CINEMA BRAVO

Top 5 Korean series to watch on Netflix with family

More reasons to stay entertained at home! Staying at home means more bonding time with your family. Now is the best time to catch up with your favorite TV series and movies. We listed down the top five Korean shows you can binge-watch on Netflix and enjoy with the whole family right now:

Crash Landing On You

Everyone’s talking about it. You’ve seen all the memes. If you haven’t checked out this hit show yet, now is the time to do just that. As the title implies, a rich South Korean CEO accidentally ends up across the border in North Korea, and she must rely on a North Korean soldier’s help to try and get back home. Of course, it isn’t that easy—and for sure, a relationship blossoms along the way.

This kilig-inducing show also gives us a fascinating view of Switzerland from start until end. Now that it’s all over, you can binge-watch the entire story on Netflix and see why everyone’s fallen in love with it.

Itaewon Class

This ongoing inspiring K-drama is about a young man who overcomes his personal obstacles to succeed after getting expelled from school and suffering some serious tragedy. He opens his own bar and restaurant to be more like his father, striving to make it big despite having enemies in the city. It’s a heart-tugging and relatable K-drama that tackles real life lessons on hard work, friendship, family, and pursuing one’s dreams.

Hi Bye, Mama!

This heartwarming and innocent ghost story marks the comeback of popular South Korean actress Kim Tae-hee, beloved as one of the country’s most beautiful women, after five years. She plays a wife and mother who lives on as a ghost after dying in a tragic accident—and she is faced with the opportunity to be reincarnated if she returns home in 49 days. You can now watch the full season of Hi Bye, Mama! on Netflix.

Kingdom

Horror fans are going to love Kingdom. Joseon-era Korea is the backdrop for a story involving political intrigue and a whole lot of zombies, as a prince must fight back against a mysterious disease that turns people undead. The worst part is that the zombie outbreak may be an enemy’s doing!

The unmissable nature of Kingdom Season 2 will get you hooked for great thrilling action!

The King: Eternal Monarch

The much-anticipated K-Drama on Netflix this April, this tells the fantasy romance situated in two parallel universes between an emperor from a constitutional monarchy who seek to “seal the gateway between dimensions,” and a present-day Korean police detective who wants to protect people’s lives. From the same scriptwriter who penned the famous K-Dramas that you can watch on Netflix – Goblin and Descendants of the Sun – this K-drama will definitely stir your heart and bring you to an all-new level of a romantic fantasy world.

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With your PLDT Home Fibr connection at home, you can enjoy up to double the speed of your current subscription. Visit www.pldthome.com to find out more!

‘Money Heist’ head writer to present online lecture via Instituto Cervantes de Manila

On April 28, at 7pm, Instituto Cervantes de Manila is presenting an online lecture by Javier Gómez Santander, the Head writer and Executive co-producer of the popular Spanish TV show La casa de papel. In his talk, Gómez Santander will share aspects of his career as a screenwriter, as well as a couple of secrets and details of the creation of the successful crime drama that has taken the world by storm.

La casa de papel (also known by its English title Money Heist) is a Spanish television series created by Álex Pina. It follows two well-planned robberies led by the Professor, one on the Royal Mint of Spain, and one on the Bank of Spain. Initially intended as a limited series to be told in two parts, it had its original run of 15 episodes on Spanish network Antena 3 in 2017. Later in the year, Netflix acquired global streaming rights, and renewed the series with two more seasons. The latest one, Part 4, was released on 3 April 2020. On the same day, a documentary titled Money Heist: The Phenomenon was also premiered. It was written by Javier Gómez Santander and Pablo Lejarreta, and showed the audience some facets of the show, involving the producers and the cast.

La casa de papel received several awards including best drama series at the 46^th International Emmy Awards, as well as critical acclaim for its sophisticated plot, interpersonal dramas, direction, and for trying to innovate Spanish television. By 2018, the series was the most-watched non-English language series and one of the most-watched series overall on Netflix.

WATCH: Chris Hemsworth stars in action-packed ‘Extraction’

Check out the official trailer for Extraction, an action-packed film starring Chris Hemsworth.

Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) is a fearless black market mercenary with nothing left to lose when his skills are solicited to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. But in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible, forever altering the lives of Rake and the boy.

An action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller directed by Sam Hargrave, EXTRACTION is an AGBO Films and TGIM Films, Inc. production, produced by Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Eric Gitter, and Peter Schwerin.

Directed by: Sam Hargrave
Screenplay by: Joe Russo
Produced by: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Eric Gitter, Peter Schwerin
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyuli, and David Harbour
Filmed On-Location: India, Thailand

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 167 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

‘Money Heist Part 4’ review: A must-watch big bang

Money Heist Part 4 successfully brings back the hype with lots of surprising twists and turns that fans deserve to savor.

Two weeks before the much-awaited premiere of the fourth season of the Spanish crime-drama, Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), Netflix gave us access to watch its first few episodes.

Now that all eight episodes were released, here’s our quick take on the return of the globally popular series.

Money Heist 4 returned with an explosive fans that made it trend on Twitter and Facebook, with fans around the world expecting a much bigger season the series has to offer. True enough, its popularity has gone viral and brought it as one of the most popular titles on Netflix.

Back in last year’s Part 3 (released July 19, 2019), Money Heist showed the team back together to outperform themselves via an even bigger heist. All of it, however, is a ruse to try and rescue one of their members (Rio) who has been captured by the authorities. (Fast forward to Episode 8 and we get a glimpse that the stakes have been upped dramatically.)

It’s an all-out war between the authorities and our gang with a newly pregnant woman (Sierra) at the helm of the investigation—trying to bring them all in. The Professor believes Raquel to be dead and calls for DEFCON 2 which results in the use of RPG’s against a tank rolling to storm the Bank of Spain where the gang is held up. Nairobi’s fate, on another hand, looks bleak—given her bullet wound and the Professor’s plan is seemingly up in the air with the new police negotiator firmly in control.

We’re expecting to hopefully see the inevitable escape—or as it’s looking like at this point, the demise of the crew. The new season is what fans are waiting for. Things have taken an unexpected turn for The Professor, Lisbon, and the thieves. Usually when everything goes wrong, The Professor comes up with a backup plan—but this time he is out of options. His love for Lisbon (another one of his rules that he broke) causes him to be led astray, and now all bets are off for Season 4.

Episode 1: Game Over

“Anger and grief heighten tensions between the group. The Professor, while in mourning, attempts to make a daring and dangerous escape.”

The series opens from where it left us. It is one hell of a mess for the whole team. Everyone is at stake for there is already a war inside and outside the Bank of Spain. The group must be kept in control of their emotions and anger to make things work inside. Outside, the Professor is running out of options but he must keep on fighting to get the team out (with the melted gold on the side). The excitement for this new season unravels everything that we want to see on a pilot episode.

Episode 2: Berlin’s Wedding

“Palermo shocks the group with his actions. Sierra pressures her subject to take a deal. The Professor remembers his brother’s wedding.”

It brings us back to the happier days the team could remember: A flashback to a wonderful wedding and a celebration that give us a glimpse of what it was like before the next heist. Everything is about to explode while the team continues to struggle on saving one of their own. There is just enough tension in this episode; too much heat going on around the characters.

Episode 3: Anatomy Lesson

“The Professor’s mole attempts to pass along his message inside the tent. Denver’s jealousy toward Mónica and Rio’s friendship heightens.”

A crazy twist happens when the bank’s security chief, Gandía, has escaped and eventually makes his way to sabotage the heist and targets the thieves. Although things get intense in this episode, it still ends with much love that one should not miss.

Episode 4: Pasodoble

“In the past, Berlin predicts that Gandia will cause problems for the operation. Sierra’s interrogation of Lisboa leads to a personal revelation.”

Tension rises and more secrets are about to unfold. The episode gets us closer and closer to what we never saw in the trailers. What more is there for Gandia as a key element in their heist? We’re bound to learn that.

Episode 5: 5 Minutes Earlier

“Denver turns to an undercover source for help. Nairobi attempts to motivate her team as the danger around them intensifies.”

