Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit
Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is a 1989 drama film directed by Elwood Perez and produced by Lily Monteverde. The film stars Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and it chronicles the turbulent life-long relationship between Noli (Aunor), a poor and hard-working barrio lass, and Anselmo (Cruz), her childhood sweetheart.[1]
| Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit | |
|---|---|
 Official theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Elwood Perez |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Jake Cocadiz |
| Produced by | Lily Monteverde |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ricardo Jacinto |
| Edited by | George Jarlego |
| Music by | Lutgardo Labad |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Regal Home Video |
Release date |
|
Running time | 127 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit won both the FAMAS Award for Best Picture and the FAP Award for Best Picture. Nora won Best Actress for this film in Urian, FAMAS, and FAP while Tirso won Best Actor in PMPC Star, FAMAS, and FAP.
Cast
- Nora Aunor as Doña Magnolia "Noli" Dela Cruz vda. de Zulueta and Maggie Zulueta
- Tirso Cruz III as Dr. Anselmo Santos and Anselmo Santos Jr.
- Gloria Romero as Doña Martina Santos
- Miguel Rodriguez as Señor Arturo Zulueta+
- Ana Margarita Gonzales as Margot Zulueta
- Perla Bautista as Cedes Dela Cruz
- Vangie Labalan as Matilde+
- Beverly Salviejo as Connie
- Rolando Tinio as the principal+
- Manjo del Mundo as Noli's Brother+
Production
The production of Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit lasted nearly three years, with Regal Films announcing its completion on August 12, 1989.[2]
Release
Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit was released in the Philippines on August 17, 1989.
Critical response
Mario A. Hernando of Malaya Newspaper said that the film was "the quintessential" and "a loving tribute to the 'Golden Age of Philippine Cinema'" while Melissa G. Contreras of Manila Chronicle said that Aunor is a "prime mover in the movie" due to the emotions she showed in her character.
Awards and recognition
| Year | Group | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990[3] | FAMAS Aawards | Best Picture | Won | |
| Best Director | Elwood Perez | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Nora Aunor | Won | ||
| Best Actor | Tirso Cruz III | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Gloria Romero | Nominated | ||
| Gawad Urian Awards (Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino) | Best Actress | Nora Aunor | Won | |
| Best Music | Lutgardo Labad | Won | ||
| Best Production Design |
|
Won | ||
| Best Actor | Tirso Cruz III | Nominated | ||
| Best Director | Elwood Perez | Nominated | ||
| Best Picture | Nominated | |||
| Best in Cinematography | Ricardo Jacinto | Nominated | ||
| Best Editing | George Jarlego | Nominated | ||
| Best Screenplay | Jake Cocadiz | Nominated | ||
| Best Sound | Joe Climaco | Nominated | ||
| Film Academy of the Philippines Awards | Best Picture | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Nora Aunor | Won | ||
| Best Actor | Tirso Cruz III | Won | ||
| Best Director | Elwood Perez | Won | ||
| Best Original Screenplay |
|
Won | ||
| Best Production Design |
|
Won | ||
| Star Awards for Movies (Philippine Movie Press Club) | Best Actor | Tirso Cruz III | Won | |
| Production Designer of the Year | Ray Maliuanag | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Nora Aunor | Nominated | ||
| Catholic Mass Media Awards | Best Actress | Nora Aunor | Nominated |
TV adaptation
In 2020, GMA Network remade the film into a TV series. It stars Nora Aunor who is also part of the original film as Cedes, Mylene Dizon as Magnolia "Nolie" and Kyline Alcantara as Margarita "Maggie".[4]
References
- "Nora Aunor Filmography". Archived from the original on May 16, 2013.
- Libo-on, Eddie (August 12, 1989). "Guy bounces back". Manila Standard. Standard Publishing, Inc. p. 24. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- "Bilangin ang bituin sa langit (1989): Awards". IMDb. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
- "Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit: Star-studded adaptation | Teaser". GMA Network. January 6, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.