Filipino actress and singer Belle Mariano has been revealed as the voice behind “Anong Daratnan”, the Filipino rendition of “Beyond,” the end-credit single for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2. This marks the first time a Filipino song will be featured in a Disney animated film, creating a monumental milestone for both Disney and the Philippines.
Belle Mariano gives her all in singing “Anong Daratnan” the Filipino version of the “Moana 2” end credit single “Beyond”.
The original English version, “Beyond”, was penned by Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for their evocative storytelling through music. The song captures Moana’s adventurous spirit as she seeks connections beyond her island’s shores. While the English track is already streaming globally, “Anong Daratnan,” performed by Belle Mariano, will debut on November 22, 2024.
A Dream Come True for Belle Mariano
Belle Mariano, a celebrated figure in the Filipino entertainment scene, expressed her gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:
“Sobrang grateful ko kasi dream ko maka-work ang Disney. (I feel so grateful because it’s my dream to work with Disney.) Moana is one of my favorite Disney characters, and I’m really emulating her fearlessness in my rendition of this song.”
Her heartfelt connection to Moana’s character resonates deeply in her performance, embodying the courage and determination that define Disney’s beloved Polynesian heroine.
Disney Southeast Asia on Local Talent Representation
Rachel Fong, Studio General Manager and Integrated Marketing Director of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, emphasized the importance of collaborating with local artists like Belle:
“By collaborating with local talents like Belle for Moana 2, we hope fans in the Philippines resonate deeply with the beautiful lyrics of ‘Beyond’, and experience Moana’s excitement as she embarks on a new voyage to explore the far seas of Oceania.”
What to Expect from Moana 2
Set three years after the original, Moana 2 promises another epic adventure with Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). The duo teams up with a diverse crew of seafarers to explore treacherous, uncharted waters in Oceania. After receiving a mysterious call from her ancestors, Moana sets out on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and courage.
Creative Team: Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and written by Jared Bush and Miller.
Music: Features the work of Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy® nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy® winner Mark Mancina.
Mark Your Calendar
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 sails into theaters on November 27, 2024. Before the film’s release, fans in the Philippines can revel in the beauty of “Anong Daratnan” starting November 22, bringing a piece of the Disney magic home.
Prime Video has unveiled the official trailer for its highly anticipated adult-animated anthology series, Secret Level. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio, the series delivers captivating original stories inspired by some of the most beloved video games. Premiering exclusively on Prime Video on December 10, Secret Level will be available in over 240 countries and territories, with new episodes rolling out until December 17.
An A-List Cast Brings Video Game Worlds to Life
Secret Level features an impressive ensemble cast, including:
Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator Franchise)
Kevin Hart (Jumanji)
Keanu Reeves (John Wick)
Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett)
Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie)
Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian)
Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us)
Ricky Whittle (American Gods)
Claudia Doumit (The Boys)
Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina)
This star-studded lineup promises to immerse audiences in a rich blend of storytelling, action, and nostalgia.
What to Expect from Secret Level
The series, created by Tim Miller (LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS), celebrates gaming culture through unique, game-inspired narratives. With each episode offering its own distinct story, Secret Level is a tribute to gamers and the universes they love to explore. Dave Wilson serves as the supervising director, ensuring a visually stunning and narratively engaging experience.
Exclusive Content and Limited-Time Gaming Deals
Mark your calendars! Starting November 18, fans can access episode-specific content on Secret Level’s official social media channels.
To celebrate the series premiere, U.S. Prime members can enjoy 10% off select digital gaming currencies for 48 hours. Participating brands include Secret Level partners Xbox and Epic Games. Deals will be available directly on Amazon.
Get Ready to Hit Secret Level
Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the worlds of your favorite video games. Stream Secret Level exclusively on Prime Video starting December 10. Whether you’re a gamer, an animation fan, or just love great storytelling, this series promises to unlock a whole new level of entertainment.
