MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A gripping narrative of fate, desperation, and redemption unfolds in Crosspoint, the action-packed suspense drama set to premiere on Netflix Philippines on March 13 2025. Helmed by Filipino director Donie Ordiales, this riveting cinematic experience brings together Carlo Aquino and Takehiro Hira in a compelling cross-cultural collaboration between the Philippines and Japan.
At the heart of Crosspoint lies the gripping story of Manuel Hidalgo (Carlo Aquino), a once-promising Filipino actor now struggling to make ends meet in Tokyo’s underground performance circuit. A world away from his past, he finds himself an undocumented worker, surviving on the fringes of society. Meanwhile, Shigeru Yamaguchi (Takehiro Hira), a former construction manager, drowns in debt and regret. Two men, both trapped by their circumstances, suddenly find themselves at a crossroads when they spot a fugitive on the news – one carrying a massive bounty.
What starts as a desperate scheme to reclaim their lives soon spirals into a perilous chase that will test their morals, push their limits, and force them to confront their deepest fears.
Filmmaker Donie Ordiales, a Filipino director based in Japan, shares how Crosspoint was inspired by real people and events:
“The characters of Manuel Hidalgo and Shigeru Yamaguchi were inspired by real people I met in Japan. Initially, I planned to create separate stories for each of them—one targeting the Filipino audience and the other challenging myself to capture the Japanese market. But while contemplating which story to pursue, I saw a news report about a serial killer on the loose in Chiba. In that moment, I knew these two characters belonged in the same world, brought together by their struggles and a common goal: survival.”
Carlo Aquino delved deep into his personal experiences to authentically portray Manuel Hidalgo, reflecting the challenges faced by many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Drawing parallels between his own career fluctuations and Manuel’s journey, Aquino remarked:
“From being very popular, he became a washed-up actor, and then he was looking for work… It also happened to me. From my teenage years, tapos biglang nawala (projects suddenly disappeared). Although with Manuel, he’s older, it happened to me through the years. So, kumbaga, parang pasok pa rin (it still felt fitting). Parang ako pa rin naman talaga si Manuel Hidalgo.”
Aquino hopes Crosspoint captures the struggles and sacrifices of Filipinos working abroad.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast, including Sho Ikushima, Sarah Jane Abad, Dindo Arroyo, Kei Kurosawa, Ian De Leon, Aoi Okuyama, Ken Yamamura, Stefanie Arianne, Polo Ravales, Zeppi Borromeo, Misa Shimizu, and Rie Shibata. Crosspoint seamlessly blends the storytelling traditions of both the Philippines and Japan, presenting a raw and emotionally charged cinematic experience.
Takehiro Hira, recently Emmy-nominated for his performance in Shogun, delivers a compelling portrayal of a man on the brink, while Carlo Aquino, known for his award-winning role in Whispers in the Wind, brings depth and intensity to Manuel’s turbulent journey.
Philippines-based Fire & Ice Media has successfully sold the Asia Pacific rights for Crosspoint to Netflix in a major deal secured during the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan. This strategic move highlights the growing demand for high-quality Filipino cinema on international streaming platforms.
Crosspoint premieres on Netflix Philippines on March 13, 2025.
