Glutathione is well known to be an antioxidant that has additional anti-melanogenic properties. This just means that while it helps our body remain healthy and our immune system in tip-top shape, it also lightens the skin in the process.
But did you know that not all glutathione supplements in the market are one and the same? The most popular type of glutathione in the Philippines is L-glutathione. This type of glutathione still needs to be oxidized in the body for it to be fully absorbed. The second type is called S-Acetyl glutathione. According to clinical studies, it is three times more powerful than L-glutathione since it is accompanied by an acetyl bond. This avoids oxidation and makes the glutathione molecule pass through cells easily, enabling quicker absorption in the body.
Nuwhite is one of the glutathione brands in the Philippines that is formulated with S-Acetyl glutathione, making it more potent and more effective in lightening the skin. Additionally, it contains marine collagen, vitamin E, and sodium ascorbate to further help your skin remain elastic and even toned.
If you want a healthier kutis and embody that “Relax! Ako Lang ‘To!” mindset just like Marian Rivera, drink one Nuwhite capsule daily!
Nuwhite is available in Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, and through the Nuwhite website.
SOURCES:
Sonthalia, S., Jha, A. K., Lallas, A., Jain, G., & Jakhar, D. (2018). Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 8(1), 15–21.https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0801a04
Sonthalia, S., Daulatabad, D., & Sarkar, R. (2016). Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversies. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 82(3), 262–272.https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.179088
Dröge, W., & Breitkreutz, R. (2000). Glutathione and immune function. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 595–600.https://doi.org/10.1017/s0029665100000847
Kerksick, C., & Willoughby, D. (2005). The Antioxidant Role of Glutathione and N-Acetyl-Cysteine Supplements and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2(2).https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-38
Perricone, C., de Carolis, C., & Perricone, R. (2009). Glutathione: A key player in autoimmunity. Autoimmunity Reviews, 8(8), 697–701.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.020
Schmitt, B., Vicenzi, M., Garrel, C., & Denis, F. M. (2015). Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: A comparative crossover study. Redox Biology, 6, 198–205.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2015.07.012
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first NFT collection is now available as part of an exclusive, multi-year partnership with Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider. The launch is supported by a global marketing campaign featuring Ronaldo, aiming to give his fans an introduction to Web3 through the world of NFTs.
“We believe the metaverse and blockchain are the future of the internet,” said Binance Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer He Yi. “We are honored to collaborate with Cristiano to help more people understand blockchain and showcase how we are building Web3 infrastructure for the sports and entertainment industry.”
“It was important to me that we created something memorable and unique for my fans as they are such a big part of my success,” said Ronaldo. “With Binance, I was able to make something that not only captures the passion of the game but rewards fans for all the years of support.”
The inaugural Cristiano Ronaldo NFT collection last November 18 (9 a.m. UTC) and featured seven animated statues with four rarity levels: Super Super Rare (SSR), Super Rare (SR), Rare (R), and Normal (N). Each NFT statue depicts Ronaldo in an iconic moment from his life, from career-defining bicycle kicks to his childhood in Portugal.
○ The 45 highest value CR7 NFTs (5 SSR and 40 SR) will be held for auction on the Binance NFT marketplace. The auction will remain open for 24 hours, with NFTs awarded to the highest bidder. Bidding prices will start at 10,000 BUSD for SSR and 1,700 BUSD for SR.
○ The remaining 6,600 NFTs (600 R and 6,000 N) will be offered on Binance Launchpad, starting at 77 BUSD for the Normal rarity.
○ Each rarity level will come with its own set of exclusive perks, ranging from:
● Personal message from Cristiano Ronaldo
● Autographed CR7 & Binance merchandise
● Guaranteed access for all future CR7 NFT drops
● Complimentary CR7 Mystery Boxes
● Entry into giveaways with signed merchandise and prizes
Additionally, new users who register with Binance.com (and complete KYC) will receive a Cristiano Ronaldo Mystery Box. These boxes may include limited-edition Ronaldo NFTs. The CR7 Mystery Boxes are available for the first 1.5M new Binance users who sign up with referral ID RONALDO.
