Ang Larawan The Movie on Netflix Release Date

It might have been years since it was originally released, but Ang Larawan The Movie still remains an iconic piece of Philippine art and culture to this day. And it’s finally going to be available on streaming platform Netflix!

Ang Larawan: The Movie

Directed by Loy Arcenas and written for the screen by Rolando Tinio, this 2017 musical film was adapted from the 1997 stage play which is also adapted from the literary play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist Nick Joaquin. The film features an all-star cast led by Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, and Paulo Avelino.

Set in a pre-World War 2 Manila, Ang Larawan tells the struggle of two impoverished, unmarried sisters Candida and Paula, Marasigan. Despite his success as a well-known painter, their father Don Lorenzo has left his daughters financially struggling since he has not been able to produce a new painting for a long time. His final masterpiece, a self-portrait, draws the attention of a variety of interested buyers, forcing the sisters into anguish over whether to sell the painting or not.

Upon its release, the film drew positive critical response and even earned five awards at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture, Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design.

Ang Larawan staged at The MET

Most recently, Nick Joaquin’s masterpiece was adapted for the stage again in a musical concert version of the film. The Metropolitan Theater Manila and Culturtain Musicat Productions staged the show entitled Contra Mundum: Ang All-star Concert ng “Ang Larawan” last May 6 with a variety of musical theater artists, film, and television stars.

According to Rachel Alejandro, the stage play includes some songs that were cut from the movie. The show was staged for free.

Ang Larawan The Movie on Netflix

In case you missed the stage play last May 6, you can still watch the musical film on Netflix when it becomes available on the streaming platform on May 26. Make sure to add it to your watch list now!