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7.0
/10
578 Ratings

MANILA

Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., Raya Martin
Philippines, 2009
Drama
  • 9090 minutes

Synopsis

Day. A young man grapples with his drug addiction and his mother’s disappointment. Night. After a shooting incident, a bodyguard for a mayor’s son realizes his true worth to his boss. Soon, he is abandoned and must fend for himself as the city of Manila plunges into darkness.

Synopsis

Day. A young man grapples with his drug addiction and his mother’s disappointment. Night. After a shooting incident, a bodyguard for a mayor’s son realizes his true worth to his boss. Soon, he is abandoned and must fend for himself as the city of Manila plunges into darkness.

Our take

A playful yet haunting tribute to two iconic Philippine films, Manila by Night and Jaguar, this fiercely inventive diptych takes a modern look at Manila life. Co-directed by Adolf Alix & Raya Martin, atmospherically shot on 16mm B&W film by Albert Banzon—oh, and watch out for a Lav Diaz cameo!