THE legendary Hong Kong action-thriller director John Woo is finally making movie magic again with Silent Night, set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on November 29.
This film marks Woo’s much-anticipated return to the Hollywood scene after a two-decade hiatus, in collaboration with producer Basil Iwanyk, known for explosive blockbusters like the Expendables and John Wick franchises.
Silent Night stars formidable Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman, best known for his roles in the Netflix series House of Cards, the 2014 Robocop remake, and the Suicide Squad films. Kinnaman portrays a father seeking justice for the death of his son, who was caught in the crossfire of a gang shootout during the Christmas season.
The emotional depth of the story resonated with Woo, who told media outlets, “It was a very smart script and the story really touched me because I have three children.”
Kinnaman’s character undergoes a radical transformation, honing his fighting skills and preparing for a showdown with the gang member responsible for killing his son. Woo praised Kinnaman’s dedication to the role, noting that when filming started, the actor hit the ground running and didn’t let up. “
He was very in character. always pushing himself so hard to work out. He did ninety-nine percent of his stunts, and he also trained with our fight coordinator every day, just rehearsing and training for all of the action sequences. I was so happy to work with him,” Woo added.
Adding to the star-studded cast is Scott Mescudi, also known as rapper Kid Cudi, who steps into the role of a cop. As it happens, Mescudi is a massive fan of the director’s. Recalling their conversation, Woo said, “When he came on the set he told me, ‘All I want to do is John Woo action.’ I asked him, ‘What is John Woo action?’ ‘It’s firing with two guns.’ So I gave him two guns.”
Nathan Studios and 888 Films International, the film’s Philippine distributors, are known for their commitment to bringing gritty, edgy content to local audiences. Their track record with the thrilling series Cattleya Killer and film Topakk—known to international audiences as Triggered—underscores their dedication to delivering cutting-edge entertainment.
Silent Night is sure to be a pedal-to-the-metal experience, filled with high-octane action sequences that will leave audiences breathless. Filipino moviegoers are in for a major treat as they witness the return of John Woo’s signature style to the big screen. Get ready for a film that will deliver pure, unadulterated action and a story that will keep you riveted until the last credit rolls.
