Echoes of First Love: A Sociological Examination of Gender, Poverty, and Mental Health in Elise
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
By: Therenz James Estanislao
Introduction
Elise (2019) is a Filipino romantic drama directed by Joel Ferrer, starring Enchong Dee as Bert and Janine Gutierrez as Elise. The film delves deeper into social struggles in the Philippines, such as poverty, mental health, and violence against women and children.
More than just a romance, Elise resonates with audiences by capturing the innocence of first love and the bittersweet realities of growing up. However, beyond its emotional depth and relatable characters, the film also subtly portrays poverty, violence against women, and mental health issues. Examining Elise from a sociological perspective, highlighting how these social realities shape the characters' lives and relationships, making it a meaningful and thought-provoking story.
Body
Revolving around the story of Bert as he looks back on his past relationship with Elise, his childhood friend and first love, their romance is shaped by personal choices and life circumstances, influencing Bert’s growth. Research on relationships highlights how strong social connections shape well-being. Studies show that close friendships build confidence, strengthen identity, and provide emotional support, especially in tough times (Stulberg, 2018). Elise’s presence gives Bert both comfort and motivation to change.
Beyond its romantic storyline, the film also addresses important social issues. Remy, Bert’s close friend, experiences financial hardship and has been held back in school multiple times due to a lack of financial aid. Reports show that nearly 42% of students who start Grade 1 do not reach Grade 10, revealing major gaps in the education system (CHILDHOPE, 2024). Gender roles also play a key role in the film. Elise, though independent and strong-willed, still faces societal expectations to follow traditional roles. The film also touches on emotional trauma and domestic violence, which remain widespread in the Philippines. Studies indicate that nearly one in six Filipino women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a partner, with over 8,000 cases of physical violence reported in 2021 alone (NDHS, 2022). Additionally, Bert’s difficulty in expressing emotions highlights how Filipino men are often discouraged from showing vulnerability, making it harder for them to seek help (Redillas, 2023).
CRITIQUE
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its realistic portrayal of emotions and relationships. The non-linear storytelling keeps viewers engaged, while the performances of Enchong Dee and Janine Gutierrez bring authenticity to their characters. The film’s cinematography, particularly its use of warm lighting and beautiful scenery, adds to the nostalgic and sentimental tone. The visual style immerses audiences in Bert’s memories and reinforces the emotional weight of his experiences. As a result, films play a significant role in shaping societal beliefs, influencing opinions, and changing attitudes toward social issues (Kubrak, 2020). The film contributes to discussions on poverty, gender roles, and mental health, reinforcing the idea that media is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social awareness.
The film also does well in addressing societal issues. Bert’s financial struggles provide insight into how poverty forces people to prioritize survival over personal dreams. The portrayal of gender roles and domestic violence is important, as these issues remain prevalent in Filipino society. However, while the film touches on these themes, it does not fully explore them. For example, Bert’s financial difficulties are acknowledged, but their long-term impact is left unexplored. Similarly, domestic violence is shown but not deeply analyzed in terms of its causes or consequences.
Mental health is another area where the film could have done more. Bert’s struggles highlight how men in the Philippines face pressure to hide their emotions, yet the film does not provide much insight into mental health support systems. Given that mental health is a growing issue in the country (Redillas, 2023), a more detailed approach could have made the film’s message stronger.
Additionally, while the nostalgic tone adds charm, it sometimes romanticizes suffering instead of critically examining its root causes. The film focuses on individual struggles but misses the chance to discuss broader issues, such as economic policies and gender inequality, in more depth.
Despite these shortcomings, the film succeeds in blending romance with real-world problems. Its portrayal of love affected by financial hardship, gender norms, and emotional struggles reflects the reality many Filipinos face. While a deeper exploration of these social issues could have made its message stronger, the film remains a touching and thought-provoking depiction of life’s challenges.
CONCLUSION
The film effectively blends romance with social issues, offering a heartfelt depiction of Filipino life. Strong performances and emotional depth make it engaging, while its focus on poverty, gender norms, and mental health raises awareness of critical topics. However, its tendency to romanticize suffering weakens its social message, and a deeper analysis could have provided stronger insights.
Beyond its emotional core, the film highlights how societal norms and economic hardships shape personal choices. It shows how financial struggles force compromise, gender roles dictate emotions, and mental health stigma discourages seeking help. These issues reflect broader societal challenges in the Philippines.
Ultimately, while the film delivers a poignant story, its impact on addressing social issues remains limited. It raises awareness but does not fully explore poverty, gender inequality, or mental health. Still, its touching portrayal of love and hardship makes it a meaningful starting point for deeper discussions.
REFERENCES LIST
Kubrak, T. (2020). Impact of Films: Changes in Young People’s Attitudes after Watching a Movie. Behavioral Sciences, 10(5), 86.
Redillas, M. (2023, October 25). Toxic masculinity in Filipino culture and its effects.
https://mariaisquixotic.com/toxic-masculinity-in-filipino-culture/Staff, C. (2024, September 4). Understanding the causes of school dropout in the Philippines. ChildHope Philippines.
Stulberg, B. (2018, June 19). The incredible power of friendship - personal growth - medium. Medium.
Violence against women | Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.).
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