For US-based users, Binance.US – the US partner to Binance.com – is providing a free souvenir NFT for thresholds of USD deposits made on the platform within the promotion period. Users who receive the souvenir NFT will gain whitelist access to purchase future CR7 NFTs. To participate in the promotion, new and existing US users must register here.
Future sets of the Cristiano Ronaldo NFT collection will be available in early 2023. All collections will be available exclusively on Binance.com; follow Binance on Twitter for the latest updates.
Detective Benoit Blanc is back for another Knives Out mystery! The sequel to Rian Johnson’s hit whodunit film is heading straight to Netflix this December 23, and this time, Daniel Craig’s clever sleuth must uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder on a tech mogul’s private Greek island.
In Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Detective Benoit Blanc must investigate yet another colorful lineup of characters to be played by a star-studded cast including Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista.
Before the release of the film, Netflix held a virtual press conference joined by its stars, writer and director Rian Johnson, and producer Ram Bergman. Check out the highlights of the press conference below:
Rian Johnson talks about making the Knives Out follow-up.
Writer and director Rian Johnson shared how in making a sequel to Knives Out, he was inspired by how Agatha Christie always introduced new mysteries in her every book.
“The mode in which we were thinking to keep making [the Knives Out movies] was always not to continue the story of the first one, but to treat them the way Agatha Christie treated her books and do an entirely new mystery every time. A new location, a new rogues gallery of characters,” explained Johnson, citing how the author shook it up from book to book.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
“So, sitting down to write this one, that was kinda the marching orders,” the director adds. “Let’s not just turn the crank and do another, let’s come up with something that’s truly different and that actually is gonna make audiences say, ‘Oh, wow. I’m getting the same pleasure I did from the first one, but I’ve never seen this before.’ And that’s kind of the exciting thing.”
This also influenced the setting of the sequel. According to Johnson, “trading the browns of New England for the blue and yellows of Greece felt like a really obvious kind of ‘Oh, we’re in a whole new deal here,’” for the audiences.
He also mentioned that he wanted to tap into the rich traditions of a destination mystery, as seen in classics like Evil Under the Sun, Death on the Nile, and The Last of Sheila. Furthermore, the director adds that he wrote the script in 2020 during the lockdown. “Like a lot of us, I was sitting at home, kind of wishing I was on a Greek island. So that might have had something to do with it.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Gathering the ensemble of stars.
When asked how he got to round up such an effective ensemble for the new film, Rian Johnson says that it was “as simple as trying to get the best actor you can possibly get.”
The director also added that they got lucky with the group: “Just my head spins when I think about the fact that we were able to get this group together. There’s also the added element of, it’s a little bit like throwing a dinner party in that it is an ensemble. We know we’re gonna be on location together and all be kind of stuck together for a while. So, you’re also just trying to cast cool people who are hopefully gonna get along and have a good time together.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
And have a good time they did. The cast likened the experience to being part of a theatre ensemble.
“I’ve had a couple of opportunities, you know, to be a part of great ensembles with Hamilton and One Night in Miami,” shared Leslie Odom Jr., “And this is one of the best. But it’s really an impossible thing, I think, to achieve without the leadership. It happens from the top down… It’s really Rian and Daniel and Ram making it feel that creative and that permissive and that fun.”
“For a lot of us who came into this through theater or just that idea of being in a repertory company, an ensemble, it has a special pleasure,” Edward Norton adds. “It reminds you of your high school drama club, for those who were dorky enough to be in the high school drama club.”
The cast also revealed how they would have murder mystery parties outside of filming the murder mystery movie. When asked who were the easy marks whenever they play those games, Johnson and the cast cited Dave Bautista and Daniel Craig himself.
“[Daniel Craig is] so vulnerable, yeah, and available that you’re like, ‘Oh, he could never be a spy,’” joked Kate Hudson. Norton agrees, adding that “it’s ridiculous, but [Daniel Craig] is the least violent person of all of us. I mean, I think he’s probably the gentlest person and could crush all of us at the same time.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Getting to work with director Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig.
