“Rhapsody of Love” – publicly billed as the first Asian Australian romcom – is frankly a misnomer. Joy Hopwood’s sophomore film is neither romantic nor funny. It instead plays like a cheaply-made, feature-length porn video without the joys of sex. Defined by flat acting, mindless editing, and an even more awkward script, “Rhapsody of Love” is a textureless digital piece that panders to tropes than to quality.
“Rhapsody of Love” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The film opens with Ben’s (Benjamin Hanly) wedding to Natasha (Jessica Niven). While he celebrates his wedding day, his forever-single best friend Jessica Flowers (Kathy Luu) wallows in the corner. A series of couples unfold from here. Ben’s wedding videographer, Justin (Damien Sato), cannot take his eyes off of Jessica despite his relationship with baking influencer Victoria (Lily Stewart). Victoria’s eyes drift as well, locking on the drinks waiter.
“Rhapsody of Love” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The film opens with Ben’s (Benjamin Hanly) wedding to Natasha (Jessica Niven). While he celebrates his wedding day, his forever-single best friend Jessica Flowers (Kathy Luu) wallows in the corner. A series of couples unfold from here. Ben’s wedding videographer, Justin (Damien Sato), cannot take his eyes off of Jessica despite his relationship with baking influencer Victoria (Lily Stewart). Victoria’s eyes drift as well, locking on the drinks waiter.
- 12/24/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
"He kissed you because his heart told him to. It's about time you start listening to yours..." Quiver has unveiled an official trailer for an Australian indie romantic comedy titled Rhapsody of Love, the second film made by filmmaker Joy Hopwood. The film follows an events planner named Jess, played by Kathy Luu, and a photographer named Justin, played by Damien Sato, who can't deny the sparks between them despite one small hitch – the photographer's girlfriend. The main cast also includes Joy Hopwood, Lily Stewart, Khan Chittenden, and Benjamin Hanly. This reminds me of Daniel Radcliffe's What If, which is also about falling for someone already in a relationship, and navigating that tricky situation. Looks good. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Joy Hopwood's Rhapsody of Love, direct from YouTube: Romance, work and life all collide when an events planner and wedding photographer meet and ignite sparks in this uplifting romantic comedy film.
- 10/12/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Rhapsody of Love is independent through and through.
Independently funded, self-distributed, and with a diverse cast and crew, the film is determined to forge its own path.
Rhapsody of Love makes its theatrical debut June 24 in Dendy theatres and tells the story of four couples navigating different stages of their relationships.
The rom-com stars Kathy Luu and Damien Sato in headline roles with support from Ben Hanly, Lily Stewart, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Joy Hopwood, and Khan Chittenden.
The central plot follows events planner Jess (Luu) who falls for photographer Justin (Sato) only to find he is already in a relationship.
For writer, director, producer and star Joy Hopwood, the film’s diversity was a key consideration, with the project dubbed the ‘1st Asian-Australian romantic comedy’.
“I think it’s important to have diversity because it reflects our society as it stands today, and it’s important for everyone to feel that they belong,...
Independently funded, self-distributed, and with a diverse cast and crew, the film is determined to forge its own path.
Rhapsody of Love makes its theatrical debut June 24 in Dendy theatres and tells the story of four couples navigating different stages of their relationships.
The rom-com stars Kathy Luu and Damien Sato in headline roles with support from Ben Hanly, Lily Stewart, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Joy Hopwood, and Khan Chittenden.
The central plot follows events planner Jess (Luu) who falls for photographer Justin (Sato) only to find he is already in a relationship.
For writer, director, producer and star Joy Hopwood, the film’s diversity was a key consideration, with the project dubbed the ‘1st Asian-Australian romantic comedy’.
“I think it’s important to have diversity because it reflects our society as it stands today, and it’s important for everyone to feel that they belong,...
- 6/9/2021
- by Matthew Kappos
- IF.com.au
Joy Hopwood’s Asian-Australian rom-com Rhapsody of Love follows the lives of four couples at different stages of their relationships and how sometimes life presents love when we least expect it.
Events planner Jess (Kathy Luu) meets photographer Justin (Damien Sato) at the wedding of her best friend Ben. Ben and Natasha are perfect for each other, but can they both support each other’s career aspirations. Then there’s Phil, always saying the wrong thing and looking for his next date.
