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Manila in the Claws of Light

Original title: Maynila sa mga kuko ng liwanag
  • 1975
  • TV-14
  • 2h 5m
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
2.9K
YOUR RATING
Hilda Koronel and Bembol Roco in Manila in the Claws of Light (1975)
DramaMystery

Júlio Madiaga, a 'provinciano', arrives in Manila to search for his beloved, Ligaya.Júlio Madiaga, a 'provinciano', arrives in Manila to search for his beloved, Ligaya.Júlio Madiaga, a 'provinciano', arrives in Manila to search for his beloved, Ligaya.

  • Director
    • Lino Brocka
  • Writers
    • Edgardo Reyes
    • Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr.
  • Stars
    • Hilda Koronel
    • Bembol Roco
    • Lou Salvador Jr.
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    2.9K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lino Brocka
    • Writers
      • Edgardo Reyes
      • Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr.
    • Stars
      • Hilda Koronel
      • Bembol Roco
      • Lou Salvador Jr.
    • 19User reviews
    • 41Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 8 wins & 2 nominations total

    Photos16

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    Top cast49

    Edit
    Hilda Koronel
    Hilda Koronel
    • Ligaya Paraiso
    Bembol Roco
    Bembol Roco
    • Julio Madiaga
    • (as Rafael Roco Jr.)
    Lou Salvador Jr.
    • Atong
    Joonee Gamboa
    Joonee Gamboa
    • Omeng
    Pio De Castro III
    • Imo
    Danilo Posadas
    • Benny
    Joe Jardi
    • Frank
    • (as Joseph Jardinazo)
    Spanky Manikan
    Spanky Manikan
    • Gido
    Edipolo Erosido
    • Eddie
    Pancho Pelagio
    • Mr. Balajadia
    Purita Yap
    • Nanay
    Josephine Gutierrez
    • Kapatid ni Ligaya
    Gina Zegui
    • Kapatid ni Ligaya
    Ronnie Magalong
    • Kapatid ni Ligaya
    Anna Marie Nicolas
    • Batang Ligaya
    Victor Diendo
    • Batang Julio
    Lily Gamboa Mendoza
    • Perla
    • (as Lily Gamboa-Mendoza)
    Abelardo Reyes
    • Tatay
    • Director
      • Lino Brocka
    • Writers
      • Edgardo Reyes
      • Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr.
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jay Ilagan was supposed to play the role of Julio Madiaga. But due to his increasing weight problem, he had to quit. The role went to the newcomer Bembol Roco.
    • Quotes

      Pol: A girl who's used to dried fish will be thrilled with smoked fish. But give a girl smoked fish when she's used to ham and it's all-out war. Poor girls are easy to please.

    • Crazy credits
      The end credits are shown in black text over plain white background.
    • Connections
      Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Fantastic Asian Movies You Have Not Seen (2018)

    User reviews19

    Featured review
    10/10

    heart-breaking, thought-provoking, beautiful

    In all the long, hit-and-miss years of Philippine cinema, no other movie made an impact as much as "Maynila". This movie is proof that low-budgeted movies can truly be maximized by a beautiful, thought-provoking story. `Maynila' is the tragic story of Julio (Bembol Roco), a small-town fisherman who went to the big city to search for Ligaya, his sweetheart (Hilda Koronel), losing his innocence and humanity in the process.

    The acting was not superb, but the plot and storyline carried the cast all the way, making each character as memorable as the next. Julio's journey through the streets of Manila is real. The direction was extraordinary. The climax and ending of the story is as surprising as 'Fight Club' and 'Seven', but will leave you thinking and utterly breathless, applause in seat. Never has a tragedy been as beautiful as this.

    Also, never will the Philippines experience a movie as beautiful as this. Never again.
    • pope_innocentyears
    • Oct 7, 2002
    • Permalink

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    FAQ15

    • How long is Manila in the Claws of Light?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 16, 1975 (Philippines)
    • Country of origin
      • Philippines
    • Languages
      • Filipino
      • Tagalog
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The Nail of Brightness
    • Filming locations
      • Binondo, Manila, Philippines(interior and exterior locations)
    • Production company
      • Cinema Artists
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 5 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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