“She’s Dating the Gangster” is a captivating novel written by Bianca Bernardino that tells the story of two teenagers, Athena Dizon and Kenji Delos Reyes, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the gangster world. This gripping tale has captured the hearts of readers around the world and has been adapted into a successful movie.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the book’s plot, explore the movie adaptation, discuss the main characters, highlight memorable quotes, delve into the soundtrack, uncover interesting facts, provide cosplay tips, and much more.
Book Summary of “She’s Dating the Gangster”
“She’s Dating the Gangster” revolves around the intertwined lives of Athena Dizon and Kenji Delos Reyes. Athena, a young lady with a strong-willed personality, finds herself in an unexpected situation when she crosses paths with Kenji, a notorious gangster.
Despite their initial clashes, they soon develop a deep connection and embark on a journey of love, filled with challenges and sacrifices. As their relationship blossoms, they find themselves entangled in a world of danger and secrets. Will their love withstand the trials that come their way?
Movie Adaptation Summary of “She’s Dating the Gangster”
The movie adaptation of “She’s Dating the Gangster” brings to life the captivating story of Athena and Kenji on the big screen. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film beautifully captures the essence of the book and adds its own cinematic flair.
The stellar performances of the cast, including Kathryn Bernardo as Athena and Daniel Padilla as Kenji, breathe life into the characters and make the story even more compelling. The movie adaptation stays true to the heart-wrenching journey of love and self-discovery, leaving audiences captivated and emotionally invested.
When and Where Does the Story Take Place? Film Locations
“She’s Dating the Gangster” takes place in the Philippines, primarily in the bustling city of Manila. The story is set in the present day, immersing readers and viewers in a contemporary urban landscape. The film beautifully showcases various locations in Manila, portraying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
From crowded streets to serene parks, the cinematography captures the essence of each scene, creating a visually stunning experience for the audience.
Main Characters in “She’s Dating the Gangster”
Athena Dizon and Kenji Delos Reyes are the central characters in “She’s Dating the Gangster.” Athena is a strong, independent young woman who is determined to achieve her goals. Kenji, on the other hand, is a notorious gangster with a tough exterior but a soft heart.
Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic and passionate relationship that is both heartwarming and tumultuous. The supporting characters, such as Athena’s best friend, Abigail, and Kenji’s sister, Bee, add depth to the story and contribute to the overall narrative.
Memorable Quotes from the Book and Movie
“She’s Dating the Gangster” is filled with memorable quotes that resonate with readers and viewers alike. Here are a few notable lines that capture the essence of the story:
- “I can’t breathe without you, Athena. And I can’t keep breathing knowing you’re not in my life.”
- “She smiled at me and told me, ‘You’re weird.’ I replied, ‘I know. But it’s a good kind of weird, right?'”
- “Sometimes, love is worth fighting for. Sometimes, it’s not.”
- “I’m not asking you to love me back. I’m just asking you to let me love you.”
These quotes reflect the emotional depth and complexity of the characters’ relationships, leaving a lasting impact on readers and viewers.
The Soundtrack of “She’s Dating the Gangster” by Francis S. Concio
The soundtrack of “She’s Dating the Gangster,” composed by Francis S. Concio, beautifully complements the story’s emotions and enhances the viewing experience. The songs capture the essence of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with the audience on a deeper level.
From powerful ballads to soulful melodies, the soundtrack adds an extra layer of emotion to the already compelling narrative.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts about “She’s Dating the Gangster”
“She’s Dating the Gangster” is not only a captivating story but also a source of interesting facts and curiosities. Did you know that the book was originally published on the online writing community Wattpad before gaining popularity and being published in print?
The success of the book led to its movie adaptation, which received critical acclaim and became a box office hit. Additionally, the story explores themes of love, family, and loyalty, resonating with readers and viewers of all ages.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing up as Kenji/Kenneth and Athena/Kelay
Cosplaying as Kenji/Kenneth and Athena/Kelay from “She’s Dating the Gangster” allows fans to bring their favorite characters to life. To accurately portray Kenji/Kenneth, consider dressing in casual and edgy attire, incorporating leather jackets, denim jeans, and stylish accessories.