The cast members also talked about how delighted they were to star in the new Knives Out movie and work alongside director Johnson and its lead star, Daniel Craig.
“I am a fan of everybody on this stage,” said Janelle Monáe. “I think that being able to work with Rian is a dream. I literally just told myself if I ever had the opportunity, it’s a yes. And then after reading this script, it was a hell yes. You know, because this is a character that you get to play with. So many layers, so mysterious. It took a lot of focus. There were moments when the cast was out having a blast after they did their scenes.”
Madelyn Cline also talked about how she got the news of being cast after she got off a plane in New York.
“I was huddled in a corner at baggage claim ’cause it was so loud and Rian was over the phone asking me if I wanted to be a part of [Glass Onion]. I was like, ‘You’re asking, is that even a question? Of course, I do.’ And then I proceeded to have the best weekend of my life and cheers to that. It was amazing.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
The stars also talked about their experience working with Daniel Craig, and finally hearing him as Detective Benoit Blanc in person.
“It kind of lifts the veil,” said Kate Hudson. “Like oh sh*t, I’m actually here. I’m in a Knives Out mystery. I mean, for me, I think just watching Daniel work was a privilege and he’s a consummate professional. he shows up ready to deliver every line. He honors Rian’s words and he brings something just spectacular, as any movie star would. Just to be a part of that and to learn from that and to watch that was, for me, really something.”
“His physical comedy too, I was just floored by,” Kathryn Hahn adds. “Just like his control of his body and how he throws himself into this part physically is something that I was so excited to watch. He really is a gamer in that department, it’s really thrilling.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Director Rian Johnson on telling fresh stories from the whodunit genre to new audiences.
Director Rian Johnson was also asked what his favorite thing was in helping bring back the genre that he loves so much, for new audiences to consume. The director answered, ” I feel like we’ve kind of rode a beautiful wave of people rediscovering these, which has been really nice with a lot of other great filmmakers bringing them to life. As a whodunit junkie myself, it makes me really happy.”
“And then what makes me the happiest, I guess, is, you know I mentioned Agatha Christie’s books, but those movies that were based on her books in the late ’70s and early ’80s, when I was a kid watching those with my family, [I remember] how big of an impact they had. And now the coolest thing for me is talking to friends who have kids around that age, and seeing them get into these movies and recognizing, oh, that’s kind of what we made these for. And it’s super, super-cool that they can inspire whoever’s gonna, 30 years from now, do their own version of it. That makes me really happy,” added Johnson.
— Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery starts streaming on Netflix this December 23, 2022.
The MTRCB explained in its decision that “the film contains graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of violence and gore, themes of cannibalism, that may not be suitable for children below sixteen (16) years of age.”
In the US, “Bones and All” also received an R rating from the Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA) “for strong, bloody and disturbing violent content, language throughout, some sexual content and brief graphic nudity.”
The New York Times has described the film as “Gory, ridiculous and curiously touching,” while the Los Angeles Times found it “unsettling and heartbreaking in equal measure.”
“Bones and All” is “difficult to watch, but looking away is harder still,” says The New Yorker, as Bloody Disgusting raved that “It’s as elegant as carnal and carnivorous, and it’ll take a bite out of your heart if you let it.”
From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures comes “Bones and All,” a movie about love, directed by Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name”), who recently won the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2022 Venice Film Festival for the film.
“Bones and All” is a story of first love between Maren (Taylor Russell), a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee (Timothée Chalamet), an intense and disenfranchised drifter… as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey which takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap doors of Ronald Reagan’s America. But despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their otherness.
“Bones and All” stars Taylor Russell (“Waves,” “The Heart Still Hums,”), who won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival; Timothée Chalamet (Oscar-nominated for “Call Me by Your Name,” “Dune”); Michael Stuhlbarg (“Call Me by Your Name,” “The Shape of Water”); André Holland (“Passing,” “Moonlight”); Chloë Sevigny (“We Are Who We Are,” “American Horror Story”); David Gordon Green (“Halloween Ends,” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”); Jessica Harper (“Suspiria,” “Minority Report”); Jake Horowitz (“Adam Bloom,” “The Vast of Night”); and Mark Rylance (Oscar winner for “Bridge of Spies,” “Wolf Hall”).