On a quest to transform the concert landscape, Filipino folk-pop ensemble Ben&Ben is gearing up to enchant fans like never before. Scheduled for December 14, 2024, at the sprawling SM Mall of Asia Arena, their upcoming show offers a spellbinding blend of animation, film, and music. Dubbed as the first-ever “animation-concert” hybrid, this event is not just a concert but a gateway to a new dimension of entertainment.
A Symphony of Sights and Sounds
Inspired by their eagerly awaited third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, Ben&Ben’s upcoming arena show is a narrative-rich spectacle that marries the band’s soul-stirring melodies with the wonders of visual storytelling. The album, a pioneer itself in the music realm, forms the narrative backbone of the concert, offering fans not only new songs but a whole new universe to explore.
Crafting Worlds with Every Note
In collaboration with the visionary minds at Puppeteer Studios, Ben&Ben is set to introduce a cast of whimsical characters and a universe so immersive, attendees will feel transported to another world. The heart of this narrative is “Liwanag,” a character first glimpsed in the band’s “Triumph” music video and now set to take center stage in a full-blown animated adventure that unfolds live.
“We’re thrilled to share the story of Liwanag,” said the nine-piece collective. “We’ve shown a glimpse of this story in our “Triumph” music video, but the concert will reveal the full narrative in a way that no one has seen before.”
Beyond Music: An Immersive Cinematic Experience
The Traveller Across Dimensions concert will also debut cutting-edge technology to elevate the immersive experience. For the first time, attendees will be part of the performance with Liwanag LED wristbands, developed in partnership with Pixmob, enhancing the collective vibe and visual spectacle of the show.
Setlist Symphony: A Curated Musical Journey
True to their style, Ben&Ben has carefully curated a setlist that not only features fan favorites and new tracks but also complements the overarching story. “It’s about maintaining what our fans love while introducing them to new experiences,” the band shared. “Each song is a chapter in this grand story we’re all part of.”
Tickets for this groundbreaking event are available now via SM Tickets, with various seating options designed to fit every fan’s preference. From the expansive General Admission area to the exclusive Liwanag VIP Package, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime musical journey.
Tickets for Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions concert are now available via SM Tickets. General Admission – P1,700 Upper Box – P2,700 Liwanag Standing – P3,200 Lower Box B – P3,700 Lower Box A – P4,700 Lower Box Premium – P7,700 Liwanag VIP Package – P7,700
Embrace the magic, the music, and the stories as Ben&Ben take you on an unforgettable journey with The Traveller Across Dimensions. Prepare to experience a concert like no other—where every note plays a part in a larger narrative, and every visual is a window into another world. Join the adventure and become part of a story that only Ben&Ben can tell.
I was fortunate enough to have been invited to the open rehearsal of The Sandbox Collective’s new production ‘Tiny Beautiful Things,’ a play based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos. Directed by Jenny Jamora, the rehearsal was already a powerful, moving experience that brought me to tears and I’m excited to see the actual run at the PowerMac Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit this coming weekend.
Image Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
The book is composed of a series of advice columns by a woman called Sugar and the play creates a space for the columnist to interact with the people writing the letters and asking for her counsel. As written, these letter writers (performed by three people playing multiple parts) share the same space as Sugar on stage, but not in reality but the furniture and the food and the drinks are all shared by them. Letter after letter, advice after advice, Sugar becomes more emboldened to give of herself – her life story, her darkest deeds and thoughts, the private parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden – and in the process the following letters are equally as exposing creating a whirlwind of emotions. In that space, healing can begin.
Set in the round, the audience circle the stage, which means the actors have nowhere to hide and while the three letter writers do have moments when they can exit the stage when someone else is interacting with Sugar, our protagonist never leaves the stage. She is a constant presence in their lives, and in the duration of the play, she becomes a constant in ours.
