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  • Award-winning Environmental Documentary Comes Home To Close Cinemalaya 2022

    The award-winning documentary feature, “Delikado,” which draws focus on environmental crusaders who risk their lives protecting the rainforests of Palawan will finally have its Philippine premiere.

    The 96-minute enviro-thriller docu directed by journalist Karl Malakunas will be screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) on Aug. 13 at 3:30 p.m. It will be among the closing films of the 18th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

    Nieves Rosento on the campaign trail in the May 2019 elections
    Nieves Rosento on the campaign trail in the May 2019 elections

    In “Delikado,” Malakunas takes viewers to one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations—Palawan. But the former Manila bureau chief of Agence France Presse shies away from the tropical paradise angle and instead shines the light on environmental defenders who are fighting to preserve their natural resources from big developers, politicians, illegal loggers and others who threaten the Philippines’ “last ecological frontier.”

    The film follows Robert “Bobby” Chan, lawyer and executive director of the Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), former El Nido mayor Nieves Rosento and land defender Efren “Tata” Balladares.

    Tata Balladares rests on a fallen tree while searching for illegal loggers in forests of southern Palawan Rizal Palawan April 2018 Photo by Karl Malakunas
    Tata Balladares rests on a fallen tree  while searching for illegal loggers in forests of southern Palawan, Rizal, Palawan – April, 2018. Photo by Karl Malakunas

    Another film participant was “Kap” Ruben Arzaga, one of the volunteer leaders, who was shot dead in an anti-logging operation in 2017.

    The film gets up close and personal with some of the environmental crusaders in a country that has been named one of the most dangerous places in Asia for land defenders. Environmental group Global Witness has named the Philippines as such for eight years, with a record of 29 killings of people who were protecting their lands and ecosystems in 2021 alone.

    Bobby Chan stands in front of chainsaws at PNNI HQ Photo by Thom Pierce
    Bobby Chan stands in front of chainsaws at PNNI HQ

    “These land defenders are on the frontlines of mankind’s efforts to save the planet from the worst impacts of climate change. I felt the strength and courage of Bobby, Nieves, Tata and other land defenders featured in ‘Delikado’ could be a source of inspiration as we search for hope in our fight to restrain climate change,” Malakunas said in a statement.

    He added: “I filmed ‘Delikado’ with the intention of it being an intimate thriller about the lives of the land defenders, to ensure that audiences feel an emotional connection with the characters while learning about extremely compelling social and environmental issues.”

    DELIKADO Director Karl Malakunas1

    Malakunas and the rest of the team want “Delikado” to leave viewers with lasting impact—the kind that would propel them to take meaningful action against those who threaten the environment and fight for climate change. They also aim to help communities and organizations fighting for their lands raise funds. 

    “Delikado” is a collaboration of award-winning filmmakers, among them two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker Marty Syjuco (producer),  “Give Up Tomorrow” director Michael Collins (producer, editor and writer), broadcast journalist and Storytellers International Inc. cofounder Kara Magsano-Alikpala (producer) and award-winning cinematographer Tom Bannigan ACS (director of photography).

    The docu premiered in April this year at the Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, and has since made rounds in festivals abroad, including Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York, CAAMFest in San Francisco, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and Take One Action in Scotland.

    A review from CineEuropa.Org read that “the documentary has an intense feeling of urgency and immediacy” while showing how the idyllic groups of islands are not just property, but also a home to the communities.

    “Delikado” has also received various recognitions, like Sustainable Future Award and Audience Award: Best Documentary #2 at the Sydney Film Festival; Special Jury Prize: Best Documentary Feature at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival; and Special Mention: Best International Feature at Doc Edge, New Zealand. The film was also featured at Sheffield Docfest, Human Rights Watch Film Festival, and MountainFilm.

    It will also be screened from August 11 to 13 at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

    Visit delikadofilm.com or https://www.facebook.com/DelikadoFilm for details. For advance ticket purchase, go to https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/event/cinemalaya-18-philippine-independent-film-festival-2022

  • McDonald’s makes your favorite burgers Fresh N Tasty, just the way you like it

    Burgers are undeniably on top of everyone’s not-so-guilty pleasures. And why not – the savory goodness of beef patties or chicken fillets paired with oozing cheese and hefty buns are just too satisfying to ignore.

