The 2024 action thriller and first Filipino-Japanese co-production film ‘Crosspoint’ debuts on the streaming platform Netflix (Asia-Pacific) on Thursday, Mar. 13. This suspense-filled drama, blending the best of both countries’ cinematic styles, promises to captivate with its intricate storytelling, intense action, and cultural depth.
Directed by Japan-based Filipino filmmaker, Donie Ordiales, ‘Crosspoint’ draws from real-life encounters in Japan which adds authenticity to the film’s portrayal of cultural displacement, economic hardship, and moral dilemmas.
“What we can learn from Crosspoint is that nothing in life is stable. You can be at the top today, but everything can change in an instant. The greatest obstacle to progress is often ourselves, and unfortunately, the price of realizing this truth can be steep,” Ordiales said.
Survival Wasn’t Enough – Destiny Had More In Store
The Filipino-Japanese movie follows the intersecting lives of Manuel Hidalgo and Shigeru Yamaguchi – two men bound by fate and desperation.
Manuel, played by Filipino actor Carlo Aquino (Whispers in the Wind), is in a role as a once-promising talent now struggling to survive in Tokyo’s underground entertainment scene. Performing in back-alley pubs, he tries to outrun his past while searching for a way back to stability.
Meanwhile, Shigeru, portrayed by Japanese actor Takehiro Hira (Shogun), is a man buried under the weight of his past mistakes. A former construction manager drowning in debt, he faces an uncertain future with no clear escape.
When the two men discover a high-profile fugitive on the run, they see a golden opportunity to claim a life-changing reward. However, their pursuit turns into a dangerous game, forcing them to confront moral dilemmas and fight for survival in a world where trust is a luxury.
Expanding Filipino Cinema’s Reach
With Crosspoint premiering on Netflix, Filipino storytelling continues to gain momentum in the global film industry. The film’s presence on the platform highlights the increasing demand for diverse narratives and international collaborations.
Packed with suspense, emotional depth, and action-packed sequences, Crosspoint is set to leave viewers at the edge of their seats as it streams on Netflix Philippines and neighboring countries.
As the lines between survival and mortality blur, Crosspoint challenges audiences to ask: how far would you go to take control of your destiny?
Movie Ratings: IMDb rated Crosspoint 7.5/10, while Rotten Tomatoes reflects an 88% audience score. The film also earned a solid 76/100 on Metacritic, highlighting its strong reception among critics and viewers alike.