Image Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
Taking the role of Sugar is Iza Calzado, her second foray into theater and she imbues Sugar with a genuine tenderness that can sometimes contrast some of the dark parts of Sugar’s life that she shares with her readers (and the audience). What it creates is a complex character who has seen much, been through hell and back, and is grateful for the opportunity to turn these experiences into nuggets of wisdom that might be able to heal someone else. Calzado makes use of her screen presence and transforms it into a power on stage that keeps the focus on her and permits the sincerity to bridge the gap with her perspective on life, which may not always be like yours, but the insight is something so deep and profound that it touches you.
Image Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
The three actors during the rehearsal were played by Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla, and Ketchup Eusebio (with Brian Sy and Regina De Vera as alternates) and they have the great task to shift characters after every letter. When not portraying a letter writer, they stay on the stage, either engaging in the conversation Sugar has with one of the senders or taking space at some part of the stage and just doing ordinary things. This direction keeps the stage alive and vibrant, like life is bursting through regardless if the sender’s story is a funny one or a sad one. The three players can shift to any gender or age, but they don’t assume an overdramatic rendition except for some special moments. When one of Ketchup Eusebio’s characters is a little boy, he fully embodies it and transform but when he has to play the part of a transman, it’s not an affected performance. It’s like there’s a baseline for all the characters that they play that they don’t stray too far away from. It feels connected to the fact that none of these people use their real names. All the letters are anonymous, and even when they ask for Sugar’s real name, she doesn’t give it either.
Image Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
It’s the tiny nuances like this that adds an extra layer of depth into the production. It was an open rehearsal – so the set design approximates what will be on stage at the PowerMac Spotlight Blackbox – and no spotlights or lighting effects were used, but already the play felt so full and powerful. The set is a full-on working home with a coffee machine that makes actual coffee, and I can imagine what that smell would do for that scene in the actual theater. It’s this fullness that pulls you in further as you get swept into the world of Sugar and her letter writers.
Image Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
And the brilliance of the script, pushed forward by its very capable cast and the clear directions, allows for the play to hit hard at the end and you’ve come to realise that the vulnerability that was slowly growing onstage, from Sugar to the senders of the letters asking for her advice, is the same vulnerability you are experiencing as you are connecting to one of those stories.
The play underscores how vulnerability is an essential part of healing. As someone who is going through therapy now and trying to get over something, this play touched me in a very profound way. And even if you are not going through something, there’s a story there that is going to remind you of someone – or yourself – and you’re going to nod your head and smile.
My Rating:
Tiny Beautiful Things will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati. The intimate venue is the perfect setting for a play that thrives on human connection and emotional vulnerability. Tickets are available through Ticket2Me.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Ayala Museum, with the gracious support of Wilcon Depot, proudly presents Dambana ng Kapwa: Indigenous Spirituality as Resistance from Colonialism, an exhibition featuring works by Nueva Ecija-based visual artist Joshua Limon Palisoc. It is part of the museum’s public art program, OpenSpace, which began in 2015.
This installation is a tapestry of animist, Hindu, Roman and folk Catholic spiritual symbols that highlights the interplay between foreign and indigenous cultures and creates a narrative of survival and resistance. Each sculpture is made of stainless-steel wire frames encasing light-emitting diodes. The open-work removes the wall between labas and loob, the object and the viewer.
The exhibition is grounded on the Filipino concept of kapwa, a state of shared existence and interconnectedness and treating another person as an extension of oneself. “This return to Filipino spirituality reclaims our deep-rooted cultural identity that fosters community, ecology, and authentic identity,” says Palisoc.
The installation is set up like a dambana, a sacred space where the spiritual and material worlds intersect. The oval shape of the dambana references the balangay, a water vessel associated to indigenous cosmology, trade and warfare. Small white stones surround the sculptures to emulate atang, traditional ritual rice offerings made to nature spirits and ancestors.
The artist acknowledges that, although his art is initially shaped by personal experience, his struggles and desires are shared by many Filipinos. Dambana ng Kapwa offers “a communal space for reflection, reclamation and healing.”
