Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them European Premiere

Fans have waited long for the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the most highly anticipated fantasy movie of the year. With special appearance by the creator of the world’s most adored fantasy world, J.K. Rowling, the cast of Fantastic Beasts graced the blue carpet at Leicester Square, London, for its European Premiere.

Eddie Redmayne earned the loudest cheer and scream from the crowd who have been waiting since morning. In fact, entry to the premiere required wristbands which were given a day before. As such, many avid fans of the movie and cast had to queue in the November rain to obtain their entry wristbands. During the event, fans were passing him numerous objects from handmade posters to notebooks, posters and even Newt Scamander figurines to sign.

Ezra Miller appeared super excited during the blue carpet event. Lucky fans even got to pass him their phones for a selfie together. During his interview, Miller shared that Credence Barebone was a challenging character. Prior to shooting, he interacted with survivors of abuse to listen and understand their stories before incorporating the essential emotions which shaped Credence in the film.

Being well-known to the audience through his previous collaboration with Emma Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, he also revealed that Watson was the first person he called to share the good news of getting the role.

Playing the Goldstein sisters were Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol who were both donned in black. Unlike her character’s short bob hair, Waterston had her hair all combed back neatly, giving off an alluring charm of elegance.

Alison Sudol was all smiles signing for fans along the carpet. Despite the slight drizzle of November rain at Leicester Square, Sudol remained cheery  with occasional bursts of laughter as she greeted her fans.

Dan Fogler, the Muggle of the cast was also delighted to meet the huge crowd gathered at the event. Harry Potter fans are a wild and passionate crowd. Some of them have even dressed up in their favourite houses and as their favourite characters like Hermion Granger, Lucius Malfoy and believe it, everyone’s favourite house-elf, Dobby!

But it was J.K. Rowling who made a stunning appearance in a glittery long gown despite sounding a little unwell during the event. She described Fantastic Beasts as a “beautiful accident” which she never thought would have had the script written by her and released since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2011. Fans were all shouting for her autograph but only a few lucky ones were able to receive it.

The premiere was held across two cinemas in Leicester Square, Odeon and Empire Cinemas. As such, fans were able to enjoy watching their favourite cast go past them down the long blue carpet. As it was announced that Fantastic Beasts would be part of a series with a total of five films, fans can anticipate for another spectacular movie premiere in the future. Then, fans would also welcome the addition of Johnny Depp, playing Grindelwald, and the mysterious plot about Dumbledore’s past to be unravelled. All of this would lead up to the world’s most famous fantasy movie series, Harry Potter!

Be sure to catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in theatres from 18th November!

More than 60 Korean films in 2 weeks at London Korean Film Festival 2016

Over the past two weeks, the 11th London Korean Film Festival 2016, organised by the Korean Cultural Center UK, have showcased more than 60 Korean films in different theatres across the city. These movies ranged from blockbusters released in 2015/2016, historical and … Continue reading

Finale to the rock trilogy: #RockBro

Mamat Khalid’s third installment of the Malaysian rock comedy premiered exclusively at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre earlier this month. The event was organized by the Singapore Malay Film Society, SMFS together with Dlux Entertainment and CMX International.

The continual success was fruitful since 2005 with the release of Rock followed by Rock Oo! in 2013. The fictional film envelops around the formation of the Malaysian rock bad, Rimba Bara. Characters were inspired by real life musicians and certain scenes were based on true life events. Flashback scenes as well as new ones were shots in various real life sets such the Kampung house and the old run down flats in Ipoh and Perak.

Proper research and character realization was carried out by Mamat Khalid and the cast especially Amy Jueliet who had the opportunity to play the part of Ella, one of the few legendary female Malay rock singers. Band members consisted of Jijo (Khir Rahman), Zek (Hasnul Rahmat), Black (Azmi Bahron), Zul (Soffi Jikan) and Slash (Pekin Ibrahim).

