‘40’ is that it doesn’t prepare you for what turns out to be a surprise ending.

Its director, Dado Lomibao, doesn’t consciously lead you in, doesn’t resort to lots of foreshadowing, either through character portrayals or events, enough for one to pick up clues and hints strewn along the way, all over the place.

When the sudden truth unveils in the last quarter of the film, you are held back. You sigh and cry. You realize you have travelled throughout the film by just keeping the faith in the love forged by the two lead characters, played by Kiko Estrada and Cindy Miranda, two people in strange circumstances.

Both Kiko and Cindy render creditable performances with just the right amount of punch. In what should be her turnabout break, Cindy sinks her teeth in a role that requires a number of dramatic moments which she celebrates to the fullest. ‘40’ marks her transition from being just another Vivamax star boxed in erotic roles and projects and unleashed into more serious endeavors.

Kiko Estrada looks relaxed in his scenes, not over or underacting, given to a few cutesy moments, however. Just another lovestruck boy in a romantic drama with a sudden twist.

Such drama is enhanced furthermore by the soulful rendition of the Ben & Ben hit song, Leaves, by none other than Martin Nievera. 

Catch ‘40,’ just when life begins, as they say,  in cinemas nationwide now.