Watch Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s award-winning GENSAN PUNCH on HBO GO on Dec 16

HBO Asia Film GENSAN PUNCH, based on the true story of Naozumi Tsuchiyama, will premiere exclusively on HBO GO on December 16, 2021. Brillante Ma. Mendoza produces and directs.

In the movie, Nao, a young Japanese man, aspires to be a professional boxer. While his skills are undeniable, his prosthetic leg prevents him from fighting professionally. Undeterred, Nao sets off for the Philippines, where he pursues his dream in the Gensan Quarter of General Santos City, home to athletes such as legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao.

GENSAN PUNCH was one of two winners of the 26th Busan International Film Festival’s Kim Jiseok Award in October. The award went to films that reflected contemporary Asian cinema. The film also screened at the 34th Tokyo International Film Festival from October 30 to November 8, 2021.

The accolades and recognition for GENSAN PUNCH add to Brillante Mendoza’s stellar career. With KINATAY, Mendoza became the first Filipino to win the Best Director award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. He was also made a Chevalier (Knight) of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of France’s highest honors for contributions to art and literature.

Brillante Mendoza’s film work has received awards and nominations in major competitions in Venice, Berlin, Cannes, San Sebastian, Cairo, and more.

It stars Shogen (Death Note; Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist), Ronnie Lazaro (Affliction; Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story), Kaho Minami (Dream Street; Hotaru), Beauty Gonzales (The Heiress; Angelito: Batang Ama) and Vince Rillon (Ang Probinsyano; 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! ).

Honee Alipio wrote and directed the award-winning sports film, which was co-produced by Takahiro Yamashita and Krisma Maclang Fajardo, with Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Simon Crowe, and Fumie Suzuki Lancaster.

From December 16, 2021, only on HBO GO. Warrior and other martial arts shows like Rocky 6 and Tom Yum Goong are now available on HBO GO. On the other hand, you can subscribe to HBO GO via the mobile app on your device for as low as 99.70/month. Or via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. HBO GO is compatible with Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV via AirPlay and Google Cast.