Watch First Semester

First Semester is a Philippine film directed by Allan Ibanez and Dexter Hemedez. The movie tells the story of a student and her teacher, and their complicated relationship. The film revolves around the life of a young college student named Chona (Lotlot de Leon) who is taking up a degree in nursing. She's determined to finish her studies and become a registered nurse, but her family's financial situation hinders her from achieving her goal. When Chona's professor, Sir Dadong (Allan Paule), offers to help her financially, she reluctantly accepts.

As the semesters pass, Chona and Sir Dadong's relationship becomes more intimate, leading to many complications. Along the way, the two meet several other characters, each with their unique story and personality. For instance, there's Drei (Markki Stroem), Chona's crush, who has a secret desire for Sir Dadong. There's also Lumen (Lui Manansala), who provides comic relief and serves as Chona's confidante. These characters add depth and dimension to the film.

The movie is an exploration of the teacher-student relationship, and the issues that surround it- power dynamics, attraction, professional ethics, and more. The film is not afraid to tackle these issues head-on, without shying away from the darker and more complex aspects of the story.

The acting in this film is superb, with Lotlot De Leon delivering an outstanding performance as Chona. She portrays the character's raw emotions - fear, love, uncertainty - with skill, making the audience empathize with her. Allan Paule also holds his own as Sir Dadong, delivering a nuanced and layered portrayal of a character who is himself struggling with the consequences of his actions.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy. The use of color, framing, and camera angles all contribute to the film's overall mood and tone. The film's musical score is also a highlight, with its evocative and haunting melodies perfectly complementing the story.

Overall, First Semester is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that explores the complicated relationship between a student and her teacher. Through its character-driven story, the film raises several critical questions about power dynamics, ethics, and personal responsibility. While the tone of the film is sometimes dark and unsettling, it ultimately offers a message of redemption and hope. This is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the complexities of relationships, especially those between teachers and students.