Miguelito: Batang Rebelde () is a 1985 Philippine coming-of-age political action drama film directed by Lino Brocka from a story and screenplay written by Jose Y. Dalisay. Starring Aga Muhlach in the title role, the film follows a teenage boy as he seeks justice against his father, the town's mayor, played by Eddie Garcia, with the help of his estranged biological mother. It also stars Nida Blanca, Gloria Romero, Mario Montenegro, Paquito Diaz, Rey "PJ" Abellana, Liza Lorena, Gretchen Barretto, and Beth Bautista.
Produced by D'Wonder Films, the film was theatrically released in the Philippines on 14 June 1985.
Plot Miguelito, nicknamed Mike, is the son of Ven and Christina. However, Christina is Mike's adoptive mother because his biological mother, Auring, is imprisoned on fabricated charges. After she was released from jail, she decided to return to her hometown in Laguna to demand justice from the felons. However, this planned act became challenging for her when she discovered that her former lover, Ven Herrera, had become the town mayor. As the town's chief executive, he and his accomplices began oppressing the townsfolk, particularly those who wanted to speak the truth on Auring's behalf.
While Auring received support from her friend and a trusted lawyer, Mike discovered the truth about himself and his father's tyranny. Afterward, the two sides began clashing with each other until Ven met his violent demise. Now, the rule of tyranny and corruption drew to a close, as Mike and Auring were reunited.
Cast
Reception Critical response Film critic Butch Francisco described Miguelito as an exemplary, relatable drama that serves as a powerful sociopolitical allegory. He pointed out that the screenplay accurately reflects the realistic corruption and human rights abuses committed by the government. While the work being marketed around Aga Muhlach's title role, Nida Blanca's role of a falsely jailed mother was commended, with significant support from Gloria Romero's "adoptive mother" role.
Accolades Award-giving organization Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result 34th FAMAS Awards 18 May 1986 Best Picture Miguelito: Batang Rebelde Best Director Lino Brocka Best Actor Eddie Garcia Best Actress Nida Blanca Best Supporting Actor Aga Muhlach Best Story Miguelito: Batang RebeldeWritten by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. 10th Gawad Urian Awards 4 June 1986 Best Picture Miguelito: Batang Rebelde Best Director Lino Brocka Best Actor Aga Muhlach Eddie Garcia Best Actress Nida Blanca Best Supporting Actress Liza Lorena Best Screenplay Miguelito: Batang RebeldeWritten by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. Best Editing Armando Jarlego 4th FAP Awards 1986 Best Actress Nida Blanca Best Supporting Actress Liza Lorena
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