THE QUIET MAN: THE FILMS OF MARIO O’HARA

by Noel Vera

The man may have been shy and reserved but his films were not. Director, actor, and scriptwriter Mario O’Hara was described by Mike de Leon as the complete artist. 

The Quiet Man: The Films of Mario O’Hara is a tribute to one of Philippine cinema’s key figures and celebrated noir-style storytellers. The author surveyed O’Hara’s works across different film eras, spanning from Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), Sisa (1999) through Babae sa Breakwater (2003). 

O’Hara was the writer and director for Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Sisa, and Babae sa Breakwater. He directed Bulaklak sa City Jail.

The book is a collection of Noel Vera’s written pieces on the films of O’Hara. Vera, a banker and a film critic, has a blog where he reviews films called Critic After Dark, which is also the title of his first book – Critic After Dark: A Review of Philippine Cinema. 

The author also contributes to Businessworld, Cineaste Magazine, Film Comment, UNCAGED Asia among other media outlets. Drawing from Vera’s amassed research, criticism, and close readings, the volume positions O’Hara within the landscape of Philippine cinema without losing sight of the social realities underpinning each individual film. 

Published by Archivo 1984 as part of its film directors series, the book honors the legacy of the late Mario O’Hara and invites new generations to experience his works that defined several eras. 

August 11, 2026 | Tuesday

5:30 PM

Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3