Category: Movies

Heartwarming Tearjerker Date Movie “The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes”

Wishes granted come with a price in the award-winning and highly-acclaimed YA romantic drama anime film The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes.

The film’s main characters Kaoru and Anzu are voiced by Ouji Suzuka and Marie Iitoyo respectively. Supporting characters are voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka as Shouhei Kaga, Arisa Komiya as Koharu Kawasaki, Haruka Terui as Mr. Hamamoto, Rikiya Koyama as Kaoru’s Father, and Seiran Kobayashi as Karen Touno.

This year’s recipient of the highly coveted Paul Grimault Prize at the Annecy International Animation Festival, the film is inspired by the award-winning novel of the same name by Mei Hachimoku and illustrated by Kukka. With CLAP in charge of the animation production, the movie is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi with Tomomi Yabuki as character designer and chief animation director.

The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes is a reality-defying coming-of-age romantic drama that follows teenagers Kaoru and Anzu as they discover about the rumored fantastical Urashima Tunnel. Rumor has it that laws of space and time mean nothing to the Urashima Tunnel where wishes come true once you’ve walked through it. One night, after an argument with his father, Kaoru walks away and is fatefully led in front of a tunnel that has been described in the rumors. Finally standing in front of the tunnel, he finds himself thinking of his sister Karen whom he lost in an accident five years ago.

Yearning for his sister, Kaoru returns to the tunnel only to find out that he’s been followed by his classmate, Anzu. A newcomer in their school, Kaoru’s first awkward meeting with Anzu at the town’s train station blossoms into friendship as they try to discover the secrets that the time-twisting tunnel holds. As they continue to explore the tunnel and realize that time moves faster inside the tunnel, the two unconsciously develop a deeper bond while healing their pain from the past. With Kaoru wishing to undo the untimely death of his sister and Anzu seeking to escape the pain that’s plagued her growing up, together they must resolve whether their wishes are worth the cost of the sacrifice they have to make.

A stunning, beautiful story of one’s first love set at the backdrop of a fantastical tale, The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes has received rave reviews and is currently rated 100% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and audiences alike (from Japan and other international territories) are pleasantly surprised with its incredible stylish visuals, voice acting and sound design, well-written story and moving soundtrack among others.

Enter The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes when it opens November 1 – exclusive at SM Cinemas, from Encore Films distributed by Warner Bros.

Check your favorite SM Cinemas for online ticket purchase.

October 31, 2023
Legendary Jim Henson’s creature shop creates animatronics in “Five Nights at Freddy’s” starring Josh Hutcherson

From the global box-office hit “Hunger Games,” Josh Hutcherson stars in Five Nights at Freddy’s, a thrilling survival movie as he takes on the role of Mike, an unemployed security guard with a checkered past who has stepped up to become the guardian to his young sister.

From the horror game, the film now introduces the audience to a seemingly harmless set of animatronic stage performers in an abandoned amusement park that comes to life when darkness strikes.

With a lot on his plate, Mike accepts an overnight watchman gig at a shuttered Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, where the animatronic stage performers have a strange habit of moving about in the night. When Mike was 12, his younger brother Garrett (Lucas Grant) was taken by an unknown man from a park while Mike and his parents were only yards away. Mike has been haunted by that event—and searching for his brother and his brother’s kidnapper—ever since. Even in his dreams. “Mike’s a guy with the weight of the world on his shoulders,” Hutcherson says. “He’s acting as this father figure, while at the same time dealing with his own deeply personal trauma.”

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the world’s premiere creature effects house, created the animatronic and puppet effects for the film. They are the iconic creators behind such cultural touchstones as Sesame Street, Dark Crystal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Babe.

As for performing with the animatronic creations from the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Hutcherson says the experience was nothing less than jaw-dropping. “Watching them come to life was incredible,” Hutcherson says. “They have this texture and quality that only Henson can do. As an actor you actually get something physical and real to interact with. My character is supposed to be haunted by these things, and now I have a creature in front of me that, in the right light, is terrifying.”

Although the film has plenty of fantastical moments, Hutcherson focused on the humanity inside the story. “Because the world of Five Nights is larger-than-life, we wanted to find a way to ground these characters,” Hutcherson says.

