Manila, Open City Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Manila, Open City
| Movie | Manila, Open City |
| Release Year | 1968 |
| Director | Eddie Romero |
| Genre | History / Action / War / Drama |
| Runtime | 86 minutes (1h 26m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Manila, Open City (1968) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Manila, Open City are led by Charito Solis . The supporting cast, including James Shigeta and Alex Nicol , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Manila, Open City stands out as a strong entry in the History genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured History narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Manila, Open City 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 History fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Manila, Open City
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1968, Manila, Open City is a History, Action, War, Drama film directed by Eddie Romero, written by Eddie Romero. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Charito Solis as Sor Matilde.
Ending Explained: Manila, Open City
Manila, Open City Ending Explained: War drama set in the closing stages of World War Two. Directed by Eddie Romero, this 1968 history film stars Charito Solis (Sor Matilde), alongside James Shigeta as Captain Murakami, Alex Nicol as Colonel Bergen, John Ashley as U.S. Medic. With a 8.5/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Manila, Open City?
War drama set in the closing stages of World War Two. As Allied Forces are nearing the defeat of the Japanese Army in Manila, the Japanese Empire's soldiers begin attacking innocent civilians. A brutal month-long battle ensues.
Eddie Romero's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Charito Solis (Sor Matilde)'s journey. As Allied Forces are nearing the defeat of the Japanese Army in Manila, the Japanese Empire's soldiers begin attacking innocent civilians.
How Does Charito Solis (Sor Matilde)'s Story End?
- Charito Solis: Charito Solis's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Eddie Romero delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 26m runtime.
- James Shigeta (Captain Murakami): James Shigeta's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Alex Nicol (Colonel Bergen): Alex Nicol's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Manila, Open City Based on a True Story?
Yes — Manila, Open City draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Eddie Romero has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Manila, Open City Mean?
Manila, Open City concludes with Eddie Romero reinforcing the history themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Charito Solis leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
Manila, Open City Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Manila, Open City Based on a True Story?
Yes, Manila, Open City is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Eddie Romero and starring Charito Solis, this history, action, war, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Manila, Open City
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Manila, Open City successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Manila, Open City?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of History cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 86 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch Manila, Open City Online?
Streaming HubManila, Open City Parents Guide & Age Rating
1968 AdvisoryWondering about Manila, Open City age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Manila, Open City (1968) is 86 minutes (1h 26m). Directed by Eddie Romero, the film runs for 86 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.5/10, and global performance metrics, Manila, Open City is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1968 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manila, Open City worth watching?
Manila, Open City is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 8.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Manila, Open City parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Manila, Open City identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Manila, Open City (1968)?
The runtime of Manila, Open City (1968) is 86 minutes (approximately 1h 26m).
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.
