MovieChat Forums > Maynila sa mga kuko ng liwanag (1975) Discussion > Unavailable? Unacceptable!

Unavailable? Unacceptable!

posted 12 years ago by Falconeer
5 replies | jump to latest

Lino Brocka's film is considered by many to be a masterpiece, as well as the finest and most important Filipino movie of all time. So why isn't it available anywhere? I just think it is ridiculous when so much worthless garbage gets released on dvd, while this film is neglected. I even tried to download this from torrent sites, (something that i would not normally do) and even on the internet nobody has this film. I hope some indie company picks up this title and releases it. i know a decent print exists, as it is on youtube, only without subtitles. Does anybody out there have a copy??

"IMdB; where 14 year olds can act like jaded 40 year old critics...'

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 11 years ago

Have you tried torrent sites?

Global Warming, it's a personal decision innit? - Nigel Tufnel

[–] Falconeer 11 years ago

I actually did find "Manila In the Claws of Neon" from a seller online at "i-offer.com." The print is quite good and it has good English subtitles. And if you look around it is on torrent sites too, but you must search. I still think this film deserves a legitimate commercial release though. The majority of people wouldn't know about torrent sites and the legality of them is so confusing that many don't want to take the risk of downloading something "illegally." Anyway i'm glad to have this now; it's a beautiful film.

"IMdB; where 14 year olds can act like jaded 40 year old critics...'

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 11 years ago

The Scorsese World Foundation has restored the film. Perhaps now, it can have more recognition & commercial promotion.

Global Warming, it's a personal decision innit? - Nigel Tufnel

[–] Falconeer 11 years ago

That's good to hear! Scorsese? Did you know that his film "Taxi Driver" was directly influenced by Brocka's "Manila In the Claws of Neon?" If you watch the final scenes of 'Manila' you will see that the finale plays out identically to the end of Taxi Driver! Location, camera angles, editing; it's virtually identical! The first time i saw it i was amazed. Both films are among my favorites. Watch them back to back one night and see, if you don't mind watching two such heavy films together..it might put you in a dark state of mind though!

"IMdB; where 14 year olds can act like jaded 40 year old critics...'

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 11 years ago

I did hear that, I should give your suggestion a shot. I haven't seen Taxi Driver tbh.

Global Warming, it's a personal decision innit? - Nigel Tufnel