The dambana focuses on three major planes of existence—natural, social, and individual— each one represented by a pair of diwatas. The illumination is inspired from the ancient myth of Barangaw, the Visayan war god of the rainbow, and the Buddhist concept of chakra— specific areas of the body which are sources of psychic energies—by assigning each sculpture to a specific predominant color.
There is something frustratingly commercial about the holiday action adventure ‘Red One.’ The film imagines that mythical creatures do exist – from witches and trolls and even Santa Claus – but a hi-tech organization watches over them and ensures that there is a semblance of peace between the mythological world and the human world. For this film, Santa Claus is given the code name of Red One by his team of bodyguards and assistants and he lives in the center of a vast cosmopolitan city in the North Pole, hidden by a force field and a cloaking mechanism.
Right at the onset, ‘Red One’ attempt to rationalize the mystical and the fantastical by creating shadow organizations that are leaning heavily more towards science and technology than they are, to what is essentially, the realm of magic and wonder and imagination. Red One’s sleigh is a hi-tech vessel run by his gigantic reindeer but let’s put a lot of levers and buttons on the sleigh just to make it look technological.
It’s an approach that feels unimaginative and wholly capitalist-driven.
In ‘Red One,’ Santa Claus (JK Simmons) is kidnapped and the head of his security detail, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) must work together with the man responsible for getting Santa caught in the first place: the hacker and fixer Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Jack doesn’t believe in Christmas. In fact, he doesn’t believe in anything. He’s an absentee father who uses his know-how to work high scale jobs for anonymous clients for big money. His latest job got Santa Claus kidnapped and now he’s the only lead to tracking down his client.
The film takes on the buddy-cop formula, Callum and Jack can’t stand each other and are morally opposite of each other, and as their search for Santa leads them to the witch Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), they discover her sinister plan to punish everyone who has ever been naughty, which will include Jack’s own son.
Despite all of Chris Evans’ charms, even he seems to struggle finding a sweet spot for Jack. As written, he’s an awful person and an awful dad and while the film attempts to redeem him (as a mainstream movie would do), Callum is also hoping to retire because he does not see the good in people anymore. Naturally, the film attempts to change his mind.
Throughout the film, the two battle it out against Gryla’s assortment of lackeys for some big special effect fights with explosive choreography that doesn’t really mean anything if you don’t particularly like anybody. The only time that the film touches upon something that feels really magical and special is when it brings them to Germany to visit Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) and everything about Krampus and his world feels the most authentic because it doesn’t rely on the hi-tech world that feels so odd in this story.
The marriage of science fiction and hi-technology and magic has been done before. You have television shows like ‘Dr. Who’ and ‘Torchwood’ who have made it work. The idea of Thor and Dr. Strange seems to fit well in the MCU but ‘Red One’ takes such pride in their gadgetry and tries to make Santa hip and cool rather than see that there is some level of coolness to the whimsy of an old man delivering gifts all by himself. The bombs and the explosions, the hi-tech gear, and flying cars all seem to undermine the whole spirit of the symbol that Santa brings. It’s not the toys but the good cheer and the generosity of spirit that makes Christmas so great.
Even with Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, and a hilarious Nick Kroll can breathe some humanity in a film that imagines Santa Claus as a Mission Impossible agent and that Christmas is just job that he does every year. They say it’s for the kids, but the only real kid in the whole movie is that of Jack’s and he doesn’t really play a part until three-fourths of the movie.
My Rating:
Red One is now showing! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
The bond between Glinda and Elphaba comes to life in the much-anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked,” with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo capturing the heart of their characters. Together, they share a transformative journey in this retelling of a classic tale.