Money Heist made sure it utilizes the style of non-linear storytelling by presenting a higher level of excitement. Sure enough, this is an action-packed episode with bullets flying everywhere and a great suprise to make it all the more thrilling. It has a specific turn that would keep anyone from stopping.

Without spoiling anything more than what the trailers and episode descriptions have given out, La Casa De Papel Part 4 is a bomb, to put it simply: with excellent quality, full of believable action stunts, and immersive acting.

This is very different from the past installments as this one tells us that the team is no longer an invincible rock. Their struggles hereon are so real that they have a tendency to break—anytime, without warning, however care they pose.

But then again, it is all about the surprises. While some scenes in the first five episodes can already be drawn from the trailers, there is still a lot of craziness and genius that could transform anyone into a fan. It’s more than worth the long wait!

After seeing the final episode of Season 4, we could all expect for a grander continuation, without a doubt. Would the Professor be as successful as in the first heist? What would be the fate of our beloved characters? As Palermo would say, “This is more than just a heist.”

The new season of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) is now streaming on Netflix.

Battleship action thriller ‘Greyhound’ reveals poster

Columbia Pictures has unveiled the international poster for its upcoming action thriller Greyhound, screenplay by and starring Tom Hanks, inspired by actual events.

Check out the one-sheet art below and watch the film in Philippine cinemas soon.

In a thrilling story inspired by actual events from the Battle of the Atlantic, Tom Hanks stars as a first-time captain who leads a convoy of allied ships carrying thousands of soldiers across the treacherous waters of the “Black Pit” to the front lines of WW2. With no air cover protection for 5 days, the captain and his convoy must battle the surrounding enemy Nazi U-boats in order to give the allies a chance to win the war. The film is directed by Aaron Schneider from a screenplay by Hanks.

Greyhound is directed by Aaron Schneider, screenplay by Tom Hanks based on the novel “The Good Shepherd” by C. S. Forester. Produced by Gary Goetzman.

The film stars Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan and Elisabeth Shue.

Greyhound is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #GreyhoundMovie

Jollibee launches TikTok channel, #KwentongJollibee challenge

Keeping the #KwentongJollibee fever more alive than ever, Jollibee brings Filipinos a brand-new outlet where they can showcase their flair for singing, dancing, and acting, to be shared to a wider audience. Aspiring artists and content creators can share their creativity and talents as Jollibee launches its new channel on one of today’s fastest growing and widely-used social media platforms, TikTok, which has garnered over 1.5 billion downloads.

The #KwentongJollibee TikTok challenge, which encourages users to duet or lip sync the juicy bits of their favorite episode, has swiftly gained 12.7 million views shorty after it was launched. Done in partnership with BBH Singapore, this is the first time that Jollibee utilizes this platform to engage with avid fans of its hit Valentine series.

TikTok users who got caught up in “#CoupleGoals”, which has gained over 25 million views, can lip sync to the taxi showdown scene and pretend they are Matt and Lisa arguing. They can also do a duet as Myles together with the dreamy Ron from the best-performing episode “Apart”, which was streamed 34 million times over, and act as if they are a couple sharing a sweet kilig moment. Lastly, TikTok users can re-enact a funny scene from “Space”, with almost 30 million views, and pretend they are Mae, whom the lovestruck Dan is trying to patch things up with.

“Together with Jollibee, we believe TikTok has unlocked an incredible creative energy in the Philippines. Since the launch of this challenge, 19,000 videos have already been submitted. It’s warming to see people share the simple joy of doing something together,” said Sascha Kuntze, Chief Creative Officer of BBH.

With the popularity of TikTok, it’s not hard to find short-form videos one after another — and with Jollibee launching its new channel, Filipinos can share even more joy as they showcase their talents in crafting creative content that will spark the interest of generations across.

Get your vocals, dancing, and acting moves ready and share your own creative take of the #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s episodes! Join the fun by downloading the TikTok app, and post your #KwentongJollibee challenge at Jollibee’s official Tiktok page (www.tiktok.com/@jollibee).

