After eight years, sweethearts Kim Chiu and Xian Lim reunite on the big screen in the local adaptation of the Korean film “Always.”
In this upcoming movie, Kim and Xian, one of the country’s most popular love teams, will make us feel love and heartbreak in their much-awaited big-screen comeback.
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 several adaptations from different countries like Turkey, India, and last 2020 in Japan. “Always” is a romantic drama movie about two people with different outlooks on life, both damaged by the cruelties of the world – one physically and the other emotionally.
One faithful night brings them together as Anna (Kim Chiu), a blind woman, goes to her frequent parking booth to hang out with her pal Tang, only to find 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 start 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.
Will they ever meet again?
Though we still get kilig over their sweet posts on social media now and then, it has been a while since the couple worked on a project together. But now, the long wait is over as Kim and Xian are ready to share a one-of-a-kind story that is all-loving, all-giving, and worth staying for.
Kim shared her excitement about “Always” which is her first movie under Viva Films. “Gusto ko talaga ng mga Korean movies so when it was offered to me, doon pa lang sa thought na yun, naging happy na talaga ako.”
Following the pandemic, Kim admitted that she missed acting and hosting. She said that she’s very thankful for the film, which marked her return to the silver screen.
Xian said that he’s happy to be reunited with Kim in a project with different “feels.”
“This movie is extra special to me because matagal ko rin hindi nakasama si Kim, and I’m happy to face the camera once again. The first time we went to the set nagkatingin muna kami sabi namin paano ba natin gagawin ito? Mga ganung moments,” said Xian, during a media conference held at Victorino’s Restaurant in Quezon City last Monday, Sept. 12.
“Around seven to eight years na rin kaming hindi gumagawa ng pelikula na kaming dalawa yung nasa storya. Nakakapanibago lang talaga to be working again after so long. At least balik-sinehan na uli at puwede na tayong manood sa big screen, and we’re hoping that everyone can watch our movie,” the hunk actor said.
By far, “Always” is the most serious movie that they have done.
“Medyo mature ang movie na ito unlike sa mga past movies namin together na romantic-comedy films,” Kim said. “Na-excite talaga ako sa ganitong genre kasi before puro horror din. Simple lang ang kuwento nito pero andun yung puso. Simple pero heartfelt. Binigay ko po talaga rito ang all ko para masabi ko rin na nakagawa ako ng ganitong genre.”
Xian added: “This is not your regular Xian and Kim movie. Dati yung mga ginagawa namin the suplado guy meets this girl, and they fall in love. Ang movie na ito ay para sa mga taong gustong magreflect sa mga mahal nila sa buhay. Tearjkerker po ito. It’s something different.”
As real-life sweethearts, Kim and Xian also promised to be there for each other “always.”
"Always" is adapted into a screenplay by award-winning writer, Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, and directed by seasoned director, Dado C. Lumibao.
The Philippine adaptation of a hit Korean Romantic movie, "Always," is showing in cinemas nationwide on Sept. 28, and everyone is excited to see the reel and real-life couple on a romantic journey.