    McDonalds makes your favorite burgers Fresh N Tasty just the way you like it

    And while we enjoy the filling taste that burgers provide, McDonald’s is here to give us the food fixes we never knew we needed through Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers – your favorite McDonald’s burgers now with slices of zesty tomato and refreshing lettuce!

    You heard that right – there’s more to love in the McDonald’s burgers you already love and enjoy! Have a more delectable dining experience with Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers as McDonald’s now offers tomatoes and lettuce to the classic favorites Burger McDo, Cheesy Burger McDo,  Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Double Cheeseburger, and Quarter Pounder with Cheese!

    Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers are now available at your nearest McDonald’s branch via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery. Be sure to follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on everything #McDoFreshNTasty and McDonald’s!

  • WATCH: Maya Hawke & Camila Mendes ‘Do Revenge’ in First Teaser for YA Film

    Maya Hawke of Stranger Things and Camila Mendes of Riverdale are teaming up in the upcoming Netflix film Do Revenge.

    In its first teaser, we get to see Mendes as the queen bee Drea encouraging Hawke’s Eleanor to exact revenge on their enemies. Watch the teaser trailer of Do Revenge below:

    Described as a “subverted Hitchcock-ian dark comedy,” the film follows the unlikely team-up of the former school queen bee and an awkward transfer student. Drea’s Alpha it-girl status in school goes up in flames after her sex tape gets leaked to the whole school, seemingly by her boyfriend Max. Meanwhile, Eleanor is furious to find out that she has to attend school with her old bully, Carissa. After encountering each other, Drea and Eleanor struck a deal to get back at their tormentors.

    Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Do Revenge also stars Austin Abrams, Ava Capri, Rish Shah, Talia Ryder, Jonathan Daviss, Maia Reficco, Paris Berelc, Alisha Boe, and Sophie Turner. The film is set for release on September 16.

  • Four New Mouthwatering Desserts to Celebrate M Bakery’s 4th Anniversary

    Since opening its world-renowned bakery in BGC in 2018, M Bakery has provided freshly-baked classic American desserts to discerning Filipino foodies. In just four years, M Bakery has established itself as a dessert staple for Filipino celebrations and day-to-day sweet-tooth indulgences. 

    M Bakery brought a taste of New York to Manila, selling over a million units of its bestsellers such as the signature cupcakes and world-famous banana pudding. M Bakery attributes its success in Manila to its old-fashioned philosophy of “baking from scratch, in small batches, and using only the finest ingredients.” This winning formula, coupled with local creativity, produced exclusive Pinoy flavors such as the ube cupcakes, calamansi cheesecake, and Chocnut Banana Pudding alongside signature New York faves like the Carrie vanilla cupcake, blueberry jamboree and banana pudding. 

    M Bakery now has two branches, BGC and Rockwell Powerplant Mall, and continues to expand its dessert menu to delight its loyal customers. 

    To mark its fourth anniversary this August, M Bakery introduces four new dessert creations as its way of saying “thank you” to its loyal fans. Let’s start with not one, but two new featured pudding flavors as M Bakery’s Flavors of the Month!

    Orange Cream Soda
    Orange Cream Soda Pudding

    Orange Cream Soda Pudding 

    Bursting with refreshing orange flavors (and bits) in every bite. 

    Introducing M Bakery’s Orange Cream Soda Pudding, the perfect sweet and tangy dessert combining orange juice, vanilla wafers and mandarin oranges with their famous vanilla pudding. 

    Replacing bananas this time with zesty and sweet mandarin oranges, this unique twist to the best-selling pudding is a surefire hit that will remind you of orange-flavored popsicles. 

    This spectacular dessert can be enjoyed in different sizes: small (PhP 165), medium (PhP 315), large (PhP 505). You may also place an advance order for party bowls: small party bowl serves eight (PhP 2,200) and large party bowl serves 20 (PhP 3,250). 

    Smores 2
    S’mores Banana Pudding

    S’mores Banana Pudding

    Who wouldn’t want s’mores of these desserts? 

    M Bakery takes s’mores to another level, creating a new campfire-worthy treat: The S’mores Banana Pudding. Chocolate pudding is layered with graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, marshmallows, bananas and, just to sweeten the deal a bit more, a generous serving of chocolate chips! It’s gooey, melty and chocolatey.

