YOLO tells the story of Leying (Jia Ling) who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Leying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Haokun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.
Find out why YOLO, which has charmed audiences around the world (it has a 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes) is highly rated.
“YOLO made us laugh, cry and root for the director and lead star Jia Ling. It’s eye-opening and life-changing but not without a good dose of light comedy. A must-watch, most definitely. It’s 12 rounds out of 10 for me – total knockout,” raves content creator Coach Abby.
Movie critic Wanggo Gallaga writes “YOLO is a comedy that knows how to tug at the heart strings and uses film language to really amplify the underdog story that is at its core. A well-crafted surprise.”
Film reviewer Jonell Estillore cheers: “YOLO – Five stars! #Oscars2025”
“Get ready to iyak-tawa in cinemas!” advises pop culture blogger Ica Cheng. “YOLO teaches us that we can win in life on our own terms, and not what society, or our family dictates. It is truly a heartwarming and inspiring film that will have you laughing all throughout.”
Entertainment writer Bong Godinez lauds YOLO as a film that “where cinematic poetry intertwines with profound life lessons. It captures this delicate balance, combining subtlety with boldness to deliver its message.”
Raves journalist MJ Marfori, “YOLO is in my Top 5 greatest films of all time. People need to see this!”
YOLO was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, is now in cinemas. #YOLOmovie @columbiapicph
Get set for a fantastic week at the cinemas! Whether you’re drawn to the historical espionage of “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” the chilling twists of “Abigail,” the apocalyptic tension in “Arcadian,” the romantic mysteries of “Under Parallel Skies,” the emotional discoveries in “X & Y,” or the motivational tale of “Yolo,” there’s a film ready to capture your imagination. Each film brings its unique flavor to the big screen, featuring dynamic casts and gripping storylines that promise a well-rounded movie-going experience. Make sure to catch these new releases that span genres from action and comedy to drama and horror—there’s truly a movie for everyone this week!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2024 • PG • 1 hr 59 mins ACTION, COMEDY, HISTORY, THRILLER, WAR BUY TICKETS
Kicking off with a bang, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” promises to be a rollicking ride through the lesser-known corridors of World War II history. Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Alan Ritchson, this film brings together action, comedy, and a dash of historical intrigue. Directed by the skilled hands that once crafted iconic spy thrillers, this film explores how Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming birthed a clandestine combat group that would redefine modern warfare. Expect a blend of gritty action sequences and a thrilling plot that’s as strategic as it is explosive.
Switching gears to something darker, “Abigail” presents a horror-thriller that turns the tables on a group of hapless criminals. The storyline twists around a seemingly simple kidnapping that goes horrifyingly wrong. Featuring Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera, and Dan Stevens, this film is set in an eerie, isolated mansion where nothing is as it seems. As the night progresses, each captor’s nightmare comes to life, making “Abigail” a gripping watch filled with suspense and unexpected frights.
For those who lean towards sci-fi mixed with horror, “Arcadian” offers a bleak glimpse into a post-apocalyptic future. Starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, and Maxwell Jenkins, this film paints a grim picture of a family’s daily struggle against a mysterious evil that hunts them every night. The intensity escalates when a desperate search for a missing family member leads to a night filled with terror and a fight for survival. This film is perfect for those who crave heart-pounding action and nerve-wracking suspense.
In the realm of drama and romance, “Under Parallel Skies” tells a story of painful pasts and mysterious connections. Starring Metawin Opas-iamkajorn and Janella Salvador, this film explores the serendipitous link between two seemingly unrelated lives. As the layers of their past unfold, the characters find themselves entangled in a love story that is as enchanting as it is heartbreaking. This movie is a must-watch for those who love a good cry and a romance that promises more than just fleeting butterflies.
Another romantic drama hitting the screens is “X & Y,” where chance encounters lead to unexpected journeys. Featuring Ina Raymundo and Will Ashley, this film combines the charm of road trips with the discovery of new love. As the characters travel together, their pasts and presents intertwine, making for a compelling narrative about forgiveness, family, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
2024 • R-13 • 2 hrs 9 mins ACTION, COMEDY, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
Rounding out this week’s releases, “YOLO” returns to offer more of Leying’s inspiring journey from solitude to self-discovery. Jia Ling not only directs but stars in this action-comedy-drama that follows Leying as she finds new purpose in life through boxing. This film is a testament to the power of second chances and personal transformation, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy uplifting stories with a hearty dose of humor and drama.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
This week’s array of movies offers a mix of laughter, tears, thrills, and chills. Whether you’re planning a solo movie night or a cinema outing with friends or family, there’s a film on offer that will meet your mood. So, grab your popcorn and head to your nearest cinema to catch these captivating movies that promise to entertain, inspire, and perhaps even change the way you see the world. Happy watching!
YOLO tells the story of Leying (Jia Ling) who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Leying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Haokun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.
Get to know the characters that bring the highly rated movie to life!
From escaping reality to undergoing a brave transformation, Leying finally makes up her mind to reinvent herself and finds a way to love herself in boxing, hoping to “win just once” in life.
Leying’s sister, Ledan has a very strong personality. She and Leying seem to be living in two different channels, and she is completely unable to understand Leying’s behavior.
The boss of the BBQ shop that Leying works in. He has an oily appearance and flirtatious behavior, and he often uses various pretexts to flirt with female employees.
A famous poet, writer and scholar living in Europe. He believes that reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles.
YOLO was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLOmovie @columbiapicph
The first thirty minutes of ‘YOLO’ was a little difficult to jump into – the first act takes its time to establish the world of its main character Leying (performed by Jia Ling, who is also the director and co-writer of the movie), an overweight bum, who lives with her parents and does not have a job. In the first half-hour, the film is filled with jokes and jabs that are meant to shame Leying for being overweight and lazy, oftentimes bordering on jokes that are insensitive and in the general area of fat-shaming. She gets into a fight with her sister while also discovering her boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend. While some jokes are funny – the ones not centering around her weight or laziness – it’s mostly a difficult first half hour to stomach.