The film will make its world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival April 24, 5.45pm @ Hota.
The post ‘Rhapsody of Love’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
Events planner Jess (Kathy Luu) meets photographer Justin (Damien Sato) at the wedding of her best friend Ben. Ben and Natasha are perfect for each other, but can they both support each other’s career aspirations. Then there’s Phil, always saying the wrong thing and looking for his next date.
The film will make its world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival April 24, 5.45pm @ Hota.
The post ‘Rhapsody of Love’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
- 3/21/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Gold Coast Film Festival returns with ‘Playing with Sharks’, ‘Dive Club’, ‘This Little Love of Mine’
The line-up for the Gold Coast Film Festival has been unveiled ahead of its return next month following a Covid-related hiatus.
The 12-day event will feature four world premieres, six Australian premieres, nine Queensland premieres, and two exclusive preview screenings across the Gold Coast, alongside Q&As with filmmakers and some of Australia’s leading cast and crew.
It will also be the first festival held under new director Aimée Lindorff, who took the reins from Lucy Fisher towards the end of last year.
Lindorff says this year’s program is about inspiring movie fans to return to the cinema and cinema-hopefuls to pursue their passion for the silver screen.
“We have an incredible mix of national and international films and documentaries starring some big names and tackling even bigger story lines,” she says.
“The prestigious Screen Industry Gala Awards will return at Movie World, where we will celebrate the...
The 12-day event will feature four world premieres, six Australian premieres, nine Queensland premieres, and two exclusive preview screenings across the Gold Coast, alongside Q&As with filmmakers and some of Australia’s leading cast and crew.
It will also be the first festival held under new director Aimée Lindorff, who took the reins from Lucy Fisher towards the end of last year.
Lindorff says this year’s program is about inspiring movie fans to return to the cinema and cinema-hopefuls to pursue their passion for the silver screen.
“We have an incredible mix of national and international films and documentaries starring some big names and tackling even bigger story lines,” she says.
“The prestigious Screen Industry Gala Awards will return at Movie World, where we will celebrate the...
- 3/10/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Katrina Irawati Graham and Ana Tiwary.
A key focus for Women in Film & Television (Wift) Australia this year will be expanding its current programs, each of which addresses the exit and entry points for all women and non-binary people in the screen industry.
Another priority for the organisation is looking for ways to increase female and non-binary screen practitioners’ fiscal longevity and sustainability, Wift Australia chair Katrina Irawati Graham tells If.
“If anyone wants to support us in this then give us a call. We are in this for the long game,” says Graham.
On her own initiative producer Ana Tiwary, a Wift Australia board member, is creating an action plan for diversity and inclusion to share with the screen industry.
“Most screen industry organisations and guilds understand the importance of inclusion and some have put together guidelines but there is a need for a simple action list that is easy to follow and implement,...
A key focus for Women in Film & Television (Wift) Australia this year will be expanding its current programs, each of which addresses the exit and entry points for all women and non-binary people in the screen industry.
Another priority for the organisation is looking for ways to increase female and non-binary screen practitioners’ fiscal longevity and sustainability, Wift Australia chair Katrina Irawati Graham tells If.
“If anyone wants to support us in this then give us a call. We are in this for the long game,” says Graham.
On her own initiative producer Ana Tiwary, a Wift Australia board member, is creating an action plan for diversity and inclusion to share with the screen industry.
“Most screen industry organisations and guilds understand the importance of inclusion and some have put together guidelines but there is a need for a simple action list that is easy to follow and implement,...
- 1/13/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Damien Sato and Kathy Luu.
Actor, writer and producer Joy Hopwood is directing her second feature, Rhapsody of Love, a rom-com starring Asian-Australians Damien Sato and Kathy Luu.
Further reflecting the project’s diversity, producers Hopwood and Ana Tiwary have hired women in key creative roles.
Now shooting in Sydney, the plot follows four couples at different stages of their relationships and examines how love sometimes develops when it is least expected.
The ensemble cast includes Lily Stewart, Khan Chittenden, Benjamin Hanly, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Hopwood, Amanda Benson, Sam Wang, Erica Long, Michael Giglio and Andrew Wang.
Among the heads of department are Aftrs graduate Goldie Soetianto as Dop, sound recordist Lara Cross, set designer Jessie Singh and editor Jon Cohen.