Game creator and film producer Scott Cawthon was wowed. “Josh Hutcherson brought such a grounded realness to his role,” Cawthon says. “When I watch him, I really believe that this is a guy just doing his best to take care of his little sister. He is immediately likeable and relatable, and you want him to be successful in what he is setting out to do.”

From Universal Pictures (Ph), Five Nights at Freddy’s opens November 1 in cinemas nationwide.

October 27, 2023
Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” Will Head Back Exclusively to Ayala Malls Cinemas’ “Thrill Fest” for it’s 35th Anniversary

Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, the remastered version of Beetlejuice will span an audience who grew up in the 80s and 90s eager to see the film again in theaters, to an all-new moviegoing audience who are about to experience a beloved classic prepped to match today’s visual and sound technology (Dolby) that can be best experienced at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

The fantasy dark comedy stars Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as the Maitlands, a young couple who try to haunt the pretentious humans who have moved into their New England farmhouse by eliciting the help of a demonic wraith (Michael Keaton) they cannot control. This comic fantasy, which mixes the quick and the dead with a laugh and a fright, launched the careers of major household names such as Keaton, Baldwin, Davis, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder.

The special cinematic treat is part of this year’s AMC Thrill Fest, a month-long Halloween special by Ayala Malls Cinemas. Beetlejuice, which grossed nearly $75 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million, was an early success for Burton and the movie’s make-up team (Academy Award) who would go on to work on other beloved films and franchises such as “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Big Fish,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and many more.

Thirty-five years after the film’s release, Beetlejuice remains popular, with merchandise and decorations in stores every Halloween. There is also a Broadway musical based on the film, and the film’s re-release is ahead of its long-awaited sequel set to open in 2024 starring the original cast, with Tim Burton returning to direct. The sequel also welcomes new additions to the cast such as Jenna Ortega (from Netflix’s “Wednesday”), Willem Dafoe and Monica Belluci.

With Ayala Malls Cinemas’ exclusive release of Beetlejuice, today’s moviegoers can relive and experience the thrill of watching it inside a cinema, just like when it became a dominant part of pop culture back when it was shown in theaters for the first time.

Besides the remastered Beetlejuice, horror enthusiasts can also watch “The Exorcist: 50th Anniversary Director’s Cut” as part of the Thrill Fest. Every year during the Halloween season, Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusively brings back iconic and classic films that redefined the genre and gave audiences an unforgettable and unique experience in theaters and are guaranteed to continue to thrill moviegoers today. After all, these classics are best seen in theaters with a crowd of fellow horror movie fans.

This year’s Thrill Fest lineup must-see horror-thrillers also included the successful screen return of “The Exorcist”, followed by “The Exorcist: Believer” and “The Forbidden Play”. Currently playing as part of the Thrill Fest is the Korean film “Target”, and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” will soon haunt audience on November 1.

These remastered films are back in cinemas for a limited time only. Have a frighteningly good time at Ayala Malls Cinemas this Halloween, be quick and book your tickets at www.sureseats.com

Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to treat its patrons this Halloween season with a free movie ticket for those who have watched five out of the six movies in the Thrill Fest lineup. You may fill-up your Thrill Fest card until November 7. So head your way now to the cinemas to get this movie perk.

Watch all these Halloween thrillers only at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Follow @ayalamallscinemas IG and FB.

October 26, 2023
“The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes”: A Heartfelt Journey into Time and Love

The heartfelt romantic young adult (YA) anime film The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes, is hitting SM Cinemas on November 1. Adapted from Mei Hachimoki’s award-winning novel, this cinematic experience weaves a tale of teenage romance, friendship, and a mysterious tunnel that holds the key to their dreams.

Bonds Beyond Time

Kaoru Tuono (voiced by Ouji Suzuka) and Anzu Hanashiro (Marie Iitoyo) first crossed paths at a train station—an encounter they’d never forget. Fast forward, they’re classmates and fast friends. However, the school whispers tales of the Urashima Tunnel—a mystical place that supposedly fulfills one’s deepest desires. But every reward has its price. Every day inside the tunnel equates to a staggering six and a half years of life outside!

