YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.
The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO
About YOLO
YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life.
Directed and written by: Jia Ling
Starring: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin
Opening on April 17, 2024, YOLO is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #YOLO @columbiapicph
March marks the celebration of International Women’s Day, setting the perfect scene for a girl gang movie marathon. Lionsgate Play steps up with a curated selection that pays homage to the spirit, strength, and diversity of women through captivating narratives. Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, drama, or action, this lineup features heroines who lead with courage and resilience. So gather your closest friends, grab some snacks, and embark on a binge-watching spree that celebrates female empowerment and storytelling at its best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmdwCUASsU
P-Valley (2020)
P-Valley (2020) – A Gritty, Neon-Lit Drama Watch here Dive into the Mississippi Delta’s heart with P-Valley, a series that explores the lives of women at The Pynk strip club. With two seasons that tackle themes of race, gender, class, and more, this American drama offers a raw, immersive experience into the struggles and triumphs of its diverse characters.
Mama’s Affair (2022)
Mama’s Affair (2022) – A Tale of Motherhood and Dreams Watch here Discover the touching story of Mei-fung, a single mother and former talent manager who navigates the complexities of rekindling her career and balancing family life. Mama’s Affair is a poignant Hong Kong drama that delves into the challenges of pursuing personal fulfillment while upholding family responsibilities.
Little Women (2017)
Little Women (2017) – Timeless Coming-of-Age Story Watch here Revisit the beloved tale of the March sisters in this three-part BBC miniseries adaptation of Little Women. Journey with Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they transition from childhood to adulthood, facing life’s trials with grace and perseverance. Featuring an outstanding cast, this series breathes new life into Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde (2017) – A Thrilling Spy Adventure Watch here Charlize Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, a fearless MI6 agent navigating the dangerous landscape of Cold War Berlin. Atomic Blonde is a high-stakes thriller that showcases female strength and resilience, offering a riveting narrative filled with action and intrigue.
Run the World (2021)
Run the World (2021) – Friendship and Ambition in Harlem Experience the vibrant lives of four best friends pursuing their dreams in Harlem, New York. Run the World is a celebration of friendship, ambition, and the complexities of love and career in the modern world. This American comedy series is a testament to the power of women supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Killing Eve (2018)
Killing Eve (2018) – A Darkly Captivating Thriller Delve into the twisted relationship between MI6 investigator Eve and assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve. This spy thriller explores themes of obsession and power, offering a unique narrative that blurs the lines between hunter and hunted. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer deliver compelling performances in this critically acclaimed series.
Join the Celebration of Female Empowerment
Lionsgate Play invites you to celebrate International Women’s Day with these and more titles featuring bold heroines and empowering stories. Tune in, be inspired, and honor the awesomeness of women on screen.
The cinematic universe trembles once more as the colossal legends, Godzilla and Kong, emerge from the depths and shadows to grace the silver screen in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on March 30, this monumental sequel promises an unparalleled IMAX adventure, offering fans a front-row seat to the most breathtaking Titan battle yet. Secure your tickets now and witness these iconic behemoths like never before at www.godzillaxkong.com.ph.
A New Threat Rises
In the heart of Hollow Earth, a sinister challenge brews, threatening not just the Titans’ reign but the very fabric of humanity. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” finds our revered monsters in an unprecedented alliance, battling against the shadows of an enigmatic new foe. Filmed exclusively for IMAX, this epic saga brings the awe-inspiring action and the captivating world of the Monsterverse to life in jaw-dropping detail and scale.
Behind the Scenes with the Stars
The dynamic duo, Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry, return with electrifying performances under the visionary direction of Adam Wingard. His boundless enthusiasm and deep reverence for the Titan lore have infused the set with an infectious spirit of discovery and wonder.
Brian Tyree Henry, embodying Bermie Hayes, shares, “I saw brand new stuff every day. It makes a huge difference when your leader is a fan of this kind of universe, and is excited by the discoveries of what could possibly be, what could unfold. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think the fans are going to be very excited.”
