Manila by Night
| Manila by Night | |
|---|---|
 Re-release poster for its screening at the Manila Film Center in 1985. | |
| Directed by | Ishmael Bernal |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Lily Y. Monteverde |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography |
|
| Edited by | Augusto Salvador |
| Music by | The Vanishing Tribe |
Production company | Regal Films |
| Distributed by | Regal Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 150 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | |
Manila by Night, also known as City After Dark, is a controversial 1980 Filipino film directed by Ishmael Bernal and starring Gina Alajar and Charito Solis. Released at the height of the Marcos regime, the film uncovers the other face of Manila by depicting the ugly aspects of life in the city – unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction and lack of decent housing. Considered one of Bernal's masterpieces, it is an epic multi-narrative of people who have shady pasts and are trying to exist in an unforgiving world.[1]
Synopsis[]
The film's events take place in the course of several nights, involving various protagonists and the city itself.
Cast[]
- Charito Solis as Virgie
- Alma Moreno as Adelina
- Cherie Gil as Kano
- Rio Locsin as Bea
- Lorna Tolentino as Baby
- Gina Alajar as Vanessa
- Orestes Ojeda as Pebrero
- Bernardo Bernardo as Manay Sharon
- William Martinez as Alex
- Johnny Wilson
- Anton Juan
- Charmie Benavidez
- Cris Vertido
- Ernie Zarate
Restoration[]
The film was restored in 4K resolution by the Philippine Film Archive, the film archives division of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Central Digital Lab as part of the "Save Our Cinema Restoation Program".[2] The restored version was premiered as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2020 exhibition.[3]
Reception[]
Critical response[]
The movie's original title is Manila by Night, but was later renamed to City After Dark. Former first lady Imelda Marcos asked it to be changed and banned for export. Marcos believes that the movie "maligns her city". The said movie was Ishmael Bernal's masterpiece. The characters are unique and realistic. The whole movie celebrates the night life in the streets of Manila, with the characters revolving around hookers, bisexuals, dope addicts and criminals.[4][5]
Accolades[]
| Year | Group | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Picture | Manila by Night | Won |
| Best Actor | Bernardo Bernardo | Won | ||
| Best Screenplay | Ishmael Bernal | Won | ||
| Best Production Design | Peque Gallaga[6][7] | Won | ||
| Best Director | Ishmael Bernal | Nominated | ||
| Best Actress | Cherie Gil | Nominated | ||
| Rio Locsin | Nominated | |||
| Best Music | Vanishing Tribe | Nominated |
References[]
- ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (October 14, 2020). "Watch these timeless Filipino movies at the 2020 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino". GMA Network. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ^ Seguerra, Liza Diño (August 9, 2020). "The vision for FDCP's Philippine Film Archive". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ^ "Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino goes online: Watch films, help pandemic-hit film industry". Rappler. October 3, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ^ "Manila by Night". Time Out London.
- ^ "CITY AFTER DARK (MANILA BY NIGHT) (1980)". Rotten Tomatoes.
- ^ Paredes, Andrew (May 7, 2020). "The towering, wondrous legacy of Peque Gallaga". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ^ Yuson, Alfred A. (May 18, 2020). "Farewell to Peque". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
External links[]
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- 1980 films
- 1980s fantasy drama films
- Films set in Manila
- Philippine films
- Regal Entertainment films
- Tagalog-language films
- Philippine fantasy drama films
- 1980 drama films
- Philippine film stubs
- 1980s drama film stubs