What makes a good film? Is it a compelling story? Well-developed characters that resonate with the audience? The strong performances of actors who breathe life into these characters? The script? Or the exceptional direction supported by technical brilliance in cinematography, production, sound, and editing?
As a viewer, I believe great films are those that leave a lasting impression, inspiring reflection on their themes and characters long after the movie ends.
This sentiment holds true for Green Bones, a masterfully crafted film by the creators of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Best Picture and Best Screenplay winner Firefly.
Green Bones is a strong contender for Best Picture in the 50th edition of MMFF due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, and exceptional performances.
During its special media and celebrity premiere at SM North Edsa, the audience witnessed an emotional moment when the movie ended and the lights came on. The cast and crew were hugging each other, their eyes filled with tears. The emotional atmosphere reached the audience, many of whom stayed in their seats, wiping away tears.
Green Bones stars Dennis Trillo, who makes his MMFF comeback, alongside actor Ruru Madrid in his debut MMFF role.
Dennis delivers an award-worthy performance as Domingo Zamora, a man wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. The film moves between different time periods, gradually revealing how Zamora ends up in a penal colony, where his genuine care for fellow inmates earns him their admiration.
The tension escalates with the introduction of Xavier Gonzaga, a prison guard played by Ruru. Determined to keep Zamora behind bars, Xavier’s mission becomes a personal vendetta. Embittered by the tragic loss of his sister in a senseless crime, Xavier doubts the capacity of criminals to possess such virtue. His suspicions about Zamora grow as he observes his peculiar behavior, despite the inmate’s reputation as a reformed man.
Zamora’s silence throughout the film, as he communicates only through sign language, challenges Dennis to convey his character’s emotions without dialogue. This restraint results in a deeply moving portrayal.
From beginning to end, Green Bones delivers a tightly woven narrative with well-defined characters. The supporting cast complements the leads without overshadowing them, creating a cohesive and impactful story.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Zig Dulay, who also helmed Firefly, the film is based on an original concept by JC Rubio, GMA Public Affairs’ senior manager for documentaries. National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza bring the story to life.
The ensemble cast includes Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, Enzo Osorio, Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Wendell Ramos, Alessandra de Rossi, Iza Calzado, and Nonie Buencamino.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Green Bones is distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International.
