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 byIshmael Bernal
Produced byLily Y. Monteverde
Written by
StarringCharito Solis
Music byThe Vanishing Tribe
Cinematography
  • Ely Cruz
  • Sergio Lobo
Edited byAugusto Salvador
Production
company
Regal Films
Distributed byRegal Films
Release date
  • November 28, 1980 (1980-11-28)
Running time
150 minutes
CountryPhilippines
Language

Synopsis

The film's events take place in the course of several nights, involving various protagonists and the city itself.

Cast

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
  1. "Manila by Night". Time Out London.
  2. "CITY AFTER DARK (MANILA BY NIGHT) (1980)". Rotten Tomatoes.


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