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'KEYS TO THE HEART' is a 2018 South Korean film about a down and out boxer who returns to his family to reconnect with his long lost mother and his younger brother who is a gifted pianist but has autism and savant syndrome.
It is now adapted locally by Reality MM Studios, Creative Leaders Group 8 and VIVA Films, starring Zanjoe Marudo as the boxer, Joma; Dolly de Leon as the mother, and Elijah Canlas as Jayjay, the brother.
This is directed by Kerwin Go of "Mina Anud".
Zanjoe’s compelling performance as lead actor in the film that is currently streaming on global platform Netflix has been getting a lot of positive feedback.
Viewers note the maturity and depth of his acting as he essays the role of a troubled and washed-up boxer in the movie.
“Keys to the Heart” is the number two most watched movie on Netflix Philippines, a day after streaming began on October 4, 2023.
"Keys to the Heart" is a heartwarming family drama that follows the struggles of Joma, as he moves back and tries to fit in with his family that he hasn’t seen and known for years.
Reality MM Studios producers Dondon Monteverde and Erik Matti saw the potential of “Keys to the Heart” when it was first presented to them.
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.
The Philippine adaptation’s ending is different from the Korean version to give it a more Filipino flavor.
Marudo’s outstanding portrayal can be gleaned from his natural ability to be totally credible as his character, a has been boxer. The subtlety of his nuances and impeccable comedic timing were a great complement to the complexities of his role.
For his part, Eijah Canlas’ preparation for the role is so remarkable 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.
The two actors are proving that they are, indeed, the finest drama performers of their generation.
Aside from "Keys to the Heart", Reality MM Studios, Creative Leaders Group 8 and VIVA Films are also behind “Ultimate Oppa,” a new 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).
We can surely more collaborations to emerge from the partnership between Reality MM Studios and Creative Leaders Group 8 led by BJ Soong, as they get ready for the local adaptation of Korean horror top-grosser “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” and the successful vigilante series, “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. “Keys to the Heart” is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.
