Manila Kingpin (2011): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2011, Manila Kingpin is an action, drama and crime film directed by Tikoy Aguiluz, running about 116 minutes. “The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Mobster Asiong Salonga (ER Ejercito) rules the mean streets of Manila with an iron fist—until he is betrayed by a trusted friend. Manila Kingpin is based on the story of the notorious Tondo, Manila, gang leader Nicasio “Asiong” Salonga, whose true-to-life accounts had been portrayed in several movie versions since 1961 (starring Joseph Estrada). It is also the first Filipino major film produced in black-and-white in the 21st century as well as the returning action genre movie. Before the film was shown, Tikoy Aguiluz requested the producers, through his lawyers, that his directorial credits in the film and promotional tools be removed because the final version of the film can no longer be described as his after the producers made a reedit, re-shoot and music mixing without his involvement. He also demanded that he be allowed to make a director's cut of the film.

Who’s in it. Manila Kingpin stars Jorge Estregan as Asiong Salonga, Carla Abellana as Fidela, Phillip Salvador as Sgt. Doming Salonga and John Regala as Totoy Golem, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Manila Kingpin has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Manila Kingpin page.

If you liked it. Fans of Manila Kingpin tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.