When Leying finally leaves home, sets out on her own, to get a job and distance herself from her family and friends who have treated her with so much disdain does the film find its footing and begins to soar. Lying meets up with a boxing coach just across her place of work and a series of hilarious mishaps puts them together and she finds herself motivated to get her life in order. The remaining three-fourths of the film is a hilarious, inspiring story about a woman taking charge of her life having felt like a loser for the past decade.
‘YOLO’ is Jia Ling’s sophomore directorial effort after the popular and successful debut outing ‘Hi, Mom.’ In preparation for this film, Jia Ling gained 20 kilograms to play Leying and then lost just so much more in the film. The film took over a year to shoot because it included Leying’s incredible transformation in setting her life straight. If all stories are centered around a change, this is the most cinematic of changes that happens in ‘YOLO’ because it does not involve any sort of camera tricks or special effects. It’s all practical real-world transformation that goes in step with the film’s story beats for its full effect.
Jia Ling’s directing is quite sophisticated and underscores her training as a comedian. She knows how to set up the camera and edit to maximize the comedy. There’s a subversive way that she uses the conventions of the romantic comedy to land a punchline and really set up the story that really pushes Leying to the wall and force her to make the necessary changes that would improve her life. There’s an excellent use of music, of mise-en-scene, and an unpredictable way the narrative shifts and turns that keeps ‘YOLO’ from being run-of-the-mill or predictable.
At its core, the film is an underdog story that takes its time to really amplify Leying’s lot in life. It never takes the time to underscore how she got into the rut in the first place. It’s not the point of the film. It does not judge her for it. What the film is interested in are the factors that motivated her to make the change. Despite its brutal first thirty-minutes, the last hour and a half really turns around, much like Leying, and delivers the comedy while creating an emotional investment with the character and then allowing it to reach a satisfying ending that feels earned and offers some catharsis.
Jia Ling is captivating as Leying. She is unafraid to make her so bereft of charm at the beginning of the film but manages to pull it out mid-movie as she plays off the equally wonderful Lei Jiayin, who plays her boxing coach Hao Kun. The way they play off each other as a very unsuspecting rom-com couple is used for all its comedic magic and it works very well in establishing the film’s rather triumphant second act. But the way by which the film keeps shifting and turning and moving to unexpected places is what keeps ‘YOLO’ from being what you would think it is. This is what makes Jia Ling so exciting. This is her sophomore directorial effort and she already is exercising such precision and control of her craft. I’m very much excited to see what else she sets out to do. There’s no question as to why ‘YOLO’ is the biggest blockbuster film in China for this year. It has all the laughs but still manages to present a tender heart beneath all that comedy.
My Rating:
YOLO opens in PH cinemas April 17 with sneak previews on April 8 and 9. Check screening times and buy tickets in advance here.
The global box-office sensation, YOLO, is punching its way to Philippine cinemas! See it first in sneak previews on April 8 and 9, and find out why YOLO is highly rated. Regular cinema run starts April 17.
YOLO tells the story of Le Ying who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.
The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
Says Cui Ting, a reviewer in China, “While directing the film, Jia Ling also needed to be ‘in character’ with all she can, to ignite the character and emotional empathy with the audience. This film truly ignites the passion from the audience, you can tell it from the standing ovation at the end of the film. Jia Ling wins at this film.”
You only live once. Laugh and cry along with YOLO’s international movie audience. YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO @columbiapicph
China’s top grossing female director Jia Ling’s hit comedy drama YOLOhas made over $1.5 million in the United States/Canada since its theatrical debut on International Women’s Day on March 8. Distributed via Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI), the film has made a total of $2.8 million in SPRI markets through Sunday, March 17, including $1.5 million from the U.S./Canada. Sony Pictures International Productions acquired international distribution rights to the hit film written, directed and starring Jia Ling.
Coming off its incredible performance in China and positive audience reaction, the Chinese-language film was released in 200 U.S./Canadian theaters on March 8 and had a superb opening weekend of $840K ($4,200 per location average), securing a spot in the Top 10 at the U.S./Canadian weekend box office. The film is currently playing in theaters.
Outside of the U.S./Canada, SPRI has released the film in Australia and New Zealand (combined running gross of $615K), with Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore to open on March 21, the Philippines on April 17 and Thailand on April 18.
Since opening in China on February 10, YOLO became a sensation and grossed $484 million at the local box office and has become the highest-grossing film over the Lunar New Year holiday and retained the #1 spot two weekends in a row. Worldwide, the film has made a combined $486 million through March 17.
Le Ying (played by Jia Ling) has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin). Just when she thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just beginning.
YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.
The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO
About YOLO
YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life.
Directed and written by: Jia Ling
Starring: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin
Opening on April 17, 2024, YOLO is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #YOLO @columbiapicph
Sony Pictures recently acquired the international distribution rights to the film, and it will open in Philippine cinemas, via Columbia Pictures, on April 17. Directed by Jia Ling, YOLO is the biggest grossing film so far for 2024, earning a massive $475 million at the global box office to date.
YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.
The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom ($839 million at the global box office), which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.
Ling reportedly lost 110 pounds (50 kilograms) for her role in YOLO, inspiring a fitness and sports craze among its audience.
Says Master Wen Dao Shen, a movie reviewer in China: “The topic of this film is not how Jia Ling lost her weight, but rather the process of how she becomes stronger and starts to love herself. She plays Leying with her whole heart and soul. This is more than sincerity, this is courage.”
YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO
About YOLO
YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life.