Rebecca Hall, our Dr. Ilene Andrews, echoes this sentiment, “You get this belief that he has a sense of what the film’s going to be, but you also get to have a really good time on set, because he has this exuberance that is just intoxicating. He does have an inner 10-year-old, and he’s there all the time watching everything. He directs with that enthusiasm, and you know you’ve done well, because you can hear him chuckling.”
The Monsterverse Expands
Kaylee Hottle returns as Jia Andrews, diving deeper into the rich tapestry of the Monsterverse. “For me to be back in the Monsterverse, it’s really, really nice to be back. It’s really exciting. Audiences will see even more action and more adventures. On this film, we went to the Daintree Rainforest. There were leeches, crocodiles, snakes, cassowaries. But it was beautiful,” she says.
About the Film
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” elevates the saga, introducing us to unseen depths of these ancient beings’ lore, exploring their origins, and the mystical Skull Island. Directed by Adam Wingard, with a stellar script by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater, this chapter promises to bind these Titans and humanity closer than ever.
The ensemble cast, featuring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen, brings this tale to vivid life. Produced by a renowned team and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is set to become a cinematic landmark.
Mark your calendars for March 30, 2024, and prepare for an IMAX journey into the heart of the Monsterverse. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is not just a film; it’s an experience that promises to redefine the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and spectacle. Tickets are on sale now; secure yours today and be part of history.
As horror films go, Jang Jae-hyun’s ‘Exhuma’ takes a different approach to frightening its audience. At a 134 minutes, director and screenwriter Jang Jae-hyun takes his time to unravel his rather simple story of an exorcism gone horribly wrong. He presents his characters – the charming and very competent young shamans Hwa-rim (Kim Go Eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do Hyun) – as confident, maybe even cocky, as they take a case involving a rich Korean-American client living in Los Angeles, whose baby seems haunted by an evil spirit. In their initial inspection, they discover that the haunting spirit is an old one, one that is passed from generation to generation and that the ancestral spirit may be back in Korea. This powerful spirit, one they call ‘A Grave’s Call,’ requires a bigger team and they employ a veteran geomancer, Sang-duk (Choi Min-sik) and his partner Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae Jin) to join the ritual. It’s only when the four spiritualists arrive at an unmarked grave atop a deserted mountain that they realize this is far more sinister and evil than they could have imagined.
This whole set up takes over half an hour to put things in motion. What makes it so riveting and fascinating to watch is the way that tension and dread pervades each scene without spilling out into cheesy cheap scares. Director Jang allows his characters – Hwa-rim and company – to be so serious about the work and yet calm and casual outside of it. It shows off their familiarity with each other and uses their relationship dynamics to establish them as human beings that we come to like as an audience. We know something bad is coming and now, 40 minutes into the movie, we like these characters a lot that we don’t want anything bad to happen to them.
Without any huge frightening scenes, director Jang builds the tension using very detailed, very precise dramatization of the shamanistic rituals for cleansing spirits and for exhuming the buried dead to transfer to more auspicious grave sites. Those familiar with these rituals from watching Kdrama will know there’s a lot of music, chanting, and dancing and the film isn’t shy of showing the whole process and captures it for its full cinematic appeal. Kim Go Eun and Lee Do Hyun are exquisite and all they are doing is dancing or dancing with knives (Kim) or drumming and chanting (Lee) but they do it with such conviction and the camera work, quick editing, and exquisite sound designs turns each into such a spectacle that you are overwhelmed by the severity of the rite. It underscores the seriousness of the undertaking. Without showing a single scary image, the ritual alone in full display is enough to create this feeling of dread and fear. Somehow it manages to impress upon you that “damn, I hope it works” and you are actually more attuned to the outcome of all of this.
And when things go south, it takes an unexpected turn. Past the one-hour mark, you realise the story is much deeper, much richer in its exploration of South Korea’s history. This is not just some simple exorcism movie. It’s about past trauma that has yet to be resolved.