Into the Enigmatic Abyss

After a spat with his dad, a distraught Kaoru stumbles upon the tunnel’s entrance. Tempted by its allure, he steps inside. When he finally exits, realizing that mere minutes cost him an entire week of real-world time, he confides in Anzu. Their secret pact to unravel the tunnel’s mysteries strengthens their bond. Yet, as they venture deeper into the tunnel, they’re faced with a dilemma: how much are they willing to sacrifice for their wishes?

Memories and Mysteries

Inside the tunnel, a familiar parrot confronts Kaoru, echoing memories of his younger days. To his astonishment, the same parrot awaits him in his room after his mystical journey. With burning curiosity, he and Anzu return to the tunnel time and again, striving to decode its secrets.

Catch It on the Big Screen!

Brace yourselves for a whirlwind of emotions and adventures! The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes, brought to us by Encore Film and distributed by Warner Bros., promises an unforgettable journey. Be part of it exclusively at SM Cinemas!

October 26, 2023
In 2 Weeks, An Avenger Returns to the Big Screen: Secure Your ‘The Marvels’ Advance Tickets

In just two weeks, experience this year’s most epic superpowered team-up in Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels ” arriving in cinemas on November 8, Wednesday. Book your tickets in advance by checking the showtimes available here.

In Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels,” an Avenger heads back to cinemas as Captain Marvel teams up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most powerful heroines as they enter a new chapter in their story. After confronting the rebellious Kree, the legendary Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) gets sucked into a wormhole, causing her powers to become entangled with those of young Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Danvers’s niece, S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). To keep the universe safe, the three of them have to team up and utilize their newfound abilities to fend off a new kind of epic threat. This film also sees the return of beloved MCU characters, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Goose, and the big-screen debut of Prince Yan (Seo-jun Park).

Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn in Marvel Studios’ THE MARVELS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

Don’t miss this incredible super-team for Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” only in cinemas – showing in 2D, 3D, 4DX, and IMAX 3D.

Flerkittens in Marvel Studios’ THE MARVELS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

Follow Marvel Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest news and promos. Join the conversations online using #TheMarvelsPH.

October 26, 2023
Disney’s ‘Wish’ Lights Up Cinemas: A Musical Marking 100 Magical Years – Tickets On Sale Now!
The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to creating lasting memories, and as it hits the monumental 100-year mark, it promises to do just that. Through a century, we’ve cherished its characters, adored its adventures, and been part of a fandom that’s more like a family. Disney is all set to whisk you away on another musical journey with the release of “Wish”, a dedication to a century of spellbinding tales.

100 Years of Magic

The legacy of Walt Disney isn’t just told through its characters or stories but also through the music that resonates with each tale. This tradition is fervently continued in Disney Animation’s “Wish”. Set for a grand cinematic release on November 22, this animated spectacle spins an original story, studded with enchanting characters and serenaded with seven soul-stirring songs. Credit for these harmonious masterpieces goes to the Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy®-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice.

Check out new clip here featuring the film’s song “This Wish” below:

Wishful Wednesdays

The centennial celebration brings another musical treat for the Disney fandom. Dubbed Wish Wednesdays, fans can tune into Disney’s official social media platforms every Wednesday for the debut of a brand-new song from “Wish”. But that’s not all; these song releases come bundled with exciting exclusives – think unseen footage, compelling lyric videos, intricate original art, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Tunes of a Century

Can’t wait to have these songs on loop? The Wish Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available November 17 on all streaming platforms. Fans can pre-order the soundtrack beginning today. The vinyl album is available for pre-order now on Disney Music Emporium. All-new original songs featured include:
- “Welcome to Rosas,” performed by Ariana DeBose and “Wish” cast
- “At All Costs,” performed by Chris Pine and Ariana DeBose
- “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose
- “I’m A Star,” performed by “Wish” cast
- “This is the Thanks I Get?!” performed by Chris Pine
- “Knowing What I Know Now,” performed by Ariana DeBose, Angelique Cabral and “Wish” cast
- “A Wish Worth Making,” performed by Julia Michaels
A New Tale Under the Stars

Advance tickets for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” are on sale now, wherever tickets are sold. The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudykas Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho(“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023.