Asked on Facebook if Rhapsody of Love would be more relatable than Crazy Rich Asians, Luu, whose credits include The Good Place, Fighting Season and The Unlisted, said:...
Actor, writer and producer Joy Hopwood is directing her second feature, Rhapsody of Love, a rom-com starring Asian-Australians Damien Sato and Kathy Luu.
Further reflecting the project’s diversity, producers Hopwood and Ana Tiwary have hired women in key creative roles.
Now shooting in Sydney, the plot follows four couples at different stages of their relationships and examines how love sometimes develops when it is least expected.
The ensemble cast includes Lily Stewart, Khan Chittenden, Benjamin Hanly, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Hopwood, Amanda Benson, Sam Wang, Erica Long, Michael Giglio and Andrew Wang.
Among the heads of department are Aftrs graduate Goldie Soetianto as Dop, sound recordist Lara Cross, set designer Jessie Singh and editor Jon Cohen.
Asked on Facebook if Rhapsody of Love would be more relatable than Crazy Rich Asians, Luu, whose credits include The Good Place, Fighting Season and The Unlisted, said:...
- 1/9/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The third Joy House Film Festival will return this weekend after strong showings in Perth and Sydney last year..
The short film festival will be coming to Hoyts, (corner of Albert and Victor St, Chatswood) this Sunday from 3-5pm, as part of the Emerge The Willoughby Spring Festival.
The films selected are from both Australia and overseas, with a main theme of joy and diversity. This film festival is supported by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.s Diversity Committee.
Artistic director, Joy Hopwood, said there was a great assortment of short films from Australia, London, Paris, Us, New Zealand, "including stop animation, documentary, drama, claymation, animation and comedy to .suit a vast variety of tastes".
The third Joy House Film Festival includes $2000 worth of prizes for Media Super.s Best .film, Hoyts People.s Choice Award, Bendigo Bank.s Youth prize & North Shore Drama .Diversity Award..
The short film festival will be coming to Hoyts, (corner of Albert and Victor St, Chatswood) this Sunday from 3-5pm, as part of the Emerge The Willoughby Spring Festival.
The films selected are from both Australia and overseas, with a main theme of joy and diversity. This film festival is supported by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.s Diversity Committee.
Artistic director, Joy Hopwood, said there was a great assortment of short films from Australia, London, Paris, Us, New Zealand, "including stop animation, documentary, drama, claymation, animation and comedy to .suit a vast variety of tastes".
The third Joy House Film Festival includes $2000 worth of prizes for Media Super.s Best .film, Hoyts People.s Choice Award, Bendigo Bank.s Youth prize & North Shore Drama .Diversity Award..
- 9/8/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Actors seldom complain about a lack of diversity in the casting of Australian films and TV programs, according to actress/filmmaker Pearl Tan.
The reason, she says, is that when actors do voice their opinions, they are .vilified. on social media. Tan has joined Equity.s Diversity Committee, which was formed in July and aims to promote and advocate the principles of diverse casting and to foster more opportunities for Equity members from diverse communities.
Reflecting the depth of feeling on the issue, the committee has 32 members including Amanda Bishop, Annette Shun Wah, Bali Padda, Eddie Tang, Jay Laga'aia, Jonathan Chan, Joy Hopwood, Kasia Kaczmarek, Kate Hood, Maria Papas, Ming-Zhu Hii, Robert Jago, Sachin Joab and Serhat Caradee.
Producers are supporting their cause. The new Australian Feature Film Agreement includes a section on diversity in casting which states .Spaa, Ipi and the Meaa recognise the need for expanding the participation...
The reason, she says, is that when actors do voice their opinions, they are .vilified. on social media. Tan has joined Equity.s Diversity Committee, which was formed in July and aims to promote and advocate the principles of diverse casting and to foster more opportunities for Equity members from diverse communities.
Reflecting the depth of feeling on the issue, the committee has 32 members including Amanda Bishop, Annette Shun Wah, Bali Padda, Eddie Tang, Jay Laga'aia, Jonathan Chan, Joy Hopwood, Kasia Kaczmarek, Kate Hood, Maria Papas, Ming-Zhu Hii, Robert Jago, Sachin Joab and Serhat Caradee.
Producers are supporting their cause. The new Australian Feature Film Agreement includes a section on diversity in casting which states .Spaa, Ipi and the Meaa recognise the need for expanding the participation...
- 9/18/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
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