The Lessons Families Can Learn From Isang Himala And Green Bones
The musical Isang Himala and Green Bones are two of the 10 films in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival
The annual Metro Manila Film Festival has always made sure to cater to films for family. While many films were not focused on family, the movies highlighted lessons one can pick from family or friends. During the festival, this writer was able to catch four films. This story will discuss Isang Himala by Pepe Diokno and Green Bones by Zig Dulay.
Metro Manila Film Festival Wrap One
Green Bones: Is a person born good or evil?
When Green Bones‘ trailer was played last December, many became curious about the movie. Modern Parenting cover star Dennis Trillo headlines the film as Domingo Zamora, a man accused of killing his sister and niece. Ruru Madrid, known for his roles in Lolong and Encantadia 2016, plays Xavier Gonzaga, a policeman who meets Dom in prison.
At first, some would see the film as a typical storyline of good against evil. But as you watch the film, you begin to see the similarities between Xavier and Domingo. Xavier, for one, had a sister who was murdered and her murder was the catalyst for him to become a policeman. Dom, on the other hand was a thief released from prison, and later got in touch with his sister Joanna played by Iza Calzado and met his niece Ruth (played by Siena Stevens and later by Sofia Pablo). Dom’s relationship with Ruth would become his inspiration to be a better man.
When Dom and Xavier first meet, Xavier is still consumed by his anger over his sister’s death. Knowing Dom’s alleged reputation, he keeps an eye on him until he finally understands the truth behind Dom’s behavior. Xavier later finds out that the supposed good people he worked for want Dom out of the picture.
Is a person born good or evil? That’s one of the questions one may ask when watching the film. Dom, as an uncle, became Ruth’s surrogate father and vowed to return to her. Xavier, for his part, saw the changes eventually.
If you’ve heard the idiom “Don’t judge a book by its cover” many times, it applies to the film Green Bones. These days, people tend to judge quickly people in the age of social media. But what if there’s more to than that? Maybe we should get to know the person better than simply saying he or she is good or evil.
Isang Himala the Musical: Still relevant
Isang Himala is based on the film Himala starring Nora Aunor. Four decades after it came out, the theme Is still relevant, especially in the age of social media, wherein people can easily believe made-up stories.
What made Isang Himala interesting was that it points out stories happening everywhere. There are the stories of Nimia and Pilo, who dreamed of a better life for their loved ones, only to find themselves doing something against their will. There is Orly, a man who dreamed of becoming a documentarist and being famous. There’s Chayong, the friend you can depend on but eventually was overburdened. And of course, there is Elsa, the main protagonist, who said she witnessed the appearance of Mother Mary.
All characters have their struggles, and how they rise above them is something families can learn from. But which one will you go for? Will you continue to lie for the sake of having money and fame? Or will you speak out just like what Elsa finally did?
I won’t spoil the story much. Isang Himala is a reminder of what we see in society. There is that moment between Elsa and her mother, Saling, wherein she says she wants only the best for Elsa. There is also the reconciliation between Nimia and Elsa. It’s a film that should be watched.
Stories from the MMFF 2024
The Kingdom: Even A Ruling Family Has Its Conflicts
