Manila, Open City

Synopsis

Manila, Open City is a 1968 Filipino war drama directed by Eddie Romero, set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. The film follows the harrowing experiences of Filipinos navigating the dangers and moral complexities of life under enemy control. It centers on characters caught between collaboration and resistance as their city faces destruction during the liberation. With Charito Solis delivering a poignant performance, the story explores themes of survival, courage, and the human cost of war amid the backdrop of Manila’s ravaged streets, illuminating the resilience of its people in a time of immense turmoil.

Cast

• 

  Charito Solis

  Sor Matilde

• 

  James Shigeta

  Captain Murakami

• Alex Nicol

  Colonel Bergen

• 

  John Ashley

  U.S. Medic

• 

  Ric Rodrigo

  Guerrilla Commander

• 

  Mario Montenegro

  Marcos Liwag

Reviews

Manila, Open City holds a place in Philippine cinema history as an earnest and straightforward war drama, though it has garnered mixed to modest reviews from contemporary audiences and critics. On IMDb, the film has an average rating of 5.6/10, reflecting a lukewarm reception. Some viewers appreciate the authentic portrayal of Manila during World War II, commending its effort to highlight Filipino perspectives often overshadowed in global war films. Charito Solis's performance was praised for adding emotional depth to the narrative. However, critiques often point to the film's low production values and pacing issues, especially when compared to Western counterparts in the genre. According to some retrospectives, the film feels dated in its storytelling and technical execution, which may limit its appeal to modern audiences. Despite these shortcomings, Manila, Open City is recognized for its historical significance and the important cultural context it provides. It is viewed as a valuable piece for those interested in Philippine history and cinema, even if it lacks the polish and dramatic intensity found in more celebrated war films.

See also

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The Gendarme Takes Off

Ghoulies II

Odette Toulemonde