Darna (1991 film) explained

Darna
Director:Joel Lamangan[1]
Screenplay:Frank G. Rivera
Starring:Nanette Medved
Music:Willy Cruz
Cinematography:Ramon Marcelino
Editing:Ike Jarlego Jr.
Distributor:Viva Films
Runtime:108 minutes
Country:Philippines
Language:Filipino

Darna is a 1991 Filipino superhero film based on the Philippine comic character Darna, directed by Joel Lamangan and written by Frank G. Rivera. It stars Nanette Medved, Nida Blanca, Edu Manzano, Pilar Pilapil, Tonton Gutierrez, Bing Loyzaga, Dennis Padilla, and Atong Redillas. The film's special effects were done by Rolly Sto. Domingo.

The film was released through Viva Films on December 25, 1991, as part of the 17th Metro Manila Film Festival.

Plot

In the early 1900s, explorer Dominico Lipolico encounters a sinister relic in the Amazon jungle that gives him immortality in exchange for fomenting evil. In the present day, Dominico, who poses as a philanthropist, moves his operations to the Philippines to spread his deeds, recruiting fashion designer Valentina and a local admirer and giving them powers of a Gorgon and a winged "Manananggal", respectively. He also tries to recruit Darna, who is incarnated in a newspaper journalist named Narda. Valentina lures Darna at an event by releasing snakes to kill the audience, to which Darna comes to the rescue. Valentina's talking pet snake, Vibora discovers Darna's transformation into Narda, which enables Valentina to capture her. At Dominico's lair, Dominico forces Darna to join him by threatening her grandmother and siblings but is thwarted by her siblings rescuing Darna before she is fully transformed. Darna rescues Narda's newspaper companions George and Buster from an attack by the Manananggal, killing her by luring her to a church cross, while Valentina is accidentally killed during a fight with Darna when Vibora unwittingly gives a live grenade for Valentina to throw. Darna then confronts Dominico, who reveals himself as a Devil-incarnate who goes on a burning spree. He initially overpowers Darna, but is killed when she grabs the relic that he wears as a necklace and crushes it, resulting in the disintegration of Dominico and his minions.

Cast

Accolades

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YearGroupCategoryNameResult
1991Metro Manila Film FestivalBest PictureDarna (3rd Best Picture)
Best Supporting ActressTetchie Agbayani
Best Make-UpCecille Baun[4]
Best Visual EffectsCarlos Lacap

Notes and References

  1. News: Mata . Elvira . Filmfest tips, forecasts and reviews . March 10, 2022 . Manila Standard . December 27, 1991 . en.
  2. News: Former 'Darna' Nanette Medved-Po donates classrooms to Marawi children . March 10, 2022 . RAPPLER . June 14, 2019.
  3. News: Legaspi . John . Valentina: Her many faces and origin stories . March 10, 2022 . Manila Bulletin . November 19, 2021.
  4. News: Metro filmfest reels off today . March 10, 2022 . Manila Standard . December 25, 1991 . en.