Manuel (1979): cast, story & where to watch

1979 · Film · ★ 9.5

Manuel poster

Released in 1979, Manuel is a comedy and drama film directed by Alfredo J. Anzola, running about 88 minutes.

What it’s about. Directed by Alfredo Anzola, Manuel (1979) is a Venezuelan drama that explores themes of love, faith, and resistance. The story follows Aparicio and his wife, Alma Rosa, as they welcome a new priest, Manuel, to their coastal village. As Manuel becomes acquainted with the community, he discovers that the village is slated for demolition to make way for a tourist development. Deeply moved by the villagers' plight, Manuel joins the local fishermen in their struggle to defend their land. During this time, he also finds himself drawn to Alma Rosa, leading to personal and moral dilemmas. The developers, aware of Manuel's growing influence and his feelings for Alma Rosa, begin to monitor his actions closely. The film delves into the complexities of human relationships and the fight against displacement.

Who’s in it. Manuel stars Asdrúbal Meléndez as Manuel, Virginia Urdaneta as Alma Rosa, Víctor Cuica as Caraota and Julio Mota as Aparicio, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.5/10, Manuel sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Manuel page.

If you liked it. Fans of Manuel tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Manuel (1979)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Manuel change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Manuel worth watching?
Manuel holds an audience score of 9.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in Manuel?
Manuel stars Asdrúbal Meléndez, Virginia Urdaneta, Víctor Cuica, Julio Mota and Olga Marina Yrausquín.
When was Manuel released?
Manuel was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 88 minutes.