Heneral Luna, BuyBust, That Thing Called Tadhana and Other Filipino Films Will Soon Be on Netflix
Netflix, to its credit, has always been good about selecting local films to fill up its slate. While the blockbusters are predictably there, the streaming giant surprised Filipino filmgoers by choosing Mikhail Red's Academy Award-nominated indie film Birdshot to stream globally, making it the first Filipino film to be seen worldwide on the platform.
In what seems to be a worldwide push to include more regional content everywhere, Netflix has just upped its ante on local films, announcing a new lineup that includes Heneral Luna, BuyBust, and Kita Kita, along with the promise of future release dates for a whole slew of other Filipino films.
Here's what you can expect from Netflix in the coming months:
Heneral Luna (Release date on Netflix: November 1)
This 2015 historical biopic of General Antonio Luna has become a modern classic, if also a controversial one following the last presidential elections. Heneral Luna is directed by Jerrold Tarog and stars Epi Quizon, Leo Martinez, and the excellent John Arcilla as the titular character.
BuyBust (Release Date on Netflix: November 15)
Erik Matti got an outstanding performance out of Anne Curtis playing a law enforcement agent literally fighting for her life when her anti-drug squad finds themselves trapped in a Manila slum.
Kita Kita (Release Date on Netflix: November 16)
Set in Japan, this romcom captivated audiences and launched the career of Empoy Marquez as a viable leading man (what.). In the film, a tour guide named Lea (played by Alessandra de Rossi) goes blind after finding out her Japanese fiancé has been cheating on her. Marquez's Tonyo schemes to save her from misery, and some slightly creepy hilarity ensues.
Netflix also confirmed the following titles, with release dates to be announced:
My Ex & Whys
Things turn upside down when the blog Cali made about her ex-boyfriend, Gio, goes unexpectedly viral on social media. To make things worse, they both get invited to a wedding of their close friend, leaving them with no choice but to face each other. My Ex & Whys stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.
It Takes A Man And A Woman
When exes start working together, chaos and do-you-one banter ensue. Miggy (John Lloyd Cruz) and Laida (Sarah Geronimo), try to co-exist in the same company but their business decisions clash, causing awkward tension in the office.
Seven Sundays
The Bonifacio siblings reunite when they find out their father is diagnosed with cancer. In the process, they have to deal with unresolved issues among themselves before it's too late. This tearjerker stars Rolando Valdez, Aga Muhlach, and Dingdong Dantes.
Starting Over Again
Marco thought Ginny was the one—until she rejected his wedding proposal and left the country for her postgraduate degree. Years later, they meet again and get a second chance at love. Will they get a happy ending or is Ginny four years too late? Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga team up once again in this blockbuster romantic comedy.
That Thing Called Tadhana
After a bad breakup, Mace decides to have a change of scenery. She goes on a road trip to Baguio with Anthony, her new friend whom she met at an airport. Like long-lost pals, they share their stories about love, life, and dreams. Best Actress Angelica Panganiban serves up laughs and romance in this award-winning film from 2015.
The Breakup Playlist
After visiting a music camp, Trixie (Sarah Geronimo), an aspiring musician, catches the attention of Gino (Piolo Pascual), a popular rock star. But while their musical collaboration brings them closer together, personal ambitions and issues soon threaten to silence their love. The Breakup Playlist is a well-loved film, thanks to a stellar cast and hit soundtrack.
The Mistress
John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo come together on this complicated love story. John Lloyd's JD pursues the hard-to-get Sari, played by Bea Alonzo, even after he finds out she is a mistress of a rich businessman.
Vince & Kath & James
Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, and Ronnie Alonte headline this big screen meet-cute that won three major film awards.
Beauty and the Bestie (November 26)
Directed by the much-missed Wenn Deramas, this comedy will be the first of a list of Vice Ganda-starrers to be shown on the platform. Also expect Praybeyt Benjamin and The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin.