It is in the simplicity and the straightforward execution of the narrative that makes ‘Exhuma’ such a joy to watch. It is frightening but it does not rely on jump scares for it. It does so by creating set ups, allowing us to recognize the danger and see it unfold within the story. It does not try to surprise us. Instead, it allows us to follow it as it compounds and compounds.
Unfortunately, the final act feels drawn out and over-extended. Everything leading up to it is so strong, so exciting. When the grand finale happens, there’s a lot of unnecessary talking, actions are repeated, and the pacing suffers immensely. It could have been fast and quick but Jang Jae-hyun is having too much fun with his elements all coming together. But the final image still makes it landing and does not undermine all the fantastic work that set everything up.
‘Exhuma’ is an intelligent horror film that takes its time to build its horror and dresses it up in the full effects of Korean shamanism. It’s culturally and historically rich and steeped in its folklore. The cast, especially Kim Go Eun, is terrific and it can be surprising in its narrative turns.
My Rating:
Exhuma premieres this March 20. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
Exhuma, directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests), tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.
A box office record breaker in Korea, Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas March 20. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
About Exhuma
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Sik,) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to bring world-class, critically acclaimed films for movie enthusiasts with this year’s most-anticipated film White Bird: A Wonder Story, a follow-up to 2017’s Wonder, the beloved coming-of-age drama based on R.J. Palacio’s bestseller novel of the same name. Directed by Marc Forster (A Man Called Otto, Finding Neverland), White Bird opens exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas on March 20, months ahead of the film’s U.S. release in October.
White Bird: A Wonder Story is based on the critically acclaimed, beloved graphic novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio, the author of Wonder. This fictional film is the creative companion piece drawn from the universe of Lionsgate’s 2017 box office hit Wonder, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. For millions of readers and moviegoers, Wonder is the captivating, inspiring, and uplifting story of the power of kindness – how it can build bridges and change hearts. In White Bird, kindness even has the power to save lives, as Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar, reprising his role from the previous film), the bully who left Beecher Prep, is visited by his Grandmère (Academy Award winner Helen Mirren) from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and courage. As a girl in Nazi-occupied France during WWII, the young Grandmère goes into hiding with the help of a schoolmate, a young man who risks everything to give her the chance to survive. Together, they find beauty and love in the secret world of their own creation.
From Marc Forster, director of Finding Neverland and Christopher Robin, White Bird – just like its predecessor Wonder – is an emotional story about the ways that even in the most harrowing circumstances, an act of kindness for others can make every difference in the world.
Gillian Anderson & Ariella Glaser in White Bird: A Wonder Story
Elaborating on his creative process, Forster offers, “we like to choose stories that have the ability to raise consciousness in the world and Wonder definitely did that.” As the graphic novel White Bird also offered Forster and executive producer Renée Wolfe a similar opportunity, albeit on an even wider spectrum, they became deeply interested in further exploring Julian Albans’ redemptive journey and bringing it to the screen.
Helen Mirren, who plays Grandmère, elaborates on Julian’s predicament: “As many young teenagers do, he’s going through a difficult time when he can’t quite find his place in the world and he’s lashing out as a reaction to that.” Adds Gheisar, who plays Julian, “Julian in this film has changed in many ways since Wonder. He’s realized that what he did was wrong, but he doesn’t really understand why.” By sharing her extraordinary tale of survival and her memories of the harrowing times she experienced at exactly his age, Grandmère hopes to help Julian understand that the world is a complicated and, sometimes, dark place. “But as Martin Luther King says, you have to find the light within yourself. Darkness will never drive out darkness. So that is the lesson that she is trying to teach him, simply through telling him her life story,” adds Mirren.
Helen Mirren and Bryce Gheisar in White Bird: A Wonder Story
White Bird: A Wonder Story was screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in July 2023, and premiered in Italy January this year. Writes Variety in their review: “Palacio’s book is fairly on-the-nose in messaging, symbolism and imagery. Forster brings a more refined visual sensibility that is inviting without being over-glamorized, opening up a potentially claustrophobic tale in ways that enhance its impact. Shot in the Czech Republic, the rural environs have a slight storybook quality in Matthias Konigswieser’s very attractive widescreen cinematography.”