    It is available for the whole month of August and comes in three sizes: small (PhP 155), medium (PhP 305), large (PhP 395). You may also place an advance order for party bowls: small party bowl serves 8 (PhP 2,200) and large party bowl serves 20 (PhP 3,250). 

    BP Cookie Stills
    Banana Pudding Cookie

    Banana Pudding Cookie 

    M Bakery transforms its iconic banana pudding into a new dessert: the Banana Pudding Cookie. 

    This handmade cookie has all the taste of the cult-favorite banana pudding, packed with white chocolate chips, vanilla wafers, and M Bakery’s famous Banana Pudding mix.

    Enjoy it on its own or paired with banana pudding. It also goes well with M Bakery’s freshly-brewed coffee. Each Banana Pudding Cookie sells at PhP 120 apiece. 

    ICEBOX

    Fully Loaded Icebox Pie

    Double down on that chocolate fixation with M Bakery’s brand-new icebox pie. This decadent cool treat makes use of two of your favorite chocolate candy bars: the crunchy classic Kitkat and the creamy melt-in-your mouth Milky Way.

    Truly loaded for dessert lovers, this chocolatey double fudge brownie crust is layered with slightly tangy cream cheese filling, rich fudge icing and topped with all the fixings anyone can dream of – whipped cream, caramel drizzle, mini chocolate chips, chopped Kit Kat bars, and chunks of Milky Way bars. 

    Place an advance order for the 9-inch pie size (PhP 2,200) or drop by the store to avail of the bar (PhP 395). 

    Four Lucky Winners

    What’s a celebration without a few treats, right? Visit M Bakery’s social media pages to watch out for the 4th anniversary promo announcement on August 21, Sunday. A total of four lucky winners (because hey, it’s their fourth birthday here) from Instagram and Facebook will be selected on September 22 and will win 4,000-peso gift cards and limited-edition M Bakery scented candles inspired by its bestselling desserts.  

    Drop by the main store at Lower Ground, Unit #23 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Bonifacio Global City or call (+632) 847-9829 or (+63) 917-633-1718 to get your baked treats, join an icing class, or to place your advance orders. 

    You may also visit M Bakery at the 2nd floor of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City or call +639178221262 to place your advance orders. You may also find M Bakery on GrabFood, Food Panda and Pick.A.Roo. To learn more about M Bakery’s products and treats, follow M Bakery on Facebook or Instagram. 

  • Cinemalaya’s Retrospective Shorts to Showcase Films from 2020 and 2021

    After two (2) consecutive years of online streaming, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival returns to onsite screenings and offers the Retrospective Shorts section on August 7, 9, 10, and 12 at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

    The Retrospective Shorts section gives a chance for audiences to rewatch and relive the stories of the 16th (2020) and 17th (2021) edition Cinemalaya entries at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

    Award winners Tokwifi (Star) by Carla Pulido Ocampo, Pabasa Kan Pasyon by Hubert Tibi, and Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under The Sun) by Reeden Fajardo are slated on August 7 at 9:00 pm, and August 9 at 3:00 pm; along with the finalists Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert (The Broken Vinyl Record) by Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori, and Fatigued by James Robin Mayo.

    Tokwifi was hailed as the Best Short Film of the 16th edition of Cinemalaya, as well as the most honored film for bagging two (2) awards, including the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) Jury Prize.  Delving into the world of a Bontok Igorot man and a trapped 1950s showbiz star in television, Tokwifi explored love amidst glaring contrast between the traditional and modern beliefs of the characters.

    Living Things by Martika Ramirez Escobar, and Ang Pagpakalma Sa Unos (To Calm the Pig Inside) by Joanna Vasquez Arong which were awarded Best Direction, and Special Jury Prize, respectively in 2020, will be showing on August 9 at 6:15 pm, and August 10 at 9:00 PM; along with Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento, The Slums by Jan Andrei Cobey, Utwas (Arise) by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay.

    Bagging Audience Choice Award, Special Jury Prize, NETPAC Jury Prize during Cinemalaya 2021, An Sadit na Planeta (The Little Planet) by Arjanmar H. Rebeta is among the films showing on August 9 at 9:00 pm, and August 10 at 3:30 pm; along with Maski Papano (I Mask Go On) by Che Tagyamon and Glenn Barit, Crossing by Marc Misa, Kawatan sa Salog (A Toy in the River) by Alphie Velasco, Looking for Rafflesias And Other Fleeting Things by James Fajardo, Out of Body by Enrico Po, and Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Lola Mayumi by Shiri De Leon.