For Athena/Kelay, opt for a chic and feminine look, featuring floral dresses, colorful headbands, and elegant accessories. Pay attention to the characters’ hairstyles and makeup to complete the transformation into these beloved characters.
Bianca Bernardino – Author’s Biography and Top 5 Works
Bianca Bernardino, the talented author behind “She’s Dating the Gangster,” has made a significant impact in the literary world. Born and raised in the Philippines, Bernardino developed a passion for writing at a young age. Apart from “She’s Dating the Gangster,” her notable works include:
- “Talk Back and You’re Dead”
- “Never Talk Back to a Gangster”
- “A Hundred Days With You”
- “The Bet”
- “Just the Strings”
Through her engaging storytelling and relatable characters, Bernardino has captured the hearts of readers and established herself as a prominent figure in the romance genre.
Cathy Garcia-Molina – Director of the Movie and Other Notable Works
Cathy Garcia-Molina, the talented director of the movie adaptation of “She’s Dating the Gangster,” has a remarkable career in the film industry. Known for her exceptional storytelling and ability to bring out the best in her cast, Garcia-Molina has helmed numerous successful films. Some of her notable works include:
- “One More Chance”
- “My Amnesia Girl”
- “The Hows of Us”
- “Four Sisters and a Wedding”
- “A Second Chance”
Garcia-Molina’s unique directorial style and attention to detail have contributed to the success of “She’s Dating the Gangster” and solidified her position as one of the most respected directors in the Philippines.
5 Other Works by Bianca Bernardino
In addition to “She’s Dating the Gangster,” Bianca Bernardino has written several other captivating novels that have garnered a loyal following. Here are five other works by the talented author:
- “He’s Dating the Ice Princess”
- “The Despicable Guy”
- “Sadist Lover”
- “I Met a Jerk Whose Name is Seven”
- “Three Words, Eight Letters, Say It and I’m Yours”
Each of these novels showcases Bernardino’s ability to create compelling narratives and complex characters that resonate with readers.
10 Similar Movies to “She’s Dating the Gangster”
If you enjoyed “She’s Dating the Gangster,” you might find these ten similar movies equally captivating:
- “The Fault in Our Stars”
- “A Walk to Remember”
- “10 Things I Hate About You”
- “Crazy Beautiful You”
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”
- “Before Sunrise”
- “If Only”
- “The Notebook”
- “The Princess Diaries”
- “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
These movies share themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, making them perfect choices for fans of “She’s Dating the Gangster.”
10 Similar Novels with a Similar Plot to “She’s Dating the Gangster”
For readers craving more stories with a similar plot to “She’s Dating the Gangster,” here are ten novels that explore themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of relationships:
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
- “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
- “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
- “P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
- “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
- “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins
- “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
- “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
These novels offer compelling narratives and relatable characters that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Book Club Discussion Questions for “She’s Dating the Gangster”
If you’re part of a book club or want to engage in a meaningful discussion about “She’s Dating the Gangster,” here are some thought-provoking questions to consider:
- How does the love story between Athena and Kenji/Kenneth evolve throughout the book?
- What role does friendship play in the lives of the characters in the story?
- How does the gangster world influence the decisions and actions of the characters?
- Discuss the themes of sacrifice and loyalty in the book.
- How does the movie adaptation compare to the original novel?
These questions will help spark insightful conversations and provide different perspectives on the story.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on “She’s Dating the Gangster”
“She’s Dating the Gangster” by Bianca Bernardino is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The book’s powerful narrative and relatable characters have resonated with readers around the world, leading to its successful movie adaptation.
From the heartfelt quotes to the enchanting soundtrack, every aspect of “She’s Dating the Gangster” contributes to its enduring appeal. Whether you’re a fan of the book or the movie, this story will leave a lasting impact on your heart.
