Manila by Night
Manila by Night, also known as City After Dark, is a 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 as 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.
| Manila by Night | |
|---|---|
 Re-release poster for its screening at the Manila Film Center in 1985. | |
| Directed by | Ishmael Bernal |
| Produced by | Lily Y. Monteverde |
| Written by | |
| Starring | Charito Solis |
| Music by | The Vanishing Tribe |
| Cinematography |
|
| Edited by | Augusto Salvador |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Regal Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 150 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | |
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
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.[1][2]
References
- "Manila by Night". Time Out London.
- "CITY AFTER DARK (MANILA BY NIGHT) (1980)". Rotten Tomatoes.