Is Manila Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Manila is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Manila Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Manila emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A tribute to filmmakers and National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. Unlike standard genre fare, Manila attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Manila features a noteworthy lineup led by Piolo Pascual . Supported by the likes of Rosanna Roces and Jay Manalo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Manila (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Manila Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Manila is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Manila Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Manila concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Manila reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Manila?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Manila
- Piolo Pascual – William / Phillip
- Rosanna Roces – Charito
- Jay Manalo – Barry
- Alessandra de Rossi – Amy
- Angelica Panganiban – Gina
Top Highlights
Piolo PascualWilliam / Phillip
Rosanna RocesCharito
Jay ManaloBarry
Alessandra de RossiAmy
Angelica PanganibanGina
Aleck BovickCherie
Katherine LunaRio
John LapusMitch
Marissa DelgadoLuningning
Cherrie MadrigalBernadette
Where to Watch Manila Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
OVIDParents Guide & Age Rating
Manila has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Manila stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manila movie hit or flop?
Manila has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Manila worth watching?
Manila is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Manila online?
Manila is currently available for streaming on OVID. You can also check for it on platforms like OVID depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Manila
How Manila Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Manila
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
