Ang Panday (1980) | Merits of Sin | Region-Free (DVD)

Title: Ang Panday (1980)

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Plot Synopsis:
Flavio, a humble blacksmith, discovers a fallen meteor and forges its metal into a mystical dagger, known as the balaraw. When he raises the dagger to the sky, it magically transforms into a sword. Armed with this enchanted weapon, Flavio must battle the malevolent Lizardo and other supernatural beings to protect his village from the forces of evil.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Fernando Poe Jr.
• Writers: Carlo J. Caparas, Fred Navarro, Steve Gan
• Cast:
  • Fernando Poe Jr. as Flavio
  • Liz Alindogan as Monica
  • Max Alvarado as Lizardo
  • Bentot Jr. as Lando
  • Paquito Diaz as Pilo

IMDb Link:
Ang Panday (1980)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Kai – ★★★★★
   “I’ve said many times that I’m not really a fan of FPJ on screen because he easily gets outshone by his fellow actors. Here, he is effective. It’s a role that fits his onscreen persona and truly made his name as one of the Philippines’ best. Great direction, scope, mood, and performances. Effects are good, too. I first saw this on television. I’m logging it now because I have seen the restored version on TV. It’s still good.”

2. 더 프 – ★★★★½
   “Poe, Jr. wasn’t called the King of Philippine Cinema without a reason. Indelible mythology engraved in Filipino altruism, shot in expansive, widescreen view. On a class of its own. A-“

3. red – ★★★★½
   “Did not expect to like it this much. To be fair, I haven’t actually heard that much about it. If I had known it was the type of action movie that had sincere fantasy lore and world-building while also having some campy performances and design, then I likely would’ve watched it sooner. I had no idea it would have so much practical effects for horror monsters and epic set pieces. This was a real trip!”

Meta Description:
A legendary Filipino action-fantasy film, Ang Panday (1980) follows a blacksmith who forges a magical sword from a fallen meteor to combat the evil Lizardo. Directed by and starring Fernando Poe Jr., this classic blends heroism, folklore, and epic battles, cementing its status as an iconic piece of Philippine cinema.