Genre: Action
Runtime: 1h 40m
Released: 31 August 1979
Country of Origin: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Director: Lino Brocka
Writer: Nick Joaquin (book) • Jose F. Lacada (story & screenplay) • Ricky Lee (story & screenplay) [credited ss Ricardo Lee)
Production Company: Bancom Audiovision
In the city's sprawling slums, amid dilapidated buildings and the constant hum of despair, lived a young man named Poldo. In his twenties, he felt a burning desire to transcend his humble roots and climb the social ladder, longing for a life beyond the confines of poverty and misery. Poldo's days were marked by constant toil; he worked tirelessly to survive. But deep in his heart, he harboured a burning ambition to make a name for himself and follow a path that would lead him to a world of wealth and privilege. He longed for the day when he would no longer be confined to the squalor of the slums but instead would enjoy the luxuries that only the upper echelons of society could afford.
Fate seemed to intervene in Poldo's life especially. One fateful evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast long shadows across the deserted streets, Poldo found himself in the middle of a chaotic confrontation. Direk, a notorious troublemaker known for his ruthless nature, targeted Sonny Gaston, a wealthy playboy who enjoyed his opulent lifestyle and treated those beneath him with contempt and indifference.
Driven by an innate sense of justice and unwavering determination, Poldo plunged into action, his fists flying with a precision and power that belied his humble appearance. With every strike, he defended Sonny and protected him from Direk's incessant attacks. The demonstration of Poldo's boxing skills amazed Sonny and his admiration for the young man grew with every moment.
Sonny was impressed by Poldo's unwavering loyalty and remarkable skills which made him an unexpected offer. He appointed Poldo as his bodyguard, a position that would give him access to the inner sanctum of Sonny's world. Poldo, overwhelmed by this sudden turn of events, felt exhilaration coursing through his veins. He had finally gained access to the kingdom of the privileged, a chance to interact with the elite.
Although Poldo was initially limited to the role of errand boy, he accepted his new position with undiminished enthusiasm. Every task, no matter how menial, was an opportunity for him to prove his worth and demonstrate his loyalty. The very fact that he was accepted into the upper class, even in a seemingly insignificant position, filled him with an indescribable feeling of satisfaction.
As Poldo moved through the complex network of Sonny's gang, he immersed himself in a world of extravagance and excess. Lavish parties, extravagant displays of wealth and the constant lure of power have become his new reality. Although he was aware of the great gulf that separated him from the true elite, Poldo enjoyed the closeness he now enjoyed.
With each passing day, Poldo's dreams of escaping the slums and forging a new identity grew stronger. He knew that this new connection with Sonny and his gang was just the first step on his path to a life of prosperity. With ambition and unwavering determination, Poldo set out on a path that would change his life forever. He left behind the slums that had once imprisoned him and embraced a fulfilling future with endless possibilities.
There was a tense atmosphere in the dimly lit office of the famous director Direk. Sonny, a troubled young man with a troubled past, stood before Direk, his mentor and father figure. They had been separated for months and their relationship was strained by misunderstandings and communication problems. But now, at this crucial moment, they have come together to reconcile their differences.
When Sonny entered the office, his eyes immediately fell on a striking woman standing next to Direk. Her name was Cristy Montes and she was Direk's new flame. With her bright smile and captivating presence, she exuded an air of mystery and charm. Sonny couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull, a connection that went beyond their shared humble origins in the slums.
Sonny wasn't the only one fascinated by Cristy's charm. Poldo, Sonny's loyal bodyguard, had also developed an affection for her. Poldo, a man of few words but unwavering loyalty, had always been at Sonny's side, protecting him from the dangers that lurked in the shadows. But in the presence of Cristy, Poldo found himself torn between his duty to Sonny and the undeniable attraction he felt for this enigmatic woman.
Sonny, driven by his ambition and his desire to make Cristy a star, pursues her with unwavering determination. He promised her roles in his next films and painted a vivid picture of the glamorous future that awaited her. Meanwhile, Poldo, always a quiet observer, kept his distance and silently struggled with his conflicting feelings.
However, Cristy's decision to leave Direk sent shockwaves through their intertwined lives. Anger burned inside her, fueled by a feeling of betrayal and disappointment. She felt caught in a web of deception and manipulation and didn't know who to trust.
Unbeknownst to Sonny, Direk had laid a cunning trap, a desperate attempt to regain control of the escalating situation. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place and the stage was set for a dramatic showdown.
In a moment of drunken carelessness, Sonny stumbled upon the truth when he learned of the threats against him. Fuelled by a mix of liquid courage and blind rage, he made his way to Direk's luxurious nightclub, determined to meet him head-on.
The night was full of pulsating music and flashing lights as Sonny stormed into the club, his heart pounding. The air crackled with tension as he faced Direk, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. It was a dangerous game they were playing, a high-stakes gamble that threatened to destroy their lives forever.
But fate had other plans. In the resulting chaos, Poldo was caught in the crossfire and became a pawn in a deadly game of cat and mouse. In a moment of panic, he reached for his gun, his hands shaking with fear and adrenaline. And in a tragic twist of fate, a single shot rings out, piercing the night air.
