Tag: Past Lives

  • New Movies This Week: ‘Deliver Us,’ ‘Gran Turismo,’ ‘Past Lives,’ and more!

    Get ready for a movie marathon with this week’s exciting releases! From the gripping suspense in ‘Deliver Us,’ the high-octane excitement in ‘Gran Turismo,’ to the emotive depths of ‘Past Lives,’ and even the soulful rhythms of ‘Kang Daniel: My Parade,’ every genre enthusiast is in for a treat. Plus, with releases like ‘Honey Sweet’ and ‘Swing’ boasting stellar casts, your cinematic adventure is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Ready to plan your movie-filled week? Whether you’re a fan of heart-thumping car races, a K-Pop enthusiast, or someone seeking an emotional roller-coaster, there’s something tailor-made just for you. So, ready to map out your movie marathon? 

    DELIVER US

    2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 41 mins
    HORROR
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    In the chilling confines of a remote convent, a mysterious nun claims she’s been blessed with an immaculate conception, bearing twins. But as the Vatican intervenes, concerned about an age-old prophecy, the narrative takes a dark turn. One child could be the Messiah, and the other? The Antichrist. As secrets unravel, the nun finds herself hunted by the ominous Vox Dei society, determined to stop the prophecy at any cost. With only a conflicted priest at her side, will she escape the impending doom, or will the prophecy come to pass? Step into a world where faith, destiny, and horror intertwine.

    ALL FUN AND GAMES

    2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 16 mins
    DRAMA, HORROR, THRILLER
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    From the visionary minds of Ari Costa and Eren Celeboglu and produced by the renowned Russo brothers’ AGBO, comes “All Fun and Games.” A seemingly harmless discovery in the woods spirals into a nightmarish ordeal for a group of teens. Unearthing a cursed knife, they unwittingly release a vengeful demon hell-bent on a sinister deathmatch. As they grapple with the horror, a childhood game with their menacing older cousin takes a dark turn, awakening “The Skarrow” – a malevolent force with a taste for cruelty. A tale of innocence lost, be prepared for a heart-racing battle of wills where it’s more than just a game; it’s a fight for survival.

    GRAN TURISMO: BASED ON A TRUE STORY

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 14 mins
    ACTION, DRAMA
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    In this gripping cinematic journey directed by the acclaimed Neill Blomkamp, “Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story” shifts gears from virtual to reality. Inspired by the iconic PLAYSTATION STUDIOS video game, the film chronicles the life of a passionate gamer whose unparalleled skills on the digital track lead him to the world of professional racecar driving. With a screenplay penned by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, the movie takes audiences on a thrilling race against destiny, filled with challenges, aspirations, and high-octane drama. Boasting an ensemble cast featuring David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, and more, this riveting tale blurs the lines between gaming and the real world, proving that dreams have no finish line. Produced by an elite team, including Doug Belgrad and Asad Qizilbash, and with the guiding touch of executive producers like Kazunori Yamauchi, this film is set to rev up your cinematic experience.

    HONEY SWEET

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 58 mins
    COMEDY
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    In “Honey Sweet,” Chi-ho, a gifted confectionery mastermind known for creating irresistibly addictive flavors, discovers life’s true sweetness upon crossing paths with Il-yeong, a hopeful call center agent who finds silver linings in every situation. As their worlds intertwine, both undergo transformative experiences, adding layers of depth and flavor to their lives. With a star-studded cast including Kim Hee Sun, Yoo Hae Jin, and Jin Seon Kyu, and under the masterful direction of Lee Han, this film promises delectable moments, profound changes, and the realization that life’s sweetness can be found in the most unexpected places.

    KANG DANIEL: MY PARADE

    2023 • G • 1 hr 48 mins
    CONCERT, DOCUMENTARY

    From shining as a pivotal member of a top-tier K-pop ensemble to embracing the limelight solo, “Kang Daniel: My Parade” offers an intimate look into KANGDANIEL’s transformative journey. Navigating challenges and finding his authentic voice, the film captures the lead-up to his electrifying “FIRST PARADE” concert in Seoul, the kickstart of a global tour. Through candid rehearsals, up-close personal moments, and raw interviews, viewers witness KANGDANIEL’s passion and dedication. But beyond the glitz and glamour, it’s a tribute to perseverance and the universal quest to chase one’s dreams. Join the parade – not just for KANGDANIEL, but for every dreamer out there.

    MONDAY FIRST SCREENING

    2023 • G • 1 hr 44 mins
    COMEDY, ROMANCE
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    Delve into the delightful twists of love revisited in “Monday First Screening.” This heartwarming romantic comedy, led by cinema legends Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar, captures the enchanting notion that sometimes, love grows even sweeter on the second take. Experience this delightful testament to love’s lasting allure.