Hero or villain? Cillian Murphy stars in ‘A Quiet Place Part II’

Irish actor Cillian Murphy, known for memorable roles in The Dark Knight, Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, stars as Emmett, a determined loner whose past makes it difficult for the Abbot family to trust his true intentions, in the suspense thriller A Quiet Place Part II.

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

“Emmett is one of my favorite characters,” reflects director-writer John Krasinski. “The fascinating part is that he’s at a point where he doesn’t feel the need to be a part of any community, so when he meets the Abbotts it’s a real conundrum for him because this family is something anyone would want to be a part of or at least help in any way you can. Giving the audience access to this kind of complex and private inner struggle can be very difficult for any actor—but Cillian Murphy is without a doubt one of the best actors I’ve worked with so were very lucky have him. He brings a representation of someone who hasn’t been surrounded by love and has survived in a different way. There’s a darkness to Emmett, and a fear level to him that keep him alluring but highly unpredictable.”

Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Emmett (Cillian Murphy) brave the unknown in “A Quiet Place Part II.”

For Murphy, the offer of the character felt like kismet—especially because he’d wanted to reach out to Krasinski but held back. Murphy recalls: “After I saw A Quiet Place, I was so blown away by it that I thought to myself, I have to write to John and tell him how much I loved the film. I wrote him this very effusive email, but in the end, I chickened out and never sent it. A year or so later out of the blue he called and said we’re doing the second film, and would I be interested? It was a lovely serendipity.”

Murphy also sees Emmett as a man who, antithetical to Lee (the father and husband in the original A Quiet Place), turned inward under duress, locking everything else out. “Emmett has retreated into his grief completely,” Murphy describes. “While the Abbotts have been trying to find solutions and make the best of things, he’s just barely been scraping by on his own. It’s only when he meets the Abbotts in the steel mill that he is shaken out of his isolation and realizes he has to make a decision about the future.”

Also joining the cast for the first time is two-time Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou. “I’ve been a fan of Djimon’s forever going back to Gladiator and Amistad,” says Krasinski. “But the movie that really blew me away and the reason why I cast him was In America. There is something about Djimon that is so innately emotional. You immediately watch any performance of his and you have a little bit of a choke in your throat.”

Cillian Murphy stars in “A Quiet Place Part II.”

Having fallen in love with A Quiet Place on first watch, Hounsou was thrilled to create a new character in the next chapter and collaborate with Krasinski. “It’s wonderful to work with a director who is such an actor’s director,” he says. “John’s approach is one of really caring about what actors need. He has an open, organic style of working with the cast, and if there is one thing that characterizes this story and everything about it, it is that it always feels very, very organic.”

In Philippine cinemas soon, A Quiet Place Part II is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. #AQuietPlace

WATCH: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy meet Blue Falcon in new ‘SCOOB!’ trailer

Mystery loves company. Watch the new trailer for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “SCOOB!”

The first full-length animated Scooby-Doo adventure for the big screen is the never-before told stories of Scooby-Doo’s origins and the greatest mystery in the career of Mystery Inc.

“SCOOB!” reveals how lifelong friends Scooby and Shaggy first met and how they joined with young detectives Fred, Velma and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Now, with hundreds of cases solved and adventures shared, Scooby and the gang face their biggest, most challenging mystery ever: a plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. As they race to stop this global “dogpocalypse,” the gang discovers that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone imagined.

Starring in “SCOOB!” are Kiersey Clemons (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” TV’s “Angie Tribeca”) as Dee Dee; Zac Efron (“The Greatest Showman,” the “Neighbors” franchise) as Fred; Will Forte (“Booksmart,” TV’s “The Last Man on Earth”) as Scooby-Doo’s best friend, Shaggy; Jason Isaacs (the “Harry Potter” films, TV’s “The OA”) as the infamous Dick Dastardly; Ken Jeong (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Hangover” trilogy) as Dynomutt; Tracy Morgan (“What Men Want,” TV’s “30 Rock”) as Captain Caveman; Gina Rodriguez (“Deepwater Horizon,” TV’s “Jane the Virgin”) as Velma; Amanda Seyfried (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Ted 2”) as Daphne; two-time Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg (“The Fighter,” “The Departed”) as Blue Falcon; and Frank Welker (the “Transformers” franchise) as Scooby-Doo.

“SCOOB!” is directed by Tony Cervone, Annie Award nominee for the feature “Space Jam” and two-time Emmy nominee for his work on “Duck Dodgers.”

In Philippine cinemas May 14, “SCOOB” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company. Join the conversation with #SCOOB

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ reveals new poster artwork

Warner Bros. has just unveiled its brand new poster for “Wonder Woman 1984.” Check it out below.

About “Wonder Woman 1984”

Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.

https://business.facebook.com/cinemabravoph/videos/2556272097742375/

With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.

Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel, Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.

Patty Jenkins directed from a screenplay she wrote with Geoff Johns & David Callaham, story by Jenkins & Johns, based on characters from DC. Joining the director behind the scenes are several members of her “Wonder Woman” team, including director of photography Matthew Jensen, Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson (“United 93”) is cutting the film. The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “The Lion King”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Atlas Entertainment/Stone Quarry Production, a Patty Jenkins Film, “Wonder Woman 1984.”

“Wonder Woman 1984” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #WW84

Ronnie Liang to play lead role in ‘Crash Landing on You’-inspired film

Another lead role for singer and actor Ronnie Liang after his award-winning first ever lead role movie “Esoterika Manila” (2014).

He was 2014’s Gawad Pasado Best Actor for that movie.

The film is “Harang,” directed by Palanca award-winning writer Njel de Mesa who directed the film “Respeto.”

“Harang” pegs Korean hit “Crash Landing On You” but totally different when it comes to its storytelling.

The now pilot plays military person in the said romantic-comedy movie. Very fitting as he recently received his rank and completed trainings as 2nd lieutenant from Army Pambato Division.

“Maganda ‘yung timing ng movie kasi katatapos ko lang mag training bilang 2nd Lieutenant so sa tingin ko mapo-portray ko nang maayos ‘yung character ko. Very personal and close to my heart itong role ko.”

Ronnie said in an interview that he admires Njel’s creativity and his love for his craft.

“Super happy sa title kasi kung iisipin mo ‘yung Harang parang super serious nung theme. Sobrang bilib ako kay direk. Ito iyong mga performers sa mga kasal, mahilig mag-gig. Iyon ang tawag sa kanila.

“The movie is about musicians at kung ano iyong current issues natin ngayon. Marami rin siyang interesting twists kasi may romcom element dahil may secret wedding sa plot.”

His fans are very excited especially he’s tagged as “Oppa,” who looks like Korean actor.

“Hindi naman sa nakiki-ride sa hype ng Korean treatment whether sa film or series, pero maganda ring chance na ipakita sa audience na kaya rin natin gumawa ng ganung klaseng obra. Yes, we are influenced, pero may sariling touch si direk.”

Showing soon under the direction of Njel de Mesa. Princess Velasco and Thor Dulay are also part of the movie.

“I’m so excited to flex my acting ability. Hindi naman nawala ‘yung pag arte dahil marami akong support roles sa mga Viva film, pero iba ngayon dahil lead ulit ito. Ibibigay ko ang best ko para sa movie na ‘to.”

Liang will be very busy starting March 18 for his PAGCOR Tours. Schedules are: March 18- Casino Filipino MGO, Manila; March 20- Casino Filipino Talisay, Cebu; April 16- Casino Filipino Ilocos Norte; April 24- Casino Filipino Crown, Cebu; May 27- Casino Filipino Iloilo; and May 20- Casino Filipino Cebu.

He’s also set to finish his commercial pilot this year at APG International Aviation Academy. He finished his solo and private trainings as pilot. All inspiring pilots are welcome to enroll PRIVATE PILOT GROUND SCHOOL & FLIGHT TRAINING COURSE, COMMERCIAL PILOT GROUND SCHOOL & FLIGHT TRAINING COURSE, INSTRUMENT RATING (IR) COURSE, MULTI-ENGINE (ME) COURSE, FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (FI) COURSE at APG.