Connect with Disney Philippines

For the latest updates and more magical content:
- Facebook: Walt Disney Studios PH
- Twitter: Disney Studios PH
- Instagram: Disney Studios PH
- YouTube: Walt Disney Studios PH
October 26, 2023
Get ready for a Heartfelt Roller Coaster – Prime Video Presents “Congrats My Ex!” on November 16

Prime Video is set to sprinkle some love, laughter, and, of course, the quirkiest of twists with Congrats My Ex! being released on November 16. Exclusively for Prime Video members across the globe, including the Philippines and 240+ other territories.

Meet the Star: Ranee Campen

Step into the world of Risa, portrayed by the fabulous Ranee Campen. Fans might recognize her from mega-hits like Love Destiny and its cinematic counterpart. Risa’s story? She’s a wedding planner teetering on bankruptcy, grappling with the mother of all challenges: planning an extravagant Indian wedding. And guess what? The groom, Arun (Mahir Pandhi), is her unresolved ex! Oh, and did we mention she’s roped in another ex, Tim (Vachirawit Chivaaree), to help her out? Talk about an ex-travaganza!

The Ensemble

Joining this tumultuous ride are Risa’s pals, Jan and Aoffy, played by the dynamic duo, Passakorn Ponlaboon and Thongchai Thongkuntom. They’re the squad everyone needs when the chips are down. And, to stir the pot a bit more, enter Monika (Anahita Bhooshan), Arun’s bride-to-be. Let the sparks fly!

“We are excited to officially announce that Congrats My Ex!, featuring two of Thailand’s top actors in Bella (Campen) and Bright (Chivaaree), will soon be available on Prime Video to a global audience,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video, Southeast Asia. “It has always been our mission to unearth unique local stories that have the potential to span geographies, and with Bella and Bright’s reach across the region, we are confident in delivering a film that will truly resonate with audiences in South East Asia and beyond.”

A Global Fusion

But what makes this movie truly unique? “Congrats My Ex! is a product of a truly international collaboration between the Thai and Indian entertainment industries,” said Kulthep Narula, chief operating officer at Benetone Films. “As the producers of this film, we’re thrilled to bring you a heartwarming and hilarious story that centers around a wedding planner’s unexpected encounters with her two former flames—the groom-to-be, who she can’t forget, and the photographer, who can’t forget her. Our inspiration came from the rich tapestry of Indian culture and the curiosity surrounding the length of Indian weddings. The second inspiration behind this film is the universal experience we all share—having had ex-boyfriends or girlfriends. By weaving this cultural beauty and shared human experiences into a story of love and weddings, Congrats My Ex! is a Thai movie that is uniquely infused with a splash of Bollywood, transcending boundaries and speaking to audiences worldwide. As a Thai company with deep Indian roots, Benetone Films is well positioned to tell this enchanting Thai story with a beautiful Indian backdrop, and we can’t wait for you to join us on this unforgettable cinematic journey.”

Produced by a stellar lineup including Benetone Films, T&B Medial Global, GMMTV, Slap Monster, W Empire, and PTG Entertainment, this heartwarming rom-com promises a myriad of emotions, all neatly packaged for a delightful viewing experience.

October 25, 2023
New Movies This Week: Sine Sindak 4 ‘Belzebuth,’ ‘Final Summer,’ and more!

As the Halloween season creeps in, get ready for a cinematic feast of the scariest and most thrilling movies from around the world with Sine Sindak 4. From October 25 to 31, prepare to be on the edge of your seat. Here’s a glimpse of the horror-filled journey awaiting you.

SINE SINDAK 4 – New Movies This Week (October 25)

BELZEBUTH

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 54 mins
FANTASY, HORROR

While leading a police investigation of a massacre in a public school at the border of Mexico and the USA, Special Agent Emanuel Ritter links this strange case to the coming and rising of the ancient demon Belzebuth. But in order to stop the trail of upcoming infanticides, Ritter shall have to confront himself before dealing with the forces of good and evil.

BENNY LOVES YOU

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 34 mins
COMEDY, HORROR

Jack, a man desperate to improve his life, throws away his beloved childhood plush, Benny. It’s a move that has disastrous consequences when Benny springs to life with deadly intentions!