    PAST LIVES

    2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 45 mins
    DRAMA, ROMANCE
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    In the heartbeat of New York City, “Past Lives” beautifully captures the reunion of two estranged childhood friends whose paths diverged years ago. Navigating destiny, choices, and the complexities of love, the film delves deep into the repercussions of decisions and the unbreakable bond between them. Celebrated for its evocative storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, it’s no surprise this film stands out as a cinematic gem for the year.

    SWING

    2023 • R-16 • 2 hrs 11 mins
    DRAMA
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    In “Swing,” Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing bring to life the poignant tale of a married couple, Kevin and Pam, grappling with the strains of infertility. As Kevin seeks solace in the arms of other women, a heartbroken Pam discovers his betrayal. Instead of parting ways, they venture to Switzerland, embracing an open-marriage setup. Amidst the snowy Swiss landscapes, Pam finds herself entwined with a local, challenging the very fabric of their relationship. A compelling exploration of love, trust, and unconventional choices.

    TOUKEN RANBU: THE MOVIE 2

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 54 mins
    ACTION, FANTASY

    Set in the year 995, “Touken Ranbu: The Movie 2” unveils a secretive dialogue between Michinaga Fujiwara and Seimei Abe that propels Yorimitsu Minamoto on a perilous quest to conquer the ghost Shutendoji, lurking in Oe Mountain. However, the mission turns tumultuous with the unexpected entry of charismatic warriors: Munechika Mikazuki, Kunihiro Yamanbagiri, Hasebe Heshikiri, and Toushirou Honebami. Together, they stand as the guardians of history, intertwining fate with the past’s mysteries in this epic historical drama.

    FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

    These films continue to draw in audiences, so if you haven’t caught them yet, better make your way to the cinemas soon! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in cinemas:

    TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
    ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY
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    AFTERSUN

    2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 41 mins
    DRAMA
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    RETRIBUTION

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 30 mins
    ACTION, THRILLER
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    WISH YOU WERE THE ONE

    2023 • PG • 1 hrs 49 mins
    DRAMA
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    BLUE BEETLE

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 7 mins
    ACTION, SCIENCE FICTION
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    THE MOON

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 9 mins
    ACTION, DRAMA, SCIENCE FICTION
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    MEG 2: THE TRENCH

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 55 mins
    ACTION, HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION
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    BARBIE

    2023 • PG • 1 hr 53 mins
    COMEDY
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    OPPENHEIMER

    2023 • R-16 • 3 hrs
    BIOGRAPHY, DRAMA, HISTORY
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    MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 44 mins
    ACTION, ADVENTURE, THRILLER
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    There you have it, movie buffs! A splendid mix of films just waiting to be explored. So, what will it be? Will you find solace in drama, seek adrenaline in action, or perhaps venture into both? This week’s lineup offers a diverse range of cinematic treats to suit every taste. Don’t miss your chance to catch these must-see flicks while they’re still showing. Have a great time at the movies!

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Quiet, intimate, and deeply moving, ‘Past Lives’ is an exquisitely made film propelled by great performances

    There’s something poetic and lyrical about the way ‘Past Lives’ unfolds as a film. Writer and director Celine Song shows off her theatrical background by weaving a story that is so elegantly paced and designed that it could almost be a play, but the first-time director uses the camera to really get into the intricacies of these characters’ feelings and inner worlds that pushes against its theatrical mode and into the realm of cinema. It’s a very delicate three-person story that spans for 24 years and teases upon hundreds of past lives before.

    The narrative follows the basic three-act structure and does it with such precision. It shows us only exactly what we need, and it never dawdles. It’s a tight story at 106 minutes. We begin with Na Young and Hae Sung, two classmates living in Seoul. They are best friends who compete over who gets the highest grades in class but also confides with each other and play all the time. They are undeniably each other’s first love but when Na Young’s family immigrates to Canada, the two must say goodbye. Twelve years later, the two reconnect. Na Young, who has changed her name to Nora is now working towards being a writer while Hae Sung just finished military service and is back in school. They communicate online, adjusting to the time differences and the connection is as strong as ever (though the internet connection isn’t always so). Life happens and they have to go their separate ways again until another twelve years has passed and this time everything has changed. Nora is now married to Arthur (as shown in the trailer) and is living in New York but Hae Sung is finally coming to visit and all the loose ends of their relationship will be tugged to test its limits.

