'Avengers: Endgame' with Chinese subtitles draws netizens’ ire

Some cinemas in Metro Manila are offering special screenings of the much-awaited "Avengers: Endgame" movie with Chinese subtitles and have drawn criticisms from movie goers.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls recently announced on social media that the offer will be available in Newport Cinemas, Lucky Chinatown Cinemas, Southwoods Cinemas, Eastwood Cinemas, and Venice Cineplex from April 24 to 28, 2019.

Irked netizens who bought Endgame movie tickets in advance had been demanding refunds. They said that the subtitles would ruin their viewing experience.

The Facebook page of Southwoods Mall which posted the viral advertisement said that the subtitles would "not automatically apply to all screenings."

"We also ensure that customers are properly informed if the screenings they chose will have Chinese subtitles prior to their purchase," it said in the comments section.

The supposed influx of Chinese workers in the country had been an issue for discussion in the past few months.

Around 25,000 to 40,000 Alien Employment permits (AEPs) have been given to Chinese nationals in the Philippines from 2016 to 2018, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

But Megaworld announced that tickets are refundable.

"To our valued moviegoers who have already booked their tickets but prefer watching the film without subtitles, you may refund your tickets at the ticketing booths where the booking or purchase was made starting today," the company said in a statement.

It added that the special screening of the much-awaited Marvel movie was made to "promote cultural diversity" and allow the audience who are not English-speaking to appreciate the movie better. —Dona Magsino/NB/RSJ, GMA News