How Netflix’s Keys to the Heart Shows Filipino Family Love

Starring Dolly De Leon, Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, and Michelle Dee, the Philippine adaptation of Keys To The Heart showcases Filipino family love.

Adapted from the Korean Drama of the same name, Netflix’s Keys To The Heart tugs on heartstrings as a washed up boxer Joma (played by Zanjoe Marudo) connects with his family again. But connection isn’t easy when there’s a long period of estrangement. An added layer of difficulty for Joma includes connecting with his savant pianist brother, Jayjay (played by Elijah Canlas), who has his own way of communicating his feelings. It’s a movie that showcases how time and effort can eventually render the distance and estrangement ineffective.

Estrangement is not uncommon in Filipino families

Have we ever stopped seeing a relative because of career or because of other disturbing moments involving them?

Filipinos, especially when involved in family matters, rarely confront their family members. Some prefer to let the distance do it for them. Career and ambition sometimes serve as the perfect excuse to step away from the family when instances become too toxic or confusing. But there are days when time will call us back. When that time does come, however, it’s a whole learning process again wherein we need to deal with the conflicting mental images of our family then and now.

In Joma’s case, he often relies on strength as a boxer to solve his problems. However, that doesn’t work in dealing with his savant pianist brother. Savants, despite their limited capabilities, have one specific skill that is almost superhuman which they also use to communicate. And as a family, the language and skill issues can become quite a hurdle that a family needs to jump over together. In Netflix’s Keys To The Heart, it’s not just about dealing with the estrangement but also connecting again with those who have a different language.

Keys To The Heart: a showcase of Filipino filial piety

The instances wherein Filipino families grow are usually in discovering new ways to connect and communicate with one another. But it’s not always solvable by learning a new stereotypical language. Sometimes, mannerisms and even actions say a lot more especially for those who perceive the world differently. The learning curve, however, is a mix of both laughter and tears as we all discover the keys to the hearts of everyone in the family.

Catch Keys To The Heart on Netflix!

More about movies?

How Movies Inspire Children to Find the Meaning of Life
Extraordinary Attorney Woo Shines A Light for Kids with ASD
7 Shows to Inspire Parents of Kids with Autism