    Cinemalaya 2021 Best Short Film, Beauty Queen by Myra Aquino, will be showing on August 10 at 6:15 pm, and August 12 at 9:00 pm, along with Namnama En Lolang (Grandmother’s Hope) by Jonnie Lyn P. Dasalla, Kids on Fire by Kyle Nieva, Ate OG by Kevin Mayuga, The Dust In Your Place by David Olson, and Ang Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa (The Lost Hopes and Flavors) by Kevin Jay Ayson and Mark Moneda.

    Directed by Myra Aquino, Beauty Queen delved into the life of a beauty queen-turned soldier during World War II.  It bagged the coveted balanghai trophy “for its overall technical and artistic excellence, its fine ensemble acting, and its bold storytelling into an eclectic chapter in Philippine history.”

    The Retrospective Shorts is part of the 18th edition of Cinemalaya which will happen from August 5 to August 14, 2022.

    For more information about Retrospective Shorts sets, visit the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the CCP and Cinemalaya official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Cinemalaya 18 Breaks Through the Noise with Talkback Sessions

    With the return of the Philippines’ most-anticipated independent film festival’s on-site screenings, Cinemalaya 18 features eight-day talkback sessions with the directors of the films in competition, from August 3 to August 13, 2022. 

    The Talkback sessions provide a great opportunity for the audience to acquire deeper insights about the film they have watched through an interactive discussion with the filmmakers themselves.

    The following is the schedule for the Talkback sessions for the competition films (full-length films and short features), which will primarily take place at the CCP Cinemalaya Tent and the Main Gallery.

    There are three planned at chosen malls, particularly Megamall, Glorietta, and TriNoma:

    On AUGUST 6, 5:30 PM, director Rainerio C. Yamson II is slated for a discussion of his film Angkas (The Backride) to be held at the Cinemalaya Tent.  Angkas tells the story of two estranged friends mending their broken past as they embark on a journey while riding a habal-habal to fetch the corpse of their deceased pal.  At 6:30 PM in the same venue, Bakit Di Mo Sabihin (Tell Her) director Real S. Florido is open for conversation on his unique film. The aforementioned film is about a deaf couple who discovers that what is separating them is not their inability to communicate verbally or audibly.

    On AUGUST 7, 5:30 PM, get a chance to hear director Ronald Espinosa Batallones as he talks about his film Batsoy, which will take place at the Cinemalaya Tent. The story of Batsoy is about two young brothers who start on a fantastical adventure to satisfy their intense and delectable hunger for batsoy.  Later at 8:30 PM, director Roman S. Perez Jr. is set to talk about his film Kaluskos (Rustles) at the same venue.  His film follows the story of a single mother who is in the midst of a custody dispute discovers something under her daughter’s bed that will make her doubt whether she truly loves the child.

    On AUGUST 8, 5:30 PM, director Sheenly Gener’s talkback for Bula sa Langit (Trigger) is slated at the CCP Main Gallery.  Her film tells the story of a young soldier who returns home after surviving a siege to fight in a new conflict.  On the other hand, the talkback for Shorts A is slated for 8:30 PM at the Cinemalaya Tent.  Shorts A comprises six films namely: Roundtrip to Happiness directed by Claudia Fernando, Mata Kang Busay (Vision of The Falls) directed by Niño B. Maldecir, Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol (It’s Raining Frogs Outside) directed by Maria Estela Paiso, Kwits (Quits) directed by Raz de la Torre, Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Baras (The Dreams That Are Written On The Sand) directed by Arlie Sweet Sumagsay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, and City of Flowers directed by Xeph Suarez.

    On AUGUST 9, 5:30 PM, director Carlo Obispo talks about his film The Baseball Player at the Cinemalaya Tent.  The story of the aforementioned film is about a Moro child soldier who dreams of becoming a baseball player in the midst of an all-out war. The talkback for Shorts B follows at 8:30 PM in the same venue. Shorts B is composed of six films including: Si Oddie directed by Maria Kydlee Torato, Duwa-Duwa (The Play) directed by Nena Jane Achacoso, Distance directed by Dexter Paul De Jesus, Dikit directed by Gabriela Serrano, See you, George! directed by Mark Moneda, and Black Rainbow directed by Zig Dulay.

