At onset, one can spot a number of similarities between 2000’s highly inspiring “Tanging Yaman” and the latest Star Cinema offering, “Sa ‘Yo Lamang.”

More than having the same director (Laurice Guillen), the two films boast of a powerhouse cast, a touching story about a family beset with so many issues, and titles based on popular religious songs.

This is not to say, however, that "Sa Yo Lamang" lacks originality, let alone, merit. The script co-written by Ricky Lee that tells the story of family members who have different, mostly opposing, perceptions on the return of their father after 10 years of absence will make you laugh when you’re about to cry yet pierces deeply, too, when it does.

Breathing life into the story are veteran thespians Christopher de Leon and Lorna Tolentino, who both play parents to the characters of Bea Alonzo, Coco Martin, Enchong Dee, and Miles Ocampo.

Of the bunch, it’s the younger actors who deliver the more memorable performances. Bea's performance, for one, oozes with confidence, maturity and believability. When she cursed Christopher’s character (the father), it's as if her mouth was a lethal weapon.

“Sa ‘Yo” is Enchong and Coco’s first mainstream movie, and they don’t disappoint. Enchong has developed emotional depth since his first indie outing in “Paano Ko Sasabihin?”, while Coco is engaging to watch with his relaxed relationship with the cameras.

Even Shaina Magdayao, Diether Ocampo, Zanjoe Marudo, Lauren Young, Empress Schuck and Igi Boy Flores maximized their limited exposure by delivering performances that the audience can sympathize with.

The film's cinematography is commendable---certainly better than "I Love You," Laurice's previous output. The cinematography in "Sa Yo Lamang" is polished, poetic...eloquent in images, almost enough to tell the story by itself.

Yet while the movie allowed the actors to shine in numerous memorable scenes, the lives of the characters they play are just too complicated to be captured in two hours. Nevertheless, "Sa Yo Lamang" has resolution, reconciliation and redemption.

A spiritual journey that reminds people of the values of faith, family, and forgiveness--that's what "Sa Yo Lamang" is about.

It's a family drama that hits home; a reminder that forgiveness could be the highest form of love.