# Darna (1991 film)

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

* Nanette Medved as Narda/Darna
* Nida Blanca as Lola Isabel
* Edu Manzano as Dominico Lipolico
* Pilar Pilapil as Valentina
* Tonton Gutierrez as George
* Bing Loyzaga as Impakta/Manananggal
* Dennis Padilla as Buster
* Atong Redillas as Ding
* Ruby Rodriguez as Vibora (Voice)
* Donna Cruz as Sally
* Tony Lambino as Dong
* Dencio Padilla
* Paolo Contis as Young Dong
* Errol Dionisio
* Archi Adamos
* Ray Ventura
* Boy Roque
* Jun Hidalgo
* Jim Pebanco
* Carmi Matic
* Guila Alvarez
* Roland Montes
* Vina Morales - Angel

## Accolades

| Group | Year | Category | Name | Result |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Picture | Darna | 3rd |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Director | Joel Lamangan | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Actress | Nanette Medved | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Supporting Actress | Nida Blanca | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Child Performer | Atong Redillas | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Cinematography | Ramon Marcelino | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Musical Score | Willy Cruz | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Sound Recording | Rolly Ruta | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Production Design | Benjie de Guzman | Nominated |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Make-Up | Cecille Baun | Won |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1991 | Best Visual Effects | Carlos Lacap | Won |
| FAMAS Awards | 1992 | Best Supporting Actress | Pilar Pilapil | Nominated |
| FAMAS Awards | 1992 | Best Child Actor | Atong Redillas | Nominated |