Direk, the once powerful director, fell to the ground and his life was instantly extinguished. There was a stunned silence in the room as the weight of the consequences fell upon them all. Sonny, caught in a web of his creation, realised that the only way out was to leave Poldo behind, a victim who would haunt him for the rest of his life.
After that fateful night, Sonny, Poldo and Cristy's lives would forever be linked and their fates would forever be changed by the choices they made and the paths they took.
Sonny flees the scene as quickly as possible. Poldo, fearful of being fired by his boss Sonny, seeks protection but instead receives money to leave Manila. However, he has nowhere to hide. Cristy suggests her old accommodation in the slums, run by a family affected by a prolonged strike. Sonny Gaston visits his former bodyguard in prison and asks him to sign documents clearing him of any involvement in Direk's death. Poldo becomes angry and tries to attack Sonny, but the police intervene just in time to stop him from killing him.
TOP BILLED CAST & CREW: | |
ACTOR | ROLE |
Phillip Salvador | Poldo Miranda |
Amy Austria | Cristy Montes |
Johnny Delgado | Direk San Pedro |
Anita Linda | Mother |
Mario Escudero | Berting |
Menggie Cobarrubias | Sonny Gaston |
Jimmy Santos | |
Joe Cunanan | |
Fred Param | |
Nonoy De Guzman | |
Eddie Gicoso | |
Nando Tiongson | |
Rey Tomenes | |
Eddie Laburiante | |
Aida Carmona | Estrella |
Domingo Landicho | |
Estrella Antonio | |
Joey Luna | |
Joey Zuniga | |
Peachy Carmona | |
Ellen O'Hara | |
Eddie Pagayon | |
Greg Sta. Inez | (as Greg Sta. Ines) |
Ram Xerex-Burgos | |
Dexter Doria | Chuchay |
Deborah Sun | Apple (as Gigi Salvador) |
Boy C. De Guia | Photoshoot Creative Director (as A.C. De Guia) |
Lando Jacob | Press |
Joe Viterbo | Press |
Cloyd Robinson | Director |
REST OF CAST LISTED ALPHABETICALLY: | |
Khryss Adalia | Comics Publishing Worker (uncredited) |
Tonio Gutierrez | Jing (uncredited) |
Rene Hawkins | Direk San Pedro's Bodyguard (uncredited) |
Joel Lamangan | Press (uncredited) |
Roi Vinzon | Edmon (uncredited) |
FILM PRODUCER DEPARTMENT: | |
Rolando S. Atienza | executive producer |
MUSIC DEPARTMENT: | |
Music By: | Vanishing Tribe |
CINEMATOGRAPHER DEPARTMENT: | |
Conrado Baltazar | director of photography |
FILM EDITOR DEPARTMENT: | |
Editing By: | Rene Tala |
PRODUCTION DESIGNER DEPARTMENT: | |
Production Design By: | Bobby Bautista |
ART DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT: | |
Art Direction By: | Bobby Bautista |
MAKEUP DEPARTMENT: | |
Joey Luna | makeup artist |
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: | |
Ruben Gallardo | assistant production manager |
George Santos | production manager |
SECOND UNIT DIRECTOR OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: | |
Jerry O'Hara | assistant director |
ART DEPARTMENT: | |
Danny Cruz | set man |
Lito Nicdao | propsman |
Jaime Ricio | lay-out artist |
SOUND DEPARTMENT: | |
Rey Cruz | boom operator: Regal Films Unit II |
Bing De Santos | field soundman: Regal Films Unit II |
Luis S. Reyes | sound supervisor (as Luis Reyes) |
Ramon Reyes | sound supervisor |
Sebastian Sayson | sound effects |
CAMERA & ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT: | |
Felix Aparicio | grip: Regal Films Unit II (as Felix Aprecio) |
Felipe Delmo | generator operator: Regal Films Unit II |
Gregorio Fernando | electrician: Regal Films Unit II (as Greg Fernando) |
Lito Fernando | assistant electrician: Regal Films Unit II |
Pio E. Interno | assistant camera: Regal Films Unit II (as Pio Interno) |
Charlie Peralta | still photographer |
Edgar Soquerata | clapper loader: Regal Films Unit II (as Edgardo Soquerata) |
Sonny Yabao | special publicity still photographer |
COSTUME & WARDROBE DEPARTMENT: | |
Bong Chua | costumes & gowns: Amy Austria |
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: | |
Antonio Acurin | assistant film editor (as Tony Acurin) |
Ed Arboleda | assistant film editor (as Edgar Arboleda) |
Armando Jarlego | assistant film editor |
Nonong Reyes | post-production coordinator |
ADDITIONAL CREW: | |
Bibsy M. Carballo | publicity and promotions |
Boy C. De Guia | publicity and promotions |
Emy De Guzman | talent coordinator |
Renato De Guzman | utility |
Ricky De Guzman | utility |
Vic Delotavo | lay-out artist |
Baby K. Jimenez | publicity and promotions |
Manina Viterbo | production assistant |