    Past Lives

    ‘Past Lives’ thrives in the personal and intimate. It has no sweeping statements about love or the immigrant life, which is a strong factor that plays out in Nora’s relationships with these two men: the man she knew when she was living in another country and the man she is now married to in her new home. The dialogue can sometimes play out like a piece for theater except that the actors – Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro – throw them out with such ease that it is believable. Their delivery has so much spontaneity that it feels real, even if it is so eloquent and articulate.

    Past Lives Final
    Photo credit: Jon Pack

    And while the film is really just moments of talking, director Celine Song is very aware of how to use space and the camera to place these characters in the midst of their milieu. Song is so confident as to just let a quiet scene unfold like when Nora arrives at a writer’s residency in Montauk, and she explores the empty house she’ll be writing in. The textures of the production design play off with the lighting, the music, and even Greta Lee’s presence. Nothing majors is happening and yet it’s so importantly contextually for where Nora is at that point of her life – when she is finding space away from Hae Sung and the arrival of Arthur into her life.

    As a director, Celine Song ensures the camera captures all the magnificent work her actors are doing. As a writer, she gives them an amazing amount of thoughts to articulate that never quite says what they really want to say in the first two acts. Much like real life, these characters are saying something but are desperately wanting to say something else. The subtext hangs heavy in the air but you can see it in the way each actor physicalizes their character’s inner world. It’s only in the final act that things that need to be said are finally let loose and it happens in the most powerfully staged scene possible – Nora, Arthur, and Hae Sung are seated at a bar and the two childhood friends can be honest with each other in Korean while the American husband can only wonder – and then, the big finale of the film, its one that is done in absolute silence but the emotions hang heavy in the air and in the stellar portrayal of Greta Lee.

    ‘Past Lives’ is a quiet, intimate, and very personal film. But it’s the way by which Celine Song treats the material that makes it feel big and universal. Honestly? It’s the kind of movies that I miss seeing in the cinema. A quiet, unimposing film that manages to find breadth and grandness in the most private of desires and dreams of individuals. There is a poetic elegance to ‘Past Lives’ that is amplified by an incredible musical score Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen and by the impeccable acting of Greta Lee, John Magaro, and Teo Yoo. I’d love for the three to get nominations in every award-giving body with Celine Song getting a nod, at the very least for screenwriting.

    My Rating:

    stars 5 0




    PAST LIVES opens on August 30. Check the screening times and buy your tickets here!

  • Reconnect with Destiny and Love in ‘Past Lives’: A Must-Watch Movie Coming to PH Cinemas!

    Great news for movie enthusiasts! Get ready to be captivated by an extraordinary cinematic experience as TBA Studios proudly presents the highly acclaimed film “Past Lives” in Philippine cinemas from August 30, 2023. This heartrending modern romance will take you on a nostalgic journey of destiny, love, and life’s choices.

    What’s the Story?
    “Past Lives” revolves around two childhood friends whose lives took different paths, causing them to drift apart. Fast forward two decades, and their destinies collide once again in the bustling city of New York. As the plot unfolds, they are faced with profound questions about destiny, love, and the impact of their life-altering choices. With stunning cinematography and a gripping narrative, this film has garnered widespread acclaim, earning its title as one of the must-watch movies of the year!

    Why You Shouldn’t Miss It?
    Imagine a cinematic masterpiece that not only tugs at your heartstrings but also leaves a profound mark on your soul. “Past Lives” promises just that! The film has already won the hearts of critics and audiences worldwide, and now it’s ready to cast its spell on Philippine viewers.

    TBA Studios President and COO, Daphne O. Chiu, expressed her excitement about bringing “Past Lives” to the Philippines. This hauntingly beautiful film is bound to make a lasting impression on everyone who watches it. As a studio committed to delivering top-tier international films, TBA Studios has curated a remarkable lineup of titles, and “Past Lives” is undoubtedly a gem among them.

    Past Lives Final
    Photo credit: Jon Pack

    A Tale of Love and Reunion
    At the heart of “Past Lives” lies a tale of love and reunion, crafted with finesse by writer-director Celine Song. The film stars the talented Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, who bring life to the deeply connected characters.

    TBA Studios and A24 – A Dynamic Partnership
    “Past Lives” marks the third partnership between TBA Studios and A24, following the successful Philippine releases of “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “The Whale.” This dynamic duo continues to enrich the local cinema scene, bringing us the best of the best from the global film landscape.

    poster 3

    Mark Your Calendar!
    Set your reminders and gather your friends for a movie date on August 30, 2023. “Past Lives” will grace theaters across the nation, providing you with an unforgettable cinematic experience that will linger long after the credits roll.

    Embrace destiny, love, and the choices that shape our lives as you immerse yourself in the world of “Past Lives.” Whether you’re a devoted cinephile or simply looking for an extraordinary movie night, this film promises to be a must-watch event for all.