Afuang: Bounty Hunter is a 1988 Philippine biographical action film directed by Mike Relon Makiling. The film stars Phillip Salvador in the title role. The film is based on the life of Abner Afuang, a former police officer who was a Pagsanjan mayor by the time the film was released.[1]
| Afuang: Bounty Hunter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Mike Relon Makiling |
| Written by |
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| Produced by | Ramon Salvador |
| Starring | Phillip Salvador |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Ike Jarlego Jr. |
| Music by | Jun Latonio |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Viva Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 105 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages |
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Critic Lav Diaz gave Afuang a positive review for its writing, production design and action scenes, though he opposed the film's superhuman-like portrayal of Afuang.
The film is streaming online on YouTube.
Cast
edit- Phillip Salvador as Patrolman First Class Abner Afuang
- Marianne de la Riva as Evelyn Afuang
- Mark Gil as Benjie
- Zandro Zamora as Capt. Garcia
- Charlie Davao as Col. Garriga
- Ruel Vernal as Boy Paredes' brother
- Mon Godiz as Joey
- Eddie Garcia as Lauro Glorietta
- Lala Montelibano as Dolly
- Rene Quintos as Sarge
- Arman Bragado as policeman
- Bill Afuang Jr. as policeman
- Gary Abaca as doctor
- Lucita Soriano as Baldoza's wife
- Ernie Forte as Baldoza
- Ros Olgado as Ilustre
- Nanding Fernandez as Maj. Diaz
- Gladys Reyes as Avlyn Afuang
- Via Nueva as Dez
- Alex Toledo as Efren
- Romy Romulo as Cardo
- Roger Moring as Charlie
- Dindo Arroyo as Boyet
- Jimmy Reyes as Boy Paredes
- Rene Hawkins as Boy Bombay
- Mel Arca as Dodong Bautista
- Ronald Edio as Afuang twin
- Glen Edio as Afuang twin
- Baby Saño as Emang
- Ernie Zarate as Mr. Laurete
- Nemie Gutierrez as de los Santos
- Chito Alcid as Ruben
- Joe Jardy as boy of Glorietta
- Buddy de Leon as boy of Glorietta
- Big Boy Gomez as boy of Glorietta
- Roger Santos as boy of Glorietta
- Boy Salvador as Temyong
- Joey Padilla as Asyong
Release
editAfuang was released in theaters on February 25, 1988.[2][3]
Critical response
editLav Diaz, writing his first film review for the Manila Standard, gave Afuang a positive review, commending the film's writing, production design, pacing, and action scenes, while also praising the film's "direct attack" on corruption within the police force. However, he expressed that his main gripe is the film's exaggerated portrayal of Afuang as a superhuman-like character, stating that "if the film's basis on real life is removed, [Afuang] becomes a nice action movie." Diaz was also critical of actor Eddie Garcia for his continued portrayal of "kenkoy" villains in films.[4]
Accolades
edit| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 36th FAMAS Awards | Best Child Actress | Glaiza Herradura | Nominated | [5] |
| Best Editing | Ike Jarlego Jr. | Nominated | [5] |
References
edit- ^ David, Joel (1990). The National Pastime: Contemporary Philippine Cinema. Anvil Publishing. pp. 59–61. ISBN 9789712700118. Retrieved April 7, 2020 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. February 26, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
AVENUE.........Afuang Bounty Hunter
- ^ "Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. February 24, 1988. p. 10. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
AVENUEFight to Win the Ultimate Challenge [sic]
- ^ Diaz, Lav (March 10, 1988). "Atake sa pulis" [Attack on the police]. Manila Standard (in Filipino). Standard Publications, Inc. p. 10. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
Ang totoo nga niyan e kung iwawaglit ang pagiging halaw ng pelikula sa tunay na buhay, isang maayos na pelikulang aksyon ang Afuang.
- ^ a b "FAMAS announces nominees". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. April 17, 1989. p. 18. Retrieved June 11, 2021.