Manila Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Manila
| Movie | Manila |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Adolfo Alix Jr. |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | TL |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Manila (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Manila are led by Piolo Pascual . The supporting cast, including Rosanna Roces and Jay Manalo , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Manila does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Manila has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Manila
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Manila is a Drama film directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., written by Ramon Sarmiento. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Piolo Pascual as William / Phillip.
Ending Explained: Manila
Manila Ending Explained: Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., Manila wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Piolo Pascual. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Manila reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Manila?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Piolo Pascual or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Manila Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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MUBI Amazon ChannelManila Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Manila age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Manila (2009) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Manila is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manila worth watching?
Manila is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Manila parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Manila identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Manila (2009)?
The runtime of Manila (2009) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