Take your cinema experience to the next level
Ayala Malls Cinemas are designed to ensure that viewers experience the utmost comfort and enjoyment. Featuring plush seating and generous legroom, coupled with cutting-edge laser projections for sharper images, and top-notch Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technologies to enhance audio depth, moviegoers are in for an exceptional cinematic experience. Cinema patrons can also enjoy a variety of delicious treats, such as popcorn, hotdog sandwiches, burgers and ice-cold beverages, from The Movie Snackbar. Explore the world of critically acclaimed films exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas, where every detail is crafted to elevate your time at the movies.
Julien Beaumier and Ariella Glaser in White Bird: A Wonder Story
Ayala Malls Zing Plus members can get extra perks as they can earn double Zing points when they use their Zing-linked credit card or GCash to purchase movie tickets at the Ayala Malls Cinema ticket booth or at www.sureseats.com with a minimum spend of P600. Promo runs until June 30, 2024.
Watch White Bird: A Wonder Story starting March 20 only at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Keep updated and all of the latest cinema experiences from Ayala Malls Cinemas by following the official Ayala Malls Cinemas FB and IG pages.
On May 29, a new kind of adventure claws its way into theaters with the much-anticipated release of “The Garfield Movie,” now teasing audiences with its latest trailer. Starring Chris Pratt as the voice of the iconic, lasagna-loving feline, this cinematic journey promises laughter, action, and the kind of heartwarming moments that make for perfect family outings.
The Tale Behind the Tail
Garfield, the quintessential indoor cat with a taste for comfort (and lasagna), finds his world turned upside down in this hilarious tale. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield embarks on an unexpected adventure when he meets his long-lost father, Vic, voiced by the formidable Samuel L. Jackson. This unlikely reunion sets the stage for a whirlwind of adventures and misadventures, introducing Garfield and his pal Odie to the thrill of the great outdoors and the challenge of a daring heist.
Distributed by Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing International’s local office in the Philippines, “The Garfield Movie” is set to become a nationwide sensation. Fans are invited to engage with the film online using the hashtag #GarfieldMovie and gear up for a cinematic experience that’s as entertaining as it is heartwarming.
Mark your calendars for May 29, 2024, and get ready for “The Garfield Movie,” a delightful tale of adventure, family, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
A special screening and talkback of The Flor Contemplacion Story marks the first anniversary of the CCP Cine Icons, slated on March 15, 1 pm, at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City.
Free and open to the public, this event is also CCP’s contribution to National Women’s Month, as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) commitment.
In partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and VIVA Films, the 1995 crime-thriller film follows the tragic tale of Flor Contemplacion, a domestic worker from the Philippines. Leaving her home to seek work in Singapore, Flor finds employment at a relatively pleasant household. However, her life takes a sharp turn when Flor is accused of killing fellow maid Delia Maga as well as the child in her care. Although evidence supports Flor’s innocence, a trial finds her guilty, and she is sentenced to death.
Directed by Joel Lamangan, with the screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee and Bonifacio Ilagan, starring National Artist Nora Aunor, The Flor Contemplacion Story operates on various personal, social, and political levels. Both controversial and critically acclaimed, it won Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1996 FAP Awards, among 18 other wins and 16 nominations.
For the past year, CCP Cine Icons has screened numerous films by newly-minted National Artists Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya in different screening venues and partner schools nationwide. A special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division-Production and Exhibition Department (FBNMD-PED), this program aims to honor and popularize the life and works of the featured National Artists.
The CCP Cine Icons is also part of CCP Lakbay Sine, an outreach program of the FBNMD-PED that brings different film projects to different regions, partner communities, organizations, and campuses primarily to popularize the works of Filipino filmmakers and encourage film appreciation among the youth and the general public.