CHABAK NIGHT OF MURDER AND ROMANCE

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 23 mins
HORROR, THRILLER

On their first wedding anniversary, a couple ventures into the mountains for a romantic Chabak (car-camping) trip, but their idyllic getaway turns into a living nightmare when they unknowingly cross paths with a bloodthirsty psychopath. The couple must confront the truth before it’s too late.

DAWNING

2023 • PG • 1 hr 13 mins
DRAMA, HORROR, THRILLER

Haejin Park, a trauma therapist, is forced to face her family’s darkest past when she returns to her childhood countryside farm to console her heartbroken younger sister.

DEAD BRIDE

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 23 mins
HORROR, THRILLER

After her father’s death, Alyson, her partner Richard, and their baby return to her childhood home. Following a few shocking supernatural events, Alyson discovers that she and her family have been living with a terrible curse, unleashed in the past by a bride killed by Alyson’s grandfather. Soon after Alyson’s child disappears, and she has no choice but to embark on a frightening journey into the underworld to free herself from the bride’s curse and to look for her daughter.

FINAL SUMMER

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 22 mins
HORROR

In the wake of a tragedy during the summer of 1991, a group of camp counselors find themselves fighting for their lives against a masked killer.

THE GHOST WITHIN

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 42 mins
HORROR

A young woman revisits her family home desperate to discover her sister Evie’s murderer 20 years before. After a series of terrifying encounters with Evie’s ghost at 09:09 pm, Margot knows she must fight to learn the truth once and for all.

THE JACK IN THE BOX: AWAKENING

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 32 mins
HORROR

When a vintage Jack-in-the-box is opened by a dying woman, she enters into a deal with the demon within that would see her illness cured in return for helping it claim six innocent victims.

TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL: THE END OF THE END

2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 18 mins
ANIMATION, COMEDY, HORROR

The animated conclusion to the live-action Todd and The Book Of Pure Evil Show. Todd tries to mend his friendship with Curtis after killing his girlfriend. The book has returned along with Hannah, and there is talk of a new Pure Evil one.

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

While you’re immersed in the spine-tingling Sine Sindak 4 selection, don’t miss the chance to catch the movies that are still stealing the hearts of cinema-goers. Here’s a lineup of fan favorites that continue to light up the silver screen:

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

2023 • R-13 • 3 hrs 25 mins
CRIME, DRAMA, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

DEEP FEAR

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 23 mins
ACTION, HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

FIVE BREAKUPS AND A ROMANCE

2023 • PG • 1 hr 42 mins
COMEDY, ROMANCE
BUY TICKETS

LOVE RESET

2023 • PG • 1 hr 59 mins
COMEDY, ROMANCE
BUY TICKETS

TARGET

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 42 mins
THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE

2023 • G • 1 hr 32 mins
ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY, SCIENCE FICTION
BUY TICKETS

THE CREATOR

2023 • PG • 2 hrs 14 mins
ACTION, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

SAW X

2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 53 mins
CRIME, HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

A VERY GOOD GIRL

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 57 mins
DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

THE EQUALIZER 3

2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 48 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

THE NUN II

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 49 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY
BUY TICKETS

That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. Time to buy your tickets, grab that bucket of popcorn (or hide behind it) and quench your thirst for thrill and horror! Remember, the dim lights of the cinema house might be comforting, but what’s playing on the screen? Well, let’s just say you might want to leave the nightlight on when you get home. Enjoy the movie, and try to keep the real-world spooks at bay.

October 25, 2023
MOVIE REVIEW: More Comedy than Rom-com, ‘Love Reset’ is full of great laughs

It takes ‘Love Reset’ a full half-hour before it’s premise sinks in. Director and screenwriter Nam Dae-jung (with co-writing credit to Bang Gicheol) spend the first 30 minutes of the film to present us with a hilarious set-up. Kang Ha Neul and Jung So Min are in extremely fine form as they portray a couple who get married after some challenges and then find themselves completely hating each other after. Nam Dae-jung is relentless in delivering funny moments to really emphasize how the relationship of Na Jeong-yeol (Kang Ha Neul) and Hong Na-ra (Jung So Min) turned sour and how they cannot stand each other.

