This week, we feature an excellent rendition of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and a charming animated family film about an aspiring writer.
New Release
‘Asian Persuasion’
Mickey de los Santos (Dante Basco) is a struggling chef who is losing his wife, fashion firebrand Avery Chua (KC Concepcion). But after he goofs on his divorce papers, he concocts a desperate plan to better himself financially. However, things don’t go as planned when he starts to have feelings for her again.
This charming little romantic comedy showcases the complex dynamics of falling in and out of love. Although it’s about a Filipino-American family, its narrative is relatable to people of all cultures.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Dec. 8, 2023 (limited)
Director: Jhett Tolentino
Starring: Dante Basco, Geneva Carr, Paolo Montalban
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Whisper of the Heart’
Fourteen-year-old junior high student Shizuku Tsukishima (Yoko Honna) is a bibliophile who has aspirations of being a writer. To her surprise, she learns that a mysterious boy, Seiji Amasawa (Issei Takahashi), has checked out all of her library books. Thus begins her journey of discovery and perhaps even love.
This is a wholesome tale that features incredible animation which brings life to its charming characters. At its core, it’s an inspiring, heartwarming film that avoids the tropes associated with stories about young people.
Animation | Drama | Family
Release Date: Dec. 13, 1996
Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
Starring: Yoko Honna, Issei Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Redbox, Vudu, Max
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
One of the Greatest Tragedies Ever Told
‘Hamlet’
Perhaps the greatest cinematic version of “Hamlet,” this epic William Shakespeare tale follows the life of the titular Prince Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh) as he seeks to exact revenge upon his uncle, King Claudius (Derek Jacobi), for murdering his father.
One of the most celebrated tragedies in the English language, his classic tale of revenge is bolstered by an international, star-studded ensemble cast, fantastic costuming, and a rousing score. Just be aware that it contains some sexual content that may warrant parental advisement.
Crime | Drama
Release Date: Dec. 25, 1996
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, Derek Jacobi
Running Time: 4 hours, 2 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
A Rousing War Tale Based on Real Events
‘Objective, Burma!’
This gripping movie follows U.S. Army Capt. Chuck Nelson (Errol Flynn), as he leads a team of paratroopers on a mission to destroy a secret Japanese radar station in Burma.
This is one of the original jungle warfare movies and is packed with sumptuous visuals, gritty action scenes, and a suspenseful storyline about comradery and persevering against overwhelming odds.
Action | Adventure | Drama
Release Date: Feb. 17, 1945
Director: Raoul Walsh
Starring: Errol Flynn, James Brown, William Prince
Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Vudu, Apple TV, Amazon
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