Khir Rahman recorded five tracks for the soundtrack. He explained the complexity of being a versatile actor and the bond between characters on camera during filming. He shares his experiences from his school days learning theatre. Azmi too started out his craft in theatre. He evaluated ideas and improvised ways to present his character as a comedic drummer who was not able to speak clearly. During the press conference, Soffi started to rap showing off his skillful vocal styles.

If you have watched the first two parts of the film, you might have noticed an original soundtrack entitled, Tika composed by Jamil Ahmad and the director himself, Mamat Khalid. The remaining music from the film are song covers by rock classics such as Sweet Charity, Amy Search, Ella and more. The musician themselves made a cameo in various scenes in the recording studios. Just to name a few; they are Esma, Black of Wings and Jihan. If you grew up in that cultural era, you will be drawn back to those nostalgic times when rock music was popular everywhere.

I would recommend this comedic yet emotional masterpiece to rock music lovers out there. It will tickle your funny bones and please prepare some tissues when your watch the film till the end. It ends with a sad and memorable scene underlining the importance of friendship and dedication to one’s dream.

The Fifth Parlour would like to thank Singapore Malay Film Society (SMFS) for the invitation. 

Oxford Street sparking off the start of Christmas celebrations in London with The Vamps, Louisa and Craig David

Christmas may still be a month away but celebrations in London have already begun! Last Sunday, Oxford Street launched the lighting of the Christmas decorations with live performances from The Vamps and Louisa Johnson, with special guest appearances by Craig David and Mayor Sadiq Khan.

During the evening, temperature may have dropped lower than 10 degree celsius yet the crowd remained patient waiting for their favourite acts’ performance. The Vamps kicked off the evening with Can We Dance and Somebody To You. The banded ended their performance with their latest hit single All Night which received loud cheers from the audience. Even though, the single may have just been released days ago, the crowd has already managed to memorize the lyrics and singing along with the band.

Winner of X Factor 2015 Louisa Johnson then mesmerized the crowd with her voice. She sang her latest single So Good and a cover of Justin Beiber’s Love Yourself.

As the countdown started, special guests Craig David and Sadiq Khan took the stage for the lighting of Oxford Street. This year, Oxford Street partners with NSPCC and Hasbro to help raise funds against child abuse. With a donation of 5 pounds, shoppers can name a light on Oxford Street for someone special while taking part in the meaningful cause to help children in need.

Upcoming switch-on shows along Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and more will be happening all around London this November. Be sure to catch the Christmas light shows as they remind you of the coming of Christmas, a festive occasion for all to celebrate and for every child to remember the happiness of childhood!

Liz Loughrey Aims to Influence Youths With Positivity Through Her New Single, Rise Up!

Canadian artist Liz Loughrey has just released her new video for Rise Up! Written and produced in Miami by Loughrey and Grammy Winning Producers Adrian X (The Weeknd, Drake, Kylie Minogue) and Supa Dups (Drake, Party Next Door, Mary J Blige), Rise Up! is is the debut single of her upcoming EP which is set to be released sometime next year.

According to Loughrey, Rise Up! is more than a song. It is a movement which stands for positive change. The #RiseUpMovement aims to spread the message that we can do amazing things when we work together and have love and peace as part of our objectives. Also, it wants to share with others about people who are positively impacting the world and encouraging people of all ages and walks of life to Rise Up in their communities.

Credits: Project Light Agency

Credits: Project Light Agenc

Hence, Loughrey has created the Rise Up Workshops where she goes to schools across the country to encourage youth to think outside the box and start making their own positive impact on their community. Stories collected during her workshops will be shared on her website. If you would like to be part of the movement and share your story, hashtag – #RiseUpMovement on your social medias. 

What a great movement by Loughrey! Such an inspiring artist who uses music to spread love. Download Rise Up! on iTunesKeep updated on Loughrey’s activities via her social medias; Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter.

“Violence becomes a currency” in Asura: The City of Madness

In conjunction with London Korean Film Festival 2016, Director Kim Sung Soo 김성수 and actor Jung Woo Sung 정우성 were invited to a dialogue at SOAS University of London to discuss about their latest collaboration in Asura: The City of Madness 아수라 (2016). This movie … Continue reading