The screenplay is by David Kajganich (“Suspiria,” “A Bigger Splash”), based on the novel by Camille DeAngelis.
In cinemas across the Philippines starting November 23, “Bones and All” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #BonesAndAll
Gotta catch ’em all at Robinsons Malls starting this November! As the official partner of The Pokémon Company in launching Pokémon Scarlet and Violetin the Philippines, you can expect exciting surprises and activities from Robinsons Malls.
Kicking things off is the grand launch event happening at Robinsons Manila Midtown Atrium from November 25 to 27, 2022. There will be an official game reveal, game teasers, and actual gameplays to get you all pumped up for this new video game!
You can also check out fun booths and participate in activities at the grand launch event. Head over to the Trial Play Booth if you want to try out Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for yourself. Here, you can test your Pokémon trainer skills and explore Paldea’s towns and open spaces. We’re sure you’d want to continue the fun on your Nintendo Switch, so make a beeline to the Pokémon Goods Corner at the event to purchase the video game as well as cool Pokémon merchandise!
Of course, what’s a Pokémon event without the opportunity to meet them? Take selfies with Pikachu as well as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, three new starter Pokémon that you can find in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Look out for the gang as they make stops at Robinsons Magnolia from December 10 to 11, Robinsons Metro East from December 17 to 18, and Robinsons Las Piñas from December 24 to 25.
Show off your hunting skills—like the true-blue Pokémon trainer that you are—when you participate in the event’s Digital Bingo Rally. To join, look for nine QR codes in the event area and scan each of them. Once you complete bingo patterns, proceed to the goal location to redeem cool Pokémon stickers. Plus, you can bring home exclusive Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sun visors just for dropping by the event.
Robinsons Malls and The Pokémon Company have more exciting things up their sleeves after the launch event. From November 25 to December 31, 2023, spot larger-than-life inflatables—including Lechonk, whose name seemingly comes from the festive Filipino dish lechon—across 10 Robinsons Malls nationwide. For those who want to add toys, cards, and other merch to their Pokémon collections, visit the Pokémon Goods Corner made in partnership with Toys R Us. You can find the Pokémon Goods Corner at these Robinsons Malls: Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Piñas, Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Iloilo, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and Robinsons Bacolod.
For more information, follow RobinsonsMalls on Facebook; @RobinsonsMallsOfficial on Instagram; and download the RMalls+ app to get notified of all upcoming Pokémon events at Robinsons Malls!
Check out the new vignette titled Celebrating Whitney Houston and watch I Wanna Dance with Somebody exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on January 8, 2023.
“The most challenging part of portraying Whitney Houston is…portraying Whitney Houston,” says Naomi Ackie, star of Columbia Pictures’ I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten, produced by legendary music executive Clive Davis and starring BAFTA Award® winner Naomi Ackie, the film is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant—and so emotional—journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before. Don’t you wanna dance?
Photo: Columbia Pictures
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Anthony McCarten, produced by Anthony McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Matt Jackson, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Matt Salloway, Christina Papagjika.
The film stars Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #IWannaDanceMovie
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams announces the Asia leg of his ‘So Happy It Hurts Tour’ with a concert in Manila on March 15, 2023 at the Araneta Coliseum. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on Friday, November 25, 10AM via TicketNet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide.
Bryan Adams is one of the most exciting live musicians in the world and his energetic performance, effortless stage presence and incredible vocals are guaranteed to thrill and entertain. His classic hits include Summer of 69, Heaven, Straight from the Heart, Cuts Like a Knife, Run To You, Please Forgive Me, All For Love, Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, I Finally Found Someone, and (Everything I Do) I Do It For You.
Adams’ influence extends four decades, over which time he has released 16 studio albums. This year alone, he has released two new studio albums – So Happy It Hurts and Pretty Woman – The Musical. He has also re-recorded some of his classic hits – Classic PT I and II were released digitally with Platoon and are available physically with BMG.