Noranians, film enthusiasts, and interested audiences may secure their seats for the screening by reserving here: bit.ly/CCPCineIcons-TFCS-reg.
To get the latest updates on future film screenings from CCP Lakbay Sine, follow the official CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Sony Pictures recently acquired the international distribution rights to the film, and it will open in Philippine cinemas, via Columbia Pictures, on April 17. Directed by Jia Ling, YOLO is the biggest grossing film so far for 2024, earning a massive $475 million at the global box office to date.
YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.
The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom ($839 million at the global box office), which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
Ling reportedly lost 110 pounds (50 kilograms) for her role in YOLO, inspiring a fitness and sports craze among its audience.
Says Master Wen Dao Shen, a movie reviewer in China: “The topic of this film is not how Jia Ling lost her weight, but rather the process of how she becomes stronger and starts to love herself. She plays Leying with her whole heart and soul. This is more than sincerity, this is courage.”
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO
About YOLO
YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life.
It’s another exciting week at the movies with a diverse lineup of films! Prepare to be transported by the legendary Bob Marley’s life story in “Bob Marley: One Love” to the comedic twists of “3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion,” the spine-tingling antics of “E-Sarn Zombie,” the high-stakes thrills of “Hellhound,” the poignant drama “Layas,” the touching tale of “Our Season,” and the animated adventures of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” – each film is a world waiting to be discovered. With such a diverse array of cinematic delights, the only question is: which one will you watch first?
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Get ready to celebrate a legend! Bob Marley: One Love isn’t your typical biopic. This film delves into the heart and soul of the reggae icon, showcasing his rise from humble beginnings to global phenomenon. Expect powerful performances from Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley himself and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita. Whether you’re a die-hard Marley fan or simply appreciate good music with a powerful message, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Feeling nostalgic for those wild nights with your closest friends? 3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion takes you on a hilarious and heartwarming journey with two besties navigating the ever-turbulent waters of friendship. Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Barbie Imperial lead the charge, with JM de Guzman adding a dash of romantic tension. This Pinoy flick promises equal parts laughter and introspection, reminding us of the importance of cherishing our ride-or-dies.
E-Sarn Zombie throws a supermarket manager, suspicious behavior, and yes, zombies, into a comedic blender. We’re not entirely sure what to expect (seriously, expired meat?), but for those seeking a unique blend of action, horror, and laughs, this Thai film might just be the ticket.
Calling all action aficionados! Hellhound throws Louis Mandylor into the gritty underworld of assassins. This time, he’s on a mission to help an old friend, but of course, things get messy when old colleagues resurface. Expect high-octane action sequences, a dash of Thai flavor, and a plot brimming with betrayal and redemption.
Layas takes a sharp turn towards the dramatic. This film tackles the harsh realities of poverty and child exploitation. The film unfolds a poignant narrative of five determined youths striving for a better life in Metro Manila. However, their dreams are shattered when they unwittingly fall prey to a ruthless child labor camp. Nadine Samonte, Alex Vincent Medina, and Joem Bascon deliver powerful performances, portraying the harsh realities faced by the vulnerable.
2023 •• 1 hr 45 mins DRAMA, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Experience the touching tale of “Our Season.” Bok-ja, granted a special vacation after her death, reunites with her daughter Jin-joo. Discovering Jin-joo’s struggles, Bok-ja attempts to mend their relationship by sharing sincere feelings never expressed before.
Calling all anime fans! SPY x FAMILY CODE: White takes the Forger family on a culinary adventure. When Loid’s mission is jeopardized, Operation Strix takes a detour into the kitchen. To help Anya secure a victory in a cooking competition, they embark on a hilarious journey – one that might just have unforeseen global consequences. Packed with action, adventure, and the usual Forger family antics, this is a must-watch for fans of the series.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. So, don’t wait! Secure your tickets, grab your popcorn, and immerse yourself in the excitement of these new releases. As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these must-see releases. Remember to check ClickTheCity for screening times and make your next movie-going experience unforgettable. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!