    On AUGUST 10, 6:30 PM, director Christian Paolo Lat will talk about his film Ginhawa (Solace) at Megamall.  His film tells the story of an aspiring boxer who gets punched by the harsh reality of the sport as he fights his way through the top. At 8:00 PM, Glorietta, director TM Malones expounds on his film Kargo (Cargo). The film follows the story of a woman who finally exacts retribution on the person who killed her whole family in order to free herself from the heavy burden of her past.

    On AUGUST 11, 5:30 PM, 12 Weeks is open for discussion with its director Anna Isabelle Matutina at the CCP Main Gallery. Her film tackles the struggles of a single, 40-year-old woman as she is pushed to deal with the thoughts of motherhood.  Following at the same venue is another talkback for Ginhawa (Solace) at 8:30 PM with director Christian Paolo Lat. At 3:30 PM, TriNoma, directors Cynthia and Milo Paz are expected to have a discourse on their film Retirada (The Retiree).  The film will tell the story of a retired government official’s new hobby which causes existential crisis and financial difficulties.

    On AUGUST 12, 8:30 PM, director Ma-an Asuncion will talk to the audience about her film Blue Room at the Cinemalaya Tent.  The film follows the members of a progressive rock band who must decide whether to choose freedom or to stick up for their principles.

    On AUGUST 13, 3:00 PM, Kargo (Cargo) is scheduled for another discussion with TM Malones at the Cinemalaya Tent. Following at 8:30 PM, the last talkback is with directors Cynthia and Milo Paz for their film Retirada (The Retiree).

    In its 18th edition, the theme Breaking Through The Noise reflects the idea that Cinemalaya 2022 is alive and returning to in-house showing of various films and is looking forward to a brighter future.  Its key visual, especially the eyeball, expresses the thought of continuity and relevance of independent cinema today.

    For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and Cinemalaya (https://cinemalaya.org/) websites. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.

  • DarnaCon to Land at Robinsons Malls This August

    Ahead of Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series premiere on August 15, some folks have spotted Darna’s silhouette on top of several Robinsons Malls around the Metro. If that made you excited about the upcoming superhero series, there’s more to look forward to: Robinsons Malls has fun Darna-inspired experiences and activities lined up this August. Mark your calendars and head over to these Robinsons Malls to get you hyped up for Darna!

    From August 3 to September 3, you can channel your inner superhero at several Robinsons Malls. Drop by the Darna Photobooth and take snaps as you strike a pose inspired by the Pinoy superheroine. You can find these photobooths at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Place Las Piñas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Place General Trias, Robinsons Place Antipolo, Robinsons Cainta, and Robinsons Galleria South. Don’t forget to share your Darna-inspired photos on the Robinsons Malls’ Facebook page!

    Want to meet the Darna cast? On August 6, catch the DarnaCon happening at Robinsons Novaliches at 12 p.m., Robinsons Galleria at 3 p.m., and Robinsons Place Manila at 6 p.m. Aside from special performances by the Darna cast, the DarnaCon lets you participate in a Darna cosplay contest and win prizes in games. To secure seats to any of these events, make sure to download the RMalls+ app.

    DARNA SHADOW

    Towards the end of August, you can drop by selected Robinsons Malls to take photos with the Live Darna standee. A big surprise awaits at these Robinsons Malls’ standee spots—it’s called a “live” Darna standee for a reason. The Live Darna Standee will make its stops at Robinsons Antipolo (12 p.m.), Robinsons Galleria (3 p.m.), and Robinsons Malabon (6 p.m.) on August 27, and at Robinsons Place Manila (12 p.m.), Robinsons Otis (3 p.m.), and Robinsons Place Las Piñas (6 p.m.) on August 28.

    Robinsons Malls is home to TV and big screen favorites where customers get to meet and mingle with celebrities and heroes like Darna – a Filipino favorite by Mars Ravelo which airs on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5. The series will also be available on ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.

    Jane de Leon shall star in the series alongside Iza Calzado, Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, and Zaijan Jaranilla.  It is directed by Chito Roño alongside co-directors Avel Sunpongco and Benedict Mique.
    For more information, visit www.robinsonsmalls.com or follow RobinsonsMalls on Facebook; @RobinsonsMallsOfficial on Instagram; and @RobinsonsMalls on Twitter.