His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy award, an American Music Award, ASCAP Film and Television Music Award, and multiple Juno Awards among others. He is a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award for his charitable concerts as well as the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for his lifetime contribution to the arts in Canada. He is also set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.
As Disney+ finally opens its doors to the Philippines, there’s going to be a rush to catch up on all the movies and shows and specials that have not been available to us for years now. They have all types from Disney classics to their latest animated features, to the movies and tv series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or if you are a fan of the Star Wars franchise, that will be made available to you too. They even have exclusive Kdramas on the platform like ‘Snowdrop,’ ‘Soundtrack #1,’ and the special ‘In the Soop: Friendcation.’
What might be missed in all this hustle and bustle is a bite-sized 6-episode animated limited series called ‘Zootopia+.’ Based on characters from the 2016 animated film ‘Zootopia,’ the short series (each episode runs only for 7 to 9 minutes long) is set during the events of the movie, showcasing the lives of the different characters – from the arctic shrews, to the weasel that the protagonist Judy catches in the film, to the famous sloth civil servant, and even Gazelle’s dancers – that sort of amplifies the world of ‘Zootopia’ and make it bigger.
It’s an interesting concept as the world of the movie is completely big and new and it could do with a little more exploration. Like many of Disney’s animated films, this series boasts of incredible animation and effects. The world of ‘Zootopia’ is filled with so much texture from the different kinds of animals and their fur and hide (or skin). It really depends on the animal. The amount of work that is put into each individual episode is quite incredible. Even at an average of 8 minutes per episode, it shows the kind of dedication they have to the material.
Unfortunately, not all of the six episodes reach a sort of satisfying conclusion that gives them any sort of weight that endears us to the world nor does it make any interesting dissection of society and culture that the movie does.
Photo from ‘Zootopia’ trailer
Four of the six episodes are centered on a single gimmick or novelty that they bleed dry for the entire short duration of the episode. The first is a frenetic, over-the-top chase sequence between Judy’s parents and one of Judy’s younger siblings who has gotten away from them. It has a cute way of highlighting a married couple who are so supportive of each other but other than that, it really does nothing to make the world feel bigger. In fact, the whole length of the short episode manages to make the world of ‘Zootopia’ feel smaller by how it dramatizes the distance between Judy’s hometown and the city of Zootopia.
There’s a story involving Gazelle and a talent contest that is looking for new back-up dancers and it is just a single punchline that you see coming from a mile away. Another episode is of the sloth, Flash, as a dinner guest in a restaurant and it’s the longest episode at 9 minutes and it goes exactly how you imagine it to. There’s a musical episode with Duke, the Weasel, but while it does touch upon the tempting world of petty crimes, it doesn’t say much and in fact makes light of how difficult it is to find redemption.
Photo from ‘Zootopia’ trailer
There are only two episodes that I felt actually made the world feel bigger, and both these episodes are working on two different frameworks altogether.
One episode features Fru Fru, the arctic shrew is part of a television show called ‘The Real Rodents of Rodentia.’ The show is done ala-’The Real Housewives’ and the whole episode parodies the shooting style, the testimonials and confessionals, and even the shallowness of the reality show. It’s a brilliant little gimmick that’s perfectly played out in 7 minutes but what makes it interesting is how it subverts the form – the reality show – and uses it to talk about something deeper and meaningful; something that relates to the themes found in the original movie. Aside from the gimmick, it’s able to add something to the world and to the lore.
Photo from ‘Zootopia’ trailer
On the other side of that coin, the episode involving Mr. Big, the shrew that acts like The Godfather. Taking its cues from the movie ‘The Godfather,’ it shows us a bit of Zootopia history, and of how Rodentia came to be. It’s a wonderful episode that talks about community and the struggles that the smaller animals in Zootopia face in a city filled with animals of different sizes. This episode makes the world of Zootopia bigger (ironically) by showing us the hierarchies of the city and how these are overcome by a spirit of community. It’s something that relates strongly to the movie but it also opens up the world in many interesting ways.
