Carlo Aquino Stars with Emmy-Nominated ‘Shogun’ Actor Takehiro Hira in ‘Crosspoint’

The film Crosspoint, featuring Carlo Aquino, hits Philippine cinemas on October 16!

Carlo Aquino is stepping away from his usual romantic comedies. He is known for films like Meet Me in St. Gallen, I Love Lizzy, and Third World Romance. This time, he dives into the action-packed world of thrillers with Crosspoint.

The film highlights his impressive acting skills. It also pairs him with Shogun star Takehiro Hira. Hira is an Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated Japanese actor.

The recently released Crosspoint trailer offers a glimpse of Aquino and Hira. Their characters cross paths in a hunt for a serial killer. Both are driven by financial desperation. They hope catching the murderer will solve their money problems.

Hira is known for his role as Ishido Kazunari in Shogun. He brings a strong presence alongside Aquino in this Filipino-Japanese production.

Here’s Everything We Know So Far About Carlo Aquino’s Upcoming Film ‘Crosspoint’

The film stars Carlo Aquino, Zeppi Borromeo, and Kei Kurosawa. It was a hot topic at the Star Magic Spotlight press conference. This event followed the release of the trailer. Crosspoint is a collaborative effort between High Road Creatives and Japan’s 034Productions. It is directed by Donie Ordiales. The cast includes Sarah Jane Abad, Dindo Arroyo, and Polo Ravales.

Set primarily in Japan, Carlo Aquino plays Manuel Hidalgo, a former Filipino celebrity now struggling to survive as an undocumented performer in a Tokyo pub. He meets Shigeru Yamaguchi (played by Takehiro Hira), a bankrupt construction company owner. The two form an unlikely partnership, joining forces to capture a wanted serial killer in a bid to escape their financial troubles.

At the press conference, Carlo admitted feeling intimidated when he first met Takehiro Hira. “He’s this huge guy! Six feet tall, and since the spaces in Japan are quite small, it’s intimidating when he enters a room,” Aquino shared. But as filming progressed, the two actors found their rhythm, leaving any initial insecurity behind as they took on their roles.

The collaboration came to life thanks to Carlo’s close friend and co-actor Zeppi Borromeo, who also stars in the film as Oliver. Zeppi shared that he immediately thought of Carlo for the role: “When I learned about the story, I thought, ‘Carlo would be great for this.’ He’s an incredible actor, down-to-earth, and always professional. Of course, he’s Carlo Aquino already.” The two actors first became friends while working on the TV series The Better Half, cementing their bond off-screen.

‘Crosspoint’: Challenges Behind the Scenes

One of the biggest challenges for Carlo was adapting to Japan’s freezing weather during the shoot. As someone used to the tropical climate of the Philippines, the sub-zero temperatures during the three-week filming period were a struggle. But he powered through, adding another layer of grit to his portrayal of Manuel.

Kei Kurosawa, a Filipino-Japanese actress and performer, also took on a challenging role in Crosspoint. Known for her role in ABS-CBN’s Zoomers, Kei plays a full-blooded Japanese character in this film. Although she’s half-Japanese, she grew up in the Philippines and had to undergo a year of language study and accent coaching to nail the Japanese dialogue for her role.

She admitted feeling nervous, especially in scenes with Takehiro Hira, but found the experience rewarding. “Working with Kuya Carlo, Kuya Zeppi, and the Japanese actors, I learned so much. Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging,” she said.

Carlo Aquino has consistently captivated audiences with his heart-wrenching performances, and Crosspoint looks to bring him into new, thrilling territory. Will this intense action role deliver the same emotional punch as his previous films? We’ll find out soon.

Crosspoint hits cinemas on October 16, with a red-carpet premiere set for October 10 at Gateway Mall 2. Don’t miss Crosspoint starring Carlo Aquino!

_{Cover image credit: Carlo Aquino}