Buy Now, Die Later draws inspiration from an anime series

When I first saw the trailer of Buy Now, Die Later; I can't help but compare it to a 4-episode series Pet Shop Of Horrors. The premise of the trailer was there are five characters with separate story lines that are drawn together by a shop owned by Santi, played by TJ Trinidad.

L-R: Ronald Allan Habon, Vhong Navarro, John Lapuz, Alex Gonzaga, Randolph Longjas and TJ Trinidad.

During the presscon of the movie last December 3, I got to ask TJ Trinidad about where did he draw inspiration for his character, he answered that the director showed him the same series as reference for his character but not as androgynous as Count D, the main character of Pet Shop Of Horrors. TJ adds that his first stage production experience of The Normal Heart helps in building up his character in the movie.

Instead of exotic pets, the movie uses cursed objects that has significance with the five senses for the individual characters. There is also comparison drawn from Friday The 13th The Series and Gremlins movies.

I also got to talk to writer Ronald Allan Habon and director Randolph Longjas that they already conceptualized it long before they watched the anime series but they don't deny that they draw inspiration from it. When they got to watch it, they found out that it is similar to their idea and drew additional material from it. 

This movie takes the place of regular MMFF entry Shake, Rattle & Roll when it didn't enter  this year. I am now really excited after hearing this new insight and I want to see it during the Metro Manila Film Fest. Who knows, it may start a new movie anthology. Also starring Vhong Navarro, Lotlot De Leon, Alex Gonzaga, Rayver Cruz, John Lapus and introducing Janine Gutierrez. For movie reviews, follow this blogs and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.