Tagged by some critics as "possibly the best Filipino movie ever made", Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag creates an atmosphere where viewers are called to look closer to one of the main characters of the movie - the city itself. This call leads to a deeper understanding of the characters and their significance in the story. Moreover, the plot is craftily designed to highlight the idea each character symbolizes. One cannot help but to pity Julio Madiaga (the surname translates to "patience") in his search to be reunited with her love interest Ligaya Paraiso ("happy paradise" in literal English translation) in the bustling city of doom that is slowly setting dawn on them. While the acting and editing may be considered so-so (at least to modern-day standards), the cinematography and music and their effects that each scene leaves to the viewers are nonetheless superb.
Review of Manila in the Claws of Light