Finding the Perfect Glinda and Elphaba
The casting process for Wicked was anything but ordinary. For director Jon M. Chu and his team, finding the right actresses to embody Glinda and Elphaba wasn’t just about talent; it was about discovering a unique connection. In a memorable gathering at Chu’s home, Grande and Erivo performed an impromptu rendition of the iconic song “For Good.” As Chu recalls, “Stephen went to the piano and said to Cynthia and Ari, ‘Shall we sing, ‘For Good’?” Chu says. “Cynthia and Ari didn’t rehearse it. They’d never done it together. They sang it, and my four-year-old daughter’s jaw dropped to the floor. No one has ever seen two powerhouses like this before. It’s been beautiful to see how well connected they are.”
Ariana Grande’s Deep Connection to Glinda
Grande’s path to becoming Glinda was a decade-long dream. “I had been chasing producer Marc Platt down for about ten years, wondering when this movie was going to happen and when I would have the opportunity to audition,” she shares. For Grande, embodying Glinda became a personal journey. “Spending this time with Glinda has been a profound journey of self-discovery and healing for me,” Grande reflects. “It’s remarkable how embodying her character and embracing self-trust has brought about such personal growth.”
Her preparation was rigorous, involving vocal retraining with her coach, Eric Vetro. I had to retrain my voice to sing more classically and operatically, which is my range but a style I hadn’t done since I was much younger. It takes the chords a while to reacclimate, like any other muscle, which requires a lot of training.”
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: The Power of Resilience
As soon as Erivo auditioned, the production team knew they had found their Elphaba. An Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, Erivo’s portrayal brought a fierce vulnerability to the iconic character. “To have Cynthia Erivo, a woman of color, play a woman who is green makes all the world of difference,” Chu says. “When she sang ‘Defying Gravity,’ she blew the roof off. We were stunned. As soon as Cynthia left the room, we said, ‘our search is finally done.’”
Erivo’s dedication was clear in her training and her approach to the role. She says, “I hope that this joy keeps growing. I hope we find something to spark joy in every day. This was a long process, and I knew that it would get hard sometimes. But I knew, even on those days, that we would find something that makes us love and reconnect to what brought us here.”
A Lasting Bond Through Ink and Memories
As a symbol of their journey together, Grande and Erivo got matching tattoos. “We got tattoos together,” Grande says. “I got an ‘E’ for Elphaba in a heart on the back of my leg and she had a little ‘G’ for Glinda on the back of hers.” Erivo says that their bond is anchored by a sense of joyful exploration. “I hope that we don’t lose our love of play,” Erivo says. “That’s something that I really enjoyed—this need to keep wanting to learn and discover. Ariana and I used that to make these beings as humane and full as possible. When we worked together, something special happened.”
Don’t Miss “Wicked” in Cinemas
Wicked opens in Philippine cinemas on November 20. Reserve your seats and join Universal Pictures PH for the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
There’s magic to Christmas in the Philippines that you won’t find anywhere else. When the “-ber” months roll in, so much joy and excitement fill the air. The country turns more festive, overflowing with warmth, generosity, hope and celebration. This year, celebrate A Perfect Christmas at Robinsons Malls, where the holiday magic, unforgettable moments, and utmost convenience come together. Whether you’re finding that special gift, bonding with family and friends, or simply basking in the joys of the season, the celebration is guaranteed to be fun and memorable at Robinsons Malls.
Discover the eye-popping Candyland-themed Christmas tree at Robinsons Antipolo
It’s the perfect season to come together and Robinsons Malls offers a culinary experience that spans from cherished Filipino favorites like Manam and Mary Grace to international sensations like Texas Roadhouse and Tiong Bahru. Try something new with flavors from Cyma, BBQ Chicken, and No. 1 Malatang. Start cozy mornings with delectable meals from Breakfast at Antonio’s and Café Breton, or plan your Christmas Eve dinner with essentials from The Marketplace, Santi’s, and Konbini.
