The Raid: Redemption

By: Andrew Trigg, first published on Jakarta Expat

The Raid: Redemption is an Indonesian film like no other. It’s a wildly exciting adrenaline rush of a punch fest that recently reached number 11 at the U.S. box office, a phenomenal achievement for an Indonesian film. It has electrified Indonesian audiences and injected new energy into the national film scene, standing head and shoulders above a recent slew of well made, internationally acclaimed releases. Sony Classics has snapped up the rights and an American remake is already in the works.

So what is the secret of The Raid’s remarkable success?

DIY Bands in Singapore – Who to Look Out For Right Now

By: Cher Tan

Like any other cosmopolitan city, Singapore is brimming in its own broth of culture. In the last 5 years, art and music have burgeoned like nothing else, and despite – perhaps as a result, in spite – of restrictions in the tiny city-state, there now exists a solid albeit tiny underground independent creative circuit which deserves every mention.

Not immediately obvious to the casual onlooker, the DIY (short for “Do-It-Yourself”, which is every bit independent from mainstream corporate culture) music industry is thriving, if you know where to look. Latitudes introduces you to 5 of the most talked-about and talented independent bands and musicians one should be paying attention to right now.

CinemAsia Festival Filmtour 14-15 April

By: Yvette Benningshof & Emma Kwee

Did you miss the CinemAsia Film Festival in Amsterdam? Blast! But luckily, CinemAsia is going on tour with a few selected films. Don't miss your last chance to watch Arisan!2 in The Netherlands, as well as other Indonesian and Chinese films, during the CinemAsia Festival Filmtour.

Headshot: a Buddhist Crime-Noir?

By: Ari Ernesto Purnama

A Review of Headshot (Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, 2011) at CinemAsia Film Festival, De Balie 4-8 April, Amsterdam

Last Saturday at the CinemAsia film festival (De Balie, Amsterdam) was the premiere of Headshot, the latest film made by the internationally reputed Thai filmmaker Pen-Ek Ratanaruang. Ever since the trailer came out, I have anticipated the day of watching this first attempt at crime drama by Ratanaruang firsthand. So, here is my take on the film.

Headshot, an Action Flick Made Difficult?

Headshot entails the story of a cop turned a hitman turned a Buddhist monk turned a hitman again, but this is not all. There’s so much more to it than one could expect from a crime thriller. Tul, a plain clothed police officer in a big city somewhere in Thailand is framed by a crooked politician, because he refuses to compromise by not giving up the case that involves a high ranking government official. From there the turbulent rollercoaster ride of chase and run begins.

ASEAN Film Festival Focuses on Developing Film Industries: ‘Film is business’

By: Yvette Benningshof

While outside the streets were buzzing with traffic and guarded transport because of the 19th ASEAN Summit in Nusa Dua, inside of Galeria 21 Cineplex in Kuta there was a comfortable coolness. The two day ASEAN Film Festival took place in this cinema, where at the same time BALINALE International Film Festival was held. Bali was the place to be for film lovers this month!

The ASEAN Film Festival (16-17 November) was initiated by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu themed: ‘The Global Film Connection’. The minister recognizes the importance of film festivals as a means of promoting culture and to support the country’s potential as a film location. ‘Film affects many area’s: how people think, talk, act and it influences their ideals and dreams. On a larger scale it creates jobs and it has a mulitplier effect on other sectors such as music, design, fashion and technology.’

Splurge, Shop & Enjoy Good Steals in Metro Manila

By: Joan Mae Soco-Bantayan

The Philippines’ largest city Manila has got a lot to offer, and definitely, great shopping steals are among those that top the list. Shops that range from high-end to budget mushroom all over the Metro, giving endless options to shopaholics. Below is your no-nonsense guide to shop according to your budget and wants.

1. SM Mall of Asia (MoA) - the fourth largest shopping hub in the world according to Forbes' World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls, located at the Bay City, Pasay City, Philippines. Occupying a land area of 42 hectares, MoA houses a range of interests; from shopping to entertainment, conventions, and recreational facilities.

Aside from housing a huge number of shopping options, MOA's top features include the Philippines' first Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, the biggest in Southeast Asia. The mall also houses the first IMAX theatre in the Philippines which raised the standards for movie viewing in the country.