7 films to see on the week of February 14, 2020 — February 20, 2020
Fantasy Island
MR. ROARKE makes the dreams of his guests come true while they are on vacation at a remote luxury resort. But when their fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests fight for their lives by solving the mystery of the island. This horror adaptation of the popular 1970s TV show is directed by Jeff Wadlow, and stars Lucy Hale, Maggie Q, Portia Doubleday, and Michael Peña.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Her Blue Sky
AKANE has been taking care of her little sister Aoi since their parents died. Years later, Shinnosuke, Akane’s ex-boyfriend, returns to town for a music festival. As the former lovers reunite, Aoi meets and falls in love with Shinnosuke’s teenage self who has traveled back in time. Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, this animated feature is voiced by Ken Matsudaira, You Taichi, and Atsumi Tanezaki.
MTRCB Rating: G
James and Pat and Dave
TO MAKE ends meet and support her brother’s college education, assistant hostel manager and online vegetable seller Pat Reyes takes on the additional job of training her boss’ hardheaded grandson as a hostel employee. Directed by Ted Boborol, the film stars Donny Pangilinan, Loisa Andalio, and Ronnie Alonte.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Kim Ji-young: Born 1982
BASED ON the novel by Cho Nam-joo of the same title, the film follows Kim Ji-young, a woman in her 30s, who shows signs of being inhabited by other people such as her late mother and older sister. Directed by Kim Do-Young, it stars Yoo Gong, Yu-mi Jung, and Mi-kyung Kim.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Ophelia
THE QUEEN’S lady-in-waiting, Ophelia, finds herself drawn to the charismatic prince Hamlet. They begin a secretive love affair, but then, a betrayal strikes the court, threatening their union. Directed by Claire McCarthy, the film stars George MacKay, Daisy Ridley, and Naomi Watts. CNN’s Brian Lowry writes, “Ophelia brings a feminist quality to the character despite the period setting. The main challenge is that the film falls in a no-man’s land in today’s movie business, residing in the realm of handsome costume dramas that might premiere on streaming services or Masterpiece Theater. It’s a modest movie, easily lost at a moment when Hollywood is preoccupied with a different kind of avenger.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
Parasite
THE Academy Award-winning dark comedy follows the unemployed Kim family who insinuate themselves into the lives of the wealthy Park family. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, it stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw writes, “This really is a horribly fascinating film, brilliantly written, superbly furnished and designed, with a glorious ensemble cast put to work in an elegantly plotted nightmare. Its narrative engine hums with the luxurious smoothness of the Mercedes-Benz that one character is fatefully given the chance to drive.” (Shown in selected theaters.)
MTRCB Rating: R-13
The Kingmaker returns
IN COMMEMORATION of the 34th EDSA People Power Uprising, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the University of the Philippines (UP) will again be screening The Kingmaker. The CCP will screen the documentary on Feb. 19, at 1:30, 4, 6, and 9 p.m., at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute and Tanghalang Manuel Conde. Tickets are available on TicketWorld. Meanwhile, the UP screenings will be on Feb. 25, at 3 and 7 p.m., at the Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center in UP Diliman. Tickets are P200 each. For ticket reservations, use the following links: 3 p.m. screening http://bit.ly/Feb25KINGMAKER3PM and 7 p.m. screening http://bit.ly/Feb25KINGMAKER7PM.
