Manila by Night Poster

Manila by Night 1980

★ 7.013 votes150 min📅 1980-11-28

"Psst... have a good time with us in the city after dark."

Dive into the neon-drenched underbelly of Manila in *Manila by Night (1980)*, Ishmael Bernal's raw and revelatory drama that exposes the city's nocturnal secrets.

Director: Ishmael Bernal

Cast

Charito Solis
Charito Solis
Virgie
Alma Moreno
Alma Moreno
Adelina
Lorna Tolentino
Lorna Tolentino
Baby
Rio Locsin
Rio Locsin
Bea
Cherie Gil
Cherie Gil
Kano
Gina Alajar
Gina Alajar
Vanessa
Orestes Ojeda
Orestes Ojeda
Pebrero
William Martinez
William Martinez
Alex
Johnny Wilson
Virgie's Husband
Jojo Santiago
Greggy Williams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manila by Night (1980) about?

*Manila by Night (1980)* peels back the glittering facade of the city to reveal its darker side, following ordinary people navigating love, family, and hardship against a backdrop of drugs and vice. The film weaves their interconnected stories into a tapestry of urban survival, where every choice feels urgent and every relationship is tested by the shadows of the night.

Who directed Manila by Night?

Ishmael Bernal directed *Manila by Night*, crafting a visceral portrayal of Manila's nocturnal underworld with his signature blend of social realism and emotional depth.

Who stars in Manila by Night?

The film stars Charito Solis, Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, and Cherie Gil in standout roles that anchor its gritty narrative.

Is Manila by Night (1980) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, *Manila by Night (1980)* is widely regarded as a classic of Philippine cinema for its unflinching storytelling and thematic depth. Fans of character-driven dramas and socially conscious films will find its raw portrayal of urban life both compelling and thought-provoking.

How long is Manila by Night?

The film runs for 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes), immersing viewers in its sprawling narrative of Manila's nightlife.

🎥 Trailer

About Manila by Night (1980): A Gritty Drama of Manila's Hidden Nightlife

Dive into the neon-drenched underbelly of Manila in *Manila by Night (1980)*, Ishmael Bernal's raw and revelatory drama that exposes the city's nocturnal secrets. This isn't just a film about nightlife—it's a poignant exploration of love, family, and survival in a world where drugs and desperation lurk in every shadow. The streets pulse with the lives of ordinary people clinging to fleeting connections, their struggles playing out against a backdrop of flashing billboards and whispered promises. With Bernal's unflinching direction, the movie transforms into a gripping portrait of urban decay and humanity's resilience, where every character's fate feels as unpredictable as the city itself.

Starring icons like Charito Solis, Alma Moreno, and Lorna Tolentino, *Manila by Night (1980)* blends drama with a gritty authenticity that still feels electrifying decades later. The film's themes of moral ambiguity and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator linger long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for fans of socially conscious cinema.