Meet Santa and capture magical holiday moments for kids of all ages
Enjoy more OPA! moments at Cyma in Robinsons Magnolia
Start your holiday stash with unique finds from Flying Tiger at Robinsons Galleria
Gather, dine and savor Filipino flavors this Christmas at Manam in Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila,Robinsons Antipolo and Opus
Skip the crowds and find those perfect gifts early! From November 13 to 17, enjoy Robinsons Malls’ Pre-Holiday Sale, with discounts of up to 70% on select items.
Free Christmas gift wrappers in Robinsons Malls nationwide to make your gifts even more special
Add an extra dose of holiday cheer with complimentary Christmas gift wrappers for qualified purchases from Robinsons Malls nationwide. Simply present your valid receipt at the promo stations on select days from November 18 to December 22.
Feel the enchantment as you stroll around Robinsons Malls, where grand Christmas trees and breath-taking decors bring fun holiday fantasies to life. Visit Robinsons Galleria’sMagical Gingerbread Village or Robinsons Magnolia’s Brilliant Pines display. For kids of all ages, Santa Claus is definitely coming to town with the Santa Meet and Greet happening this holiday season.
Great steaks and ribs for the family at Texas Roadhouse in Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Manila
Amplify your holiday experience by downloading the RMalls+ app to stay updated on exclusive events, perks, and exciting deals. This season and beyond, let the app be your insider guide to anything and everything about Robinsons Malls. And win some cool prizes on the side.
Find that perfect holiday present at Uniqlo in Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Naga, Robinsons Ilocos, Robinsons Tuguegarao, Robinsons Dumaguete and Robinsons Tacloban
Experience Golden Winter Playland with Robinsons Manila’s dazzling Christmas tree
Rediscover the joys of Filipino holiday traditions, the warmth of community, and the spirit of the Season with family and friends only at your favorite place, Robinsons Malls.
Ready to shake up your midweek plans? This week’s new movie lineup features a trio of films ranging from emotional dramas to suspenseful thrillers, plus the highly anticipated Italian Film Festival 2024. Philippine theaters are buzzing with the premiere of Hello, Love, Again, where Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards rekindle old sparks under the cold skies of Canada. Alongside this poignant drama, gear up for the heart-pounding action of Elevation and the chilling suspense of Sana: Let Me Hear. Meanwhile, the Italian Film Festival 2024 kicks off in Manila and Cebu, offering a handpicked selection of Italy’s finest cinematic gems. Whether you’re craving romance, action, horror, or an international cinematic escape, this week’s releases have you covered. Tag your movie buddies, grab that extra-buttered popcorn, and get ready to experience the magic of the big screen. Which movie are you watching first?
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Hello, Love, Again marks the return of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in a tale of enduring love and personal transformation. After years apart, Joy and Ethan’s paths cross once more in Canada, far from the bustling streets of Hong Kong where they last said their goodbyes. Hello, Love, Again explores the evolution of love through time and distance, examining the personal changes that each has undergone. Their reunion is a test of whether their love can adapt or if it remains a cherished memory of the past. This film explores the resilience of love through time and trials, offering audiences a deep, reflective look into what it means to grow both apart and together.
In Elevation, a heroic trio led by a determined single father ventures into perilous terrain to rescue a young boy from nightmarish creatures. Get ready for a heart-pounding journey as a single dad joins forces with two fearless women to confront otherworldly threats in a daring rescue mission. This action-packed thriller combines edge-of-your-seat suspense with a sci-fi twist, delivering an adrenaline-filled experience that tests the boundaries of bravery and human endurance.
Summer classes take a horrifying turn in Sana: Let Me Hear. When a student’s suicide unveils hidden spectral presences within school grounds, a temporary teacher must uncover the eerie secrets that linger among her students. This film is set to deliver spine-chilling moments and a gripping storyline filled with suspense and spectral mysteries.
Italian films are making a dazzling comeback to Philippine cinema! From November 12 to 15, 2024, the Italian Film Festival will light up screens in Manila and Cebu, celebrating the richness and artistry of Italian cinema with six films that showcase the country’s diverse storytelling:
“Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara” – A poignant historical drama that revisits a controversial moment in religious history.
