#bembol roco

[filmap]

Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag / Manila in the Claws of Light Lino Brocka. 1975

Opening Titles 377 Plaza Sta. Cruz, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1003 Metro Manila, Philippines See in map

See on Letterboxd

[pierppasolini]

Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) // dir. Lino Brocka

[allweknewisdead]

Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) - Lino Brocka

I must have scoured every corner of the city.

[starmoph]

Legendary Kontrabida Trio Returns in iWant's New Action-Comedy 'Kontrabida'

Three of Philippine cinema’s most iconic on-screen villains, Rez Cortez, Bembol Roco, and Dindo Arroyo, join forces and step into the spotlight as heroes in the new action-comedy-drama “Kontrabida,” premiering worldwide on iWant this Tuesday (August 19) at 8 p.m. (PHT). The film flips their notorious on-screen personas on their head, as the trio—once feared for their convincing portrayals of…

Legendary Kontrabida Trio Returns in iWant's New Action-Comedy 'Kontrabida'

[craniumflight]

I agree, Manila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag is indeed a very very good (though heavy film)

the acting and directing is awesome

each shot tells a story, there is no wasted moment.

poignant and raw and

harsh

[linobrocka]

Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976)

sa direksyon ni Mario O'Hara

[abispostsstuff]

The Darkness in Light: Manila in the Claws of Light

            Of the various movies which deal with factual situations, "Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag," is meritorious. This Lino Brocka film is one of the best classic films ever.            The motion picture is an adaptation of the book, "Sa Kuko ng mga Liwanag," written out by Edgardo Reyes. It describes the societal glitches encountered in the 70s, focusing on disparity and exactly how prostitution became an escape to those who sought for a better life and be freed from poverty.            The lead role of Julio Madiaga was portrayed by a novice actor, Rafael Roco, Jr., now popularly known as Bembol Roco. The female lead, Ligaya Paraiso, was played by Hilda Koronel.            The movie depicts some kind of symbolisms. The character of Julio represents the Filipino's vision of having more in life, of being fascinated by the glitz Manila is seen as a city of dreams only to discover that it actually was a cemented jungle where the vulnerable ones would be an easy target to those who were always prying for victims. Ligaya Paraiso, on the other hand, stands for the Motherland, a supposed place of happiness and paradise but was molested by a foreigner symbolized by Ah-Tek. Because Julio cared so much for Ligaya, he slayed Ah-Tek after finding out that Ligaya's death was not due to an accident. This indicates affection for one's motherland resulting from hostile act unto the offenders, even using one’s own hands to conquer injustice. Julio at the latter part of the film is seen being chased by the people who were trying to catch him for the killing until he reached a dead-end. He wept with an ice pick in his hand. The dead-end could symbolize Julio's end in the hands of those running after him or in his own hands. It could also mean hindrance and obstacle which would eventually be overcome.

           Although the movie was set in 1975, it offers an image of the harsh realities in life. It visualizes related issues that are still prevalent nowadays. One of them is injustice. Julio suffered prejudice because of the meager salary of 2.50 per day he received for a hard day of labor as a construction worker. Ligaya also suffered same from the hands of an abusive Chinese. As a result, both Julio and Ligaya were exploited. Nowadays, we heard of injustice being committed to those innocent ones. There are instances wherein those affluent ones who have the influence and money are spared of and do not get penalized for their offenses. Justice is oftentimes elusive and in jeopardy for the Julio and Ligaya of these days. How ironic that Ligaya was abused by a Chinese which is the same nationality who would like to abuse our territorial land, the Ligaya Paraiso of our heritage. Ah-Tek, a Chinese who took advantage of the frail woman that was Ligaya. Nowadays, the Chinese are seemingly taking advantage of the pathetic Philippines for they are aware that our arms depot is of no match to their weaponries and artilleries.            Is it correct to think that in the midst of gloom there is sunlit and that within inconspicuousness there is hopefulness? Are we only made into thinking that we can still hold on for the days ahead or will it still remain just a dream for most of us? Life at times gives us so much to bear. Instead of being despair, one must be confident and optimistic that everything would turn-out differently as time goes by. In order to better appreciate the good things in life, obstacles and hindrances must be looked at as part and parcel of life.            The darkness in light would mean that despite the bustle of city life it could not be denied the existence of manipulation and exploitation. Maynila gives us a vivid picture of how darkness is visible and evident amidst the light. Kuko or claws could hurt or spike someone. It is sort of a representation of hardships or darkness in one's life.

[magicblood]

Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila, In The Claws of Light), dir. Lino Brocka, 1975