'Keys to the Heart' captures Pinoy audience with its heartwarming story
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Showbiz News
Zanjoe Marudo delivers a compelling performance in 'Keys to the Heart.'
The Philippine adaptation of the 2018 Korean comedy-drama film Keys to the Heart is currently trending on global streaming platform Netflix.
Keys to the Heart is a heartwarming family drama that follows the struggles of Joma (played by Zanjoe) as he moves back and tries to fit in with his family he hasn't seen and known for years.
Zanjoe Marudo's performance as lead actor in the movie has been getting a lot of nod. Observers note the maturity and depth of his acting as he essays the role of a troubled and washed-up boxer. The actor's outstanding portrayal can be gleaned from his natural ability to assimilate in his character. The subtlety of his nuances and impeccable comedic timing were a great complement to the complexities of his role.
Joining Zanjoe in Keys to the Heart is award-winning actress Dolly De Leon, who plays the role of Joma's long-lost mother in the movie; while the role of the autistic pianist brother, Jayjay, is portrayed by Elijah Canlas. It also features 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee.
For his part, preparation for the role is noteworthy as he learned not only to play the piano with authenticity and competence but also in the remarkable manner he managed to bring to life a genius pianist with savant syndrome. Elijah spent some time with a piano teacher to help him with the technical know-how of a real pianist and he also exposed himself to people with autism to experience and live their life and behavior.
Locally produced by Reality MM Studios, Creative Leaders Group 8 and VIVA Films, Keys to the Heart is the second most watched movie on Netflix Philippines, a day it was released on October 4, 2023.
Reality MM Studios producers, Dondon Monteverde and Erik Matti, saw the potential of the movie when it was first presented to them. So, they worked immediately on developing a version of it that maintains the essence of the original version from CJ Entertainment, while giving it a truly Filipino sensibility by bringing in Kerwin Go (Mina-Anud) to direct the film. The Philippine adaptation's ending is different from the Korean version because of this.
The producers behind Keys to the Heart are also behind Ultimate Oppa, a romantic comedy shot in South Korea and starring Bela Padilla, Kim Gun-woo (The Glory) and Cho Tae-gwan (Descendants of the Sun, My Secret Terrius).
After Keys to the Heart, more collaborations will emerge from the partnership between Reality MM Studios and Creative Leaders Group 8, led by BJ Song, as they get ready for the local adaptation of Korean horror top-grosser Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum and the successful vigilante series titled Taxi Driver.
Reality MM Studios is no stranger to producing Filipino content that reaches global audiences. Most recently, it's zombie flick, Day Zero, featuring Brandon Vera and MJ Lastimosa, is streamed in Asia and is acquired by WellGo for a wide digital release in the US. The studio has a lot in its pipeline, with three major series to be directed by Matti that will start streaming within the next two years.
MEANWHILE, HERE ARE OTHER LOCAL FILMS YOU CAN WATCH ON NETFLIX:
