Iliw (2008)

A wartime forbidden romance set in Vigan during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, where love and loyalty collide across enemy lines.

Iliw - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Iliw
  • Release Year: 2008
  • Directed by: Bona Fajardo
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: History, Drama
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 1h 42m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: Japanese, English, Tagalog
  • Release Date (Theatrical): October 18, 2008 (Philippines - PG-13)
  • Production Companies: BluArt Productions, Ilocandia Heritage Films, National Commission for Culture and the Arts
  • Production Countries: Philippines

Iliw - Plot

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, a young girl from Vigan and an idealistic Japanese officer fall in love. With a war between them and disapproval from both sides, the two struggle to find their own piece of happiness in the world as duty and family threaten to tear them apart.

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Iliw - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Bona Fajardo

Main Cast

  • Kaye Abad
  • Hiroyuki Takashima
  • Ping Medina
  • Irma Adlawan
  • Hiro Sakoda
  • Kazumi Yoshida
  • Gian Sotto
  • Alex Medina
  • Amante Pulido
  • Ron Morales

Writers

  • Deogracias Victor Savellano
  • Erick Castro
  • Bona Fajardo

Iliw - FAQs

What is Iliw about?

Iliw is a Filipino historical drama set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. It follows Fidela, a young woman from Vigan, and Takashi, an idealistic Japanese officer, who fall in love despite the war, cultural barriers, and fierce opposition from both their families and societies.

Is Iliw based on a true story?

Iliw draws on the historical reality of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, particularly in the Ilocos region. While the central romance is a fictional narrative, the film is grounded in documented historical events and the cultural memory of that wartime period in the Philippines.

Where can you watch Iliw online?

Streaming availability for Iliw varies by region. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms currently offering the film, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates streaming availability across multiple services in your area.

Who are the lead actors in Iliw?

Iliw stars Kaye Abad as Fidela, the young Filipino woman at the heart of the story, and Hiroyuki Takashima as Takashi, the Japanese officer she falls in love with. The supporting cast includes Ping Medina, Irma Adlawan, Hiro Sakoda, Kazumi Yoshida, Gian Sotto, and Ron Morales.

When was Iliw released in the Philippines?

Iliw was released in the Philippines on October 18, 2008. The film carries a PG-13 rating for its Philippine theatrical release and was produced with support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.

Who directed the film Iliw?

Iliw was directed by Bona Fajardo, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Deogracias Victor Savellano and Erick Castro. The film was produced under BluArt Productions and Ilocandia Heritage Films, with backing from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines.

What language is Iliw filmed in?

Iliw is a multilingual film featuring dialogue in Japanese, English, and Tagalog, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical context of the story. The original language of the production is listed as English, though the film authentically incorporates Filipino and Japanese speech throughout.

What are similar films to Iliw?

Viewers who enjoyed Iliw may also appreciate other Filipino films such as Kita Kita (2017), She's Dating the Gangster (2014), and Dalagang Ilocana (1954). These films share themes of romance, Filipino cultural identity, and dramatic storytelling that resonate with the spirit of Iliw.

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