Ang Panday () is a 1980 Philippine dark fantasy action film produced and directed by Fernando Poe Jr., who also stars as the titular character. It is based on the fictional comics character of the same name, created by Carlo J. Caparas and illustrated by Steve Gan.
The film was followed by three sequels, which also featuring Poe as Flavio, namely Pagbabalik ng Panday (1981), Ang Panday: Ikatlong Yugto (1982) and Ang Panday IV: Ika-Apat Na Aklat (1984). All four films were shown at the Metro Manila Film Festival in their respective years.
An animated television series, dubbed as the first full-length Filipino animation series, was shown in RPN 9 during the mid-1980s. It was patterned after the storyline of the first movie.
Plot Flavio (Fernando Poe, Jr.) is a "Panday" (or blacksmith) whose village and land are under the reign of the tyrant Lizardo (Max Alvarado). Flavio is forced to brand innocent children every night with Lizardo's mark by the head of Lizardo's men in the village, Pilo (Paquito Diaz).
One day, Flavio's predecessor as Panday, Tata Temyong (Lito Anzures) finds the legendary "Black Book" that supposedly tells how Lizardo can be defeated. Later that night, a meteorite lands in a nearby field. Based on a prophecy in the Black Book, Flavio and Tata Temyong then use the meteorite and an old bell to create a magic dagger, the only weapon that can defeat Lizardo. After finishing the weapon, Flavio hunts down Lizardo's men in the village. Flavio then brands them before setting off with Tata Temyong, his young apprentice Lando (Bentot Jr.), and Monica (Liz Alindogan), a woman he had saved from Lizardo's men, to defeat the evil tyrant.
Flavio and his companions soon come across a seaside hut where they believe Lizardo dwells. Instead, it is home to one of Lizardo's henchmen, a wizard whom Flavio defeats. Afterwards, Flavio and his allies are attacked by siyokoy (mermen) that are supposed to attack anyone branded as Lizardo's slaves who try to escape. They are driven away when Flavio's dagger hums. When Pilo and his men arrive seeking revenge against Flavio, they attack and eat Pilo and his men instead. Tata Temyong explains that since Monica was not branded, unlike everyone else, she was spared.
Later, Flavio and his companions are attacked by zombies in a forest. Tata Temyong and Monica end up separated and captured by Lizardo's men. Elsewhere, Lando finds refuge in a hut haunted by an aswang, and after a chase, Flavio finds and defeats it with his dagger. Tata Temyong and Monica are then brought to Lizardo's fortress.
After hearing of Flavio's quest from Tata Temyong, Lizardo challenges Flavio to a duel in the desert. Lizardo brings Tata Temyong, Monica, and all his slaves to witness the battle. Lizardo first orders his men to attack Flavio, who, though vastly outnumbered, defeats them after his dagger transforms into a sword. Lizardo then faces Flavio himself, only to rapidly age every time Flavio hits him. Flavio ends the duel by stabbing Lizardo in the chest, who dies and fades away. With Lizardo defeated, Flavio leads his companions and the former slaves to freedom.
Cast and characters Fernando Poe, Jr. as Flavio Max Alvarado as Lizardo Bentot Jr. as Lando Liz Alindogan as Monica Paquito Diaz as Pilo Lito Anzures as Tata Temio Victor Bravo Max Laurel Vic Varrion
Production Shooting for the film was done in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Release Ang Panday was released at the 6th Metro Manila Film Festival on December 25, 1980.
Restoration The film was restored by FPJ Productions in 2014.
Accolades Year Group Category Name Result1980 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Music Ernani Cuenco
See also Panday (comics) Pandoy: Ang Alalay ng Panday Panday (2005 TV series) Ang Panday (2009 film) Ang Panday 2 Ang Panday (2016 TV series) Ang Panday (2017 film) Ang Panday (song)
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