Kim Chiu and Xian Lim have mastered the art of rom-coms in their hits “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo,” “Bride for Rent,” and “Past Tense.” They’re now reunited in a project that seems to have been made for them — “Always,” a Tagalog remake of a hit Korean film.
The original K-movie starred Korean film and movie stars So Ji-Sub (Oh My Venus, Doctor Lawyer) and Han Hyo-Joo (Dong Yi, W). The movie has had several adaptations from different countries like Turkey, India and last 2020 in Japan.
Produced by Viva Films, the Philippine adaptation features Kim and Xian playing roles that they have never played before. “Always” is a romantic drama movie about two people with different outlooks in life, both damaged by the cruelties of the world – one physically and the other emotionally.
Kim is Anna and Xian is Lino. One faithful night brings them together as the blind Anna, who goes to a parking booth to hang out with her pal Tang, finds out that it now has a new attendant, a former boxer and a mysterious, sad looking man named Lino. Despite Lino’s dismissive attitude, Anna stays and even goes back nights after to hang out at Lino’s parking booth. Through shared snacks and Anna’s warm presence, Lino’s walls begin to fall, and starts to open up and be at ease with Anna, a feeling he hasn’t felt in a long time.
As each day passes, Lino becomes more protective and caring for Anna, both start to feel something more for each other, and their blossoming romance starts to flourish. But Lino’s dark past and personal struggles caught up with him, this becomes a hindrance to their relationship leaving Anna puzzled and confused.
Kim and Xian expressed their excitement about working on this reunion project, Xian shared a post on his Instagram account with the caption, “I missed you [Kim Chiu]. After 8 years, we’re back on the big screen.” Kim also posted on her account and captioned it, “Finally. Missed sharing the screen with you [Xian Lim].”
“Always” is adapted into screenplay by award-winning writer, Mel Mendoza- Del Rosario, directed by seasoned director, Dado C. Lumibao.
“Always” is showing in cinemas nationwide starting September 28.