“La Chimera“ – An intriguing tale of an archaeologist unraveling the past’s echoes.
“My Summer with Irène“ – A search for meaning and connection in a transient world.
“Palazzina LAF“ – A gripping look at labor and social activism in modern Italy.
“Io Capitano“ – An inspiring story of ambition and dreams amidst hardship.
These screenings, taking place across Metro Manila cinemas, including Shangri-La Red Carpet, Power Plant Cinema, and Gateway Cinema invite moviegoers to experience the depths of storytelling through Italian eyes.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
Whether you’re drawn to the heartwarming tale of Hello, Love, Again, the adrenaline-pumping action of Elevation, the eerie suspense of Sana: Let Me Hear, or the captivating films at the Italian Film Festival, there’s something for every movie lover. That wraps up this week’s new releases! As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on these must-see films. Check ClickTheCity for showtimes and make your next movie experience unforgettable. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates—and happy watching!
Fans of Gladiator can finally rejoice as the highly-anticipated sequel, Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, roars into cinemas on December 4. Ever since the first film’s legendary success in 2000, whispers of a sequel have echoed through Hollywood. According to Scott, “The popularity of Gladiator just kept growing. The film stayed in the public’s mind. I knew we should consider a sequel, but it took years to figure out what the story was going to be.”
Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn in Gladiator II.
Bringing Back the World of Ancient Rome
Producer Michael Pruss, who has worked closely with Scott for over a decade, reveals, “The world of the Roman Empire and the unforgettable characters of Gladiator were so brilliantly crafted. Recreating that on an even grander scale [for the sequel] was a necessity. We wanted that same powerful motivation for revenge but something that was also fresh and modern and unique. It took longer than anybody anticipated, but great ideas and human drama take time to craft. Hopefully the results here speak for themselves.” This fresh twist involves a new lead character, Lucius, portrayed by rising star Paul Mescal, who plays the part of an embittered exile determined to confront his past.
A New Journey with Lucius – The Lost Prince
Producer Lucy Fisher, who has been part of the Gladiator II journey since 2001, felt that a strong story was crucial. “It took a long time to get a story that we thought would be worthy of being a sequel to Gladiator. But once we grabbed onto the character of Lucius [played by Paul Mescal] as an angry young man, exiled and abandoned, and committed to destroying the city that had both made and betrayed him, our story began to unfold. Lucius would be a lost prince, wanting to be anywhere but Rome, and yet all roads would lead him there.” Fisher explains.
Creating Epic New Thrills
Reprising the grand combat scenes that made the original a spectacle is a formidable task, notes producer Douglas Wick. “The audience has seen grand combat many times over and their thirst for MORE was unquenchable. Whatever we created had to provide captivating new thrills. A true spectacle for the ages.”
In 2021, Scott teamed up with screenwriter David Scarpa, known for All the Money in the World. Together, they brought a new layer of intensity to the Colosseum, where battle has become even more brutal and audiences more bloodthirsty. Roman emperors Caracalla and Geta (portrayed by Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn) heighten the sense of tyranny, pushing the empire to new depths of cruelty and spectacle.
“I knew and loved the original,” says Scarpa. “When Ridley approached me, I was extremely excited. Gladiator is such an esteemed classic and a touchstone for historical action films. I was both honored and a little apprehensive about working with the people who created that world. Ridley has a very strong directorial voice, and his vision is central to the movie.”
Denzel Washington in Gladiator II.
Ridley Scott’s Timeless Take on the Empire
For Scott, Gladiator II is about more than Rome. “This film is about the Roman Empire, obviously,” he says. “But it’s also about the way humanity never learns its lesson. We keep repeating history again and again and again.”
Experience Gladiator II in Cinemas December 4
Mark your calendars! Gladiator II is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on December 4, distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Don’t miss this epic return to the world of Gladiator. Share your excitement with #GladiatorII and tag @paramountpicsph.