  • Jared Leto and Jamie Lee Curtis to Star in Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ Movie

    Morbius star Jared Leto and Halloween actress Jamie Lee Curtis are set to join the cast of Disney’s live-action Haunted Mansion movie.

    The film will be based on the classic Disney Land and Disney World attraction of the same name. According to Entertainment Weekly, Leto will play the “Hatbox Ghost” while Curtis will play Madame Leota, the psychic whose head appears inside the iconic crystal ball. Haunted Mansion will follow a mother who attempts to exorcise these ghosts and more from the haunted mansion.

    Justin Simien helms the project, which will also star Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Tiffany Haddish. It will be Disney’s second attempt to put their attraction into the big screen after the 2003 film starring Eddie Murphy.

    Haunted Mansion is set to release in the US on March 10, 2023. Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

  • Jamie Campbell Bower of ‘Stranger Things’ to Release New Single ‘I Am’

    Jamie Campbell Bower, the actor who plays Vecna in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, is set to release a new single titled I Am.

    Aside from being an actor, Bower is also a musician and was a member of the London rock band Counterfeit. The star made the announcement on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that his new single, I Am, will be released on August 12.

    “I am so excited. Everything just feels not real right now,” Bower told Fallon. Bower also announced in the show that he will be starring in a Western film alongside Kevin Costner.

    Another highlight of the episode is Bower speaking in the voice of Vecna, but with lines that would never come out of Vecna’s mouth, not until now. You can watch the whole interview between Fallon and Bower below:

    Watch Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna now on Stranger Things season 4, only on Netflix. Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

    —
    Homestream image from Jamie Campbell Bower’s ‘Paralysed (Live From The Alter)‘ video on YouTube.

  • Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada Seek Vengeance in “Bullet Train”

    Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    In the film “Bullet Train”, Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan from David Leitch, the director of Deadpool 2.

    Japanese-British actor/martial artist Andrew Koji plays the role of Kimura, a low-level Tokyo criminal who has hit rock bottom. An alcoholic in a perpetual haze, he boards the train ready to exact his revenge on the unknown culprit who attacked his son and ultimately redeem himself and restore honor to his family name.

    BT Andrew Koji
    Andrew Koji as Kimura (courtesy of Columbia Pictures)

    For Koji, the complexity of the character and the film’s relatable themes of luck and family resonated. “I’ve never seen a character like Kimura before, let alone in a big Hollywood film like Bullet Train.  From the moment you first see him, you know he’s a man in crisis, made worse by the disapproval of his father. He’s a decisive moment that incites the whole film and his storyline.”

    “This film is about luck, and like Ladybug, I think Kimura’s always felt unlucky his whole life,” Koji continues. “When you have a victim mentality, you attract that kind of energy.   But he’ll have a moment when his luck turns around.”

    ANDREW KOJI
    Andrew Koji as Kimura (courtesy of Columbia Pictures)

    “Andrew’s character is the heartbeat of the movie,” says Leitch. “It’s definitely Ladybug’s story, but the emotional center – and the most complex relationship in the movie – is the relationship between Kimura and The Elder.”

    As Kimura’s stoic, unyielding father, known as the Elder, Hiroyuki Sanada takes on the multi-layered character of the modest florist who is fiercely protective of his family.  Even as Kimura loses himself in a bottle and feels the enormous shame he’s brought to his family, the Elder knows his son is a survivor. “Getting the role was a dream, but then I find out that Hiroyuki Sanada is playing my dad,” says Koji. “This whole experience has been a bit surreal.  I never saw my path ever crossing with Hiroyuki Sanada.”

    HIROYUKI SANADA
    Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder (courtesy of Columbia Pictures)

    When the Elder, worried about Kimura, boards the train, he shares some sage wisdom with Ladybug. “He explains the lore of Tentou-mushi – Japanese for ladybug,” says screenwriter Zak Olkewicz. “The explanation is that there is a spot on its back for each of the seven sorrows of the world of mankind. Tentou-mushi isn’t lucky – it holds all the bad luck, so others may live in peace with good luck. That, to me, is such a beautiful moment – a discussion of acceptance of your place in the world.”

    Bullet Train is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #BulletTrainMovie