The Nail of Brightness (1975)
"Maynila: Sa mga kuko ng liwanag" (original title)

Director:

Lino Brocka

Writers:

Edgardo Reyes (novel), Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr. (screenplay)

Stars:

Hilda Koronel, Bembol Roco, Lou Salvador Jr.

7 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hilda Koronel	...	Ligaya Paraiso
Bembol Roco	...	Julio Madiaga (as Rafael Roco Jr.)
Lou Salvador Jr.	...	Atong
Joonee Gamboa	...	Omeng
Pio De Castro III	...	Imo
Danilo Posadas	...	Benny
Joe Jardy	...	Frank (as Joseph Jardinazo)
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

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

city | male prostitute | filipino | laborer | place name in title | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

Philippines

Language:

Filipino Tagalog

Release Date:

16 July 1975 (Philippines)

Also Known As:

The Nail of Brightness

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinema Artists

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only Filipino film included in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die by Steven Jay Schneider.

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Connections

Referenced in Manila in the Fangs of Darkness (2008)

User Reviews

The best Filipino film of all time? Probably YES.

I'm not a fan of our local films here in the Philippines. I've seen so many cheesy Filipino films such as "Dyesebel", "Batang X" etc. But after I have seen "Maynila", everything changed.

The film is simply amazing. It really blows me away. This is very original concept of story I have seen in my entire life. Although some moments are like "Midnight Cowboy" inspired, the whole story is very original.

The characters are very memorable, though some acting needs some improvement. Thanks to the late Director, Lino Brocka for making this unforgettable, total human experience. Brocka is the greatest Filipino director, and I'm sure everyone will agree on me.

10/10