So, while most of the episodes are really light and forgettable one-joke narratives, the proof of the concept works wonderfully in two of the episodes. While the other four merely serve as distracting content, the two episodes that matter really serve as viable companion pieces that can continue to deepen the world of the 2016 movie.
Premiering last October 31, the Korean drama ‘Curtain Call’ premiered on KBS2 to extremely high ratings (streamed in Asia exclusively through Amazon Prime Video). Boasting of a stellar cast that includes Kang Ha Neul (‘When the Camellia Blooms’ and ‘Insider’), Ha Ji Won (‘Empress Ki,’ ‘Secret Garden’), Go Doo Shim (‘Our Blues,’ ‘My Mister’), Jung Ji-So (‘Parasite,’ ‘Doom at Your Service’), and Noh Sang-hyun (‘Pachinko’), the drama has the sheen of a prestige television show with a grand scale and dramatic scope. Four episodes have aired so far but already it is highlighting the cast’s incredible performances and the sweeping vision of its director and writer, Yoon Sang-ho and Jo Sung-geol, respectively.
‘Curtain Call’ is the story of an aging matriarch, Ja Geum-soon (Go Doo Shim), who fled from North Korea and was separated from her husband and son. In South Korea, she started a new life and built a successful chain of hotels with a new family but now at the twilight of her years and terminally ill, she misses the family she was separated from during the Korean war. Her trusted aide, Jeong Sang-cheol (played by Sung Dong Il, of ‘Reply 1988’) tracks down her family in North Korea only to discover her last living relative in that side of the world is her grandson, Ri Moon-sung (Noh Sang-hyun), who may be a gangster.
To give Ja Geum-soon one last moment of happiness before she passes, he hires an unknown, struggling theater actor played by Kang Ha Neul to impersonate her grandson. It’s a story about a family torn apart by circumstance and how the presence of a lie can bring so much joy to Ja Geum-soon and her granddaughter Park Se-yeon (Ha Ji Won) but also may cause as much pain if discovered.
Ha Ji-Won and Kang Ha-Neul in ‘Curtain Call’
From the first episode alone, the drama takes a grand approach to the story, beginning with a flashback of the Korean War, when Ja Geum-soon is separated from her husband and baby. It’s a massive scene, an exodus of an entire town that feels reminiscent of ‘Dunkirk’ or even ‘Miss Saigon.’ And then, in the present day, everything about Hotel Nakwon, the hotel chain she built from scratch, is luxurious and elegant. Her grandchildren, though, feel very differently about the hotel and war between the siblings is brewing.
The show is character-driven as much as it is centered around the deception of Ja Geum-soon’s aide. Will they discover that Ri Moon-sung who visits them is really an actor? What about the real grandson? How will the grandchildren react at the discovery of the lie? The story is Shakespearean in its complexity and there’s even a melodramatic aspect to it that can lean towards the excessive and campy, if the show isn’t too careful. But the performances are great and the show is so well-executed that it is hitting all its marks.
To promote the show, four of their cast – Kang Ha Neul, Ha Ji Won, Noh Sang-hyun, and Jung Ji-so, who plays another actress pretending to be Kang Ha Neul’s wife – gathered together to answer questions online from the press from all over Southeast Asia. The four actors were comfortable with each other, laughing and throwing jokes back and forth.
Here is an excerpt of their interview with the press:
Question:After reading the script, what impressed you the most and made you decide to join this drama?
Kang Ha-neul: I think a lot of people will feel the same way. The theme was really unique, and the script was something you don’t come across often. How will things pan out? I thought, reading, but as I followed the script, I was able to understand its flow and was naturally drawn to the story.
Ha Ji-won: Myself as well, when I read the script I felt it was very refreshing, as well as how the story is structured. It also got me wondering about what I would do if the same thing happened to me. I felt like it would be very fun.
Is there any message that you would like to convey to the audiences from this series?