This is really a showcase of the pair’s fantastic comedic timing and their ability to sync into the film’s hyper-real dramatic situation. Na-ra is a problematic, spoiled rich girl. She’s confrontational, has a problem with holding her alcohol, and has some questionable hygiene issues. Jeong-yeol comes from a more modest background and has become annoyingly frugal, and it took him a while to pass the bar exam, so he was supported by his richer wife. There issues got into the relationship and the way by which they have turned homicidal against each other is the source of the comedy.

Kang Ha Neul and Jung So Min play it up so well that you can’t stop laughing at how they can’t stand each other and it’s part of the charm of the film. Then, as the title suggests, the couple lose their memory during the 30-day period before a divorce is made official. Both sets of parents, especially the mothers, don’t want them back together but it is to the couple’s benefit that they stay at home as this might help them recover their memories. So now, they have to live together, try to remember who they are, and not fall in love.

The second act of the film surprisingly is more directed towards the couple remembering their past and director Nam Dae-jung manages to use this to continue emphasizing all the horrible things that they’ve done to each other. The backgrounds of the couple are further explored and mined for their comedic potential. Na-ra and Jeong-yeol are shocked to discover the kinds of people that they were but also are seeing each other with a completely new set of eyes.

The romance part comes in just beneath the surface, just underneath the laughs, and propelled completely by Kang Ha Neul and Jung So Min’s performances. Never does Nam Dae-jung really worked hard towards absolving his character’s past mistakes. Instead, he’s here to have a good time and is not above alluding to the film as a film by his own characters. At the later part of the movie, even the characters are comparing the current situation as if it were a film.

As a rom-com, ‘Love Reset’ doesn’t quite get the romance part all the well. The film is more focused on the comedic aspects, which it captures excellently. I was laughing along with the rest of the theater for every little thing that they did. The lines, the situations, and even the slapstick parts. There are all kinds of comedy at work here and the whole cast is up to the task at making each joke work.

Interestingly enough, the film also shows how divorce is handled in South Korea and it seems so logical and sensible that it is a point of envy for us non-South Koreans watching the movie. The film makes no moral assessment of these proceedings. Sometimes, love dies. But also on the flipside, sometimes it takes amnesia to realise what is important after all. It’s a hilarious film led by two very strong comedic performances. If it was equal parts romance and comedy, then it would have been perfect. Otherwise, it’s just a great comedy.

My Rating:

Love Reset is now showing. Check screening times here.

October 24, 2023
QCinema 2023 Restored Classics Section Unveiled

While QCinema is dedicated to screening the newest and most exciting films of the year, the festival also believes that there is room in the lineup for an appreciation of what has come before. So every year, the festival picks some of his favorite classic films, particularly ones that have recently gone under digital restoration, and makes them available for festival goers.

This year features a double bill of Wong Kar-wai films: his mirror image masterpieces Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. While Chungking Express plays out the loneliness of Hong Kong in the daylight, Fallen Angels works in the shadow of night, studying how that same loneliness and isolation can result in more violent ends. Originally designed to be one film, the two complement each other in creating a fuller picture of what Hong Kong was in the 90s.

If loneliness and desperation aren’t the festival goer’s bag, there is also a very different product of Hong Kong: legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. A restored version of Robert Clouse’s Enter the Dragon places Lee in the middle of a fighting tournament organized by a crime lord. The 1973 film is widely considered one of the most influential action films of all time, combining elements of the kung fu film, spy movies and the blaxploitation genre, creating a unique stew of very entertaining elements.

And finally, completing the lineup is a work from one of the true masters of cinema, Stanley Kubrick. The 1971 film A Clockwork Orange remains one of his most controversial films. Based on the Anthony Burgess novel of the same name, Kubrick’s film questions the very definition of goodness in the societal sense as it follows Alex, a young hooligan who will undergo behavioral therapy at the behest of a nation that wants to control him and curb his impulses. A Clockwork Orange was nominated for four Academy Awards, including best picture.

All films will be screened in beautiful 4K.

Catch these restored classics at the QCinema International Film Festival, taking place this year from November 17 to 26 at the cinemas at Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Shangri-la Plaza and Power Plant Mall.

October 24, 2023