Ha Ji-won: So my character believes Jae-heon is the real Mun-seong, so she is happy to welcome her little brother into the family. They grow close together as if they were an actual family. At one point, however, she realizes that Jae-heon is not her real brother, and she meets her real brother. And that got me thinking about what is real and what is not real. What constitutes real love? Do you have to be related by blood to be called a family and offer familial love? I came to think that anyone can be family. In life, we are stuck with the binary mindset of real and fake, so this was a food for thought for me. It was really strange actually, we (pointing to Sang-hyun) shot the scene together recently, and even though he actually is Se-yeon’s real brother, I was intimidated.
Ha Ji-won
Noh Sang-hyun: Really? You laughed a lot.
Ha Ji-won: Me? No way! I was intimidated. He was staring straight at me as I entered the room. I called his name out, “Ri Mun-seong!” and he gave me an intimidating look, so I said nevermind.
Kang Ha-neul: That’s a good message. So, what is real and what is fake. Is that even a concept that exists?
Kang Ha-neul
One of the most interesting elements of Yoo Jae-heon’s character is the use of a North Korean accent. However, there is another layer of Jae-heon being a South Korean actor that pretends to be a North Korean person too. How does this affect the way you design and interpret the character’s accent and can you tell us more about the process?
Kang Ha-neul: I’ve never actually learned how to speak with a North Korean accent before. I had an instructor teach me who provided me with recordings of the lines. Sticking too strictly to an authentic North Korean accent in a way washed out the original meaning and intention of the script. So I talked with the director and the instructor to polish and finetune the accents to melt with the show and include words that are more familiar.
Noh Sang-hyun: I also got recordings of my lines read out with a North Korean accent. The instructor was on the set with us as well when we were shooting. It was the same process Ha-neul explained. Speaking with a very traditional North Korean accent interfered with expressing the emotions, so we did some editing and adjusting.
Noh Sang-Hyun
For Ha Ji Won, what is the biggest challenge in this role compared to your previous work?
Ha Ji-won: I wanted to show a more mature side. I wanted to portray my character as a person with a wise perspective to the viewers of this show. There are a lot of well-off and affluent TV show characters that we have seen already, so I wanted to show a different side to the generic “rich” character with added wisdom and maturity, so I talked about that with our writer and director as well to emphasize those points. My acting used to be centered around characters, but this time I’ve taken on a rather plain role, with a focus on maturity.
For Jung Ji-so, I’ve seen your work in Parasite and Doom at Your Service and you did wonderfully well in both performances. How do you manage to play two very different kinds of roles so effectively? What approach did you take for your character in Curtain Call?
Jung Ji-so: Every time I read different scripts, I feel different things, meaning that I put on a unique lens through which I want to portray my character. My interpretation, as I’m reading the script, allows me to discover a new character, so I want to portray that uniqueness in my performance too. I want to make sure that shows in my acting, which I think gives me my uniqueness.
Jung Ji-So
Curtain Call is a star-studded series, so we as a viewer expect a lot from this show. What do you think viewers should focus more on in this series?
Jung Ji-so: One thing that strikes my mind is, the viewers will have fun if they pay attention to the momentary thoughts that cross their mind as they are watching our show. There should be a lot of random thoughts that pop up in their head.
‘Curtain Call’ is available on streaming via Amazon Prime Video and airs every Monday and Tuesday.
Once upon a time, there was a place called Slumberland that only the dreamers could go to. Slumberland is a place for dreamers that allows them to wish for anything they want. It makes impossible things possible and makes their dreams a reality. Once you enter Slumberland, everything changes, but not everything is about fun – it comes with thrill and adventure.
Netflix brings you another world to fulfill your childhood fantasy with Jason Momoa and Marlow Barkley. Enter the world of dreams starting November 18 on Netflix, but you can personally experience the thrilling ride at Robinsons Manila, Midtown Atrium beginning November 18 until November 22 as exciting adventures await.
Try the Inflatable Slumberland for FREE! All playful elements are inspired by the film and each visitor can play around for 20 minutes. Get ready to Dive into a 23ft ball swim, bounce into a giant lighthouse, climb and roll through giant slides, and sprint as you make your way through the maze. The best part is, this playground is open to ALL ages!
See for yourself what Nemo has experienced in her journey towards Slumberland. Hurry as this Inflatable Slumberland is only until November 22! See you at Robinsons Manila!
