GMA Pictures and Brightburn Entertainment’s Green Bones takes its title from a little-known myth—that if you find green bones in the remains of a dead body after they’ve been cremated, then that means that person was a good person. The film directed by Zig Dulay explores this theme of morality, showing us a moving tale of redemption. Join us as dive deep into the Best Picture winner from this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Green Bones.
These are our high five moments that make the movie a must-watch. Beware, spoilers ahead.
Conflicting Points of View
Still from GMA Pictures
Green Bones explores themes of change and morality by unfolding its story through two different perspectives—the first one through Xavier Gonzales (Ruru Madrid), a prison guard who has a vendetta against any and all people who are deemed murderers by the law due to his sister being a murder victim; and the second one through Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), a soon-to-be-released inmate who was charged with murdering his own sister.
Their paths collide when Xavier is assigned as Domingo’s prison guard, as the former makes it his sworn duty to keep Domingo behind bars. Their similarities and differences make for an interesting foil, showing us two sides of the same coin and making us question the reality of justice.
Beauty of Language, Strength in Silence
Photo from GMA Pictures
One important thing highlighted by Green Bones is the use of language as a liberatory tool. Sign language is used prominently in the film and is incorporated in the narrative. Dom uses it to communicate due to past traumas robbing him of his ability to speak. Sign language gave Dom a voice, and he uses it to unearth unjust crimes and talk to his fellow inmates.
However, the mere act of communication can have a negative meaning depending on who interprets it. In one scene, Dom uses sign language to communicate with his deaf niece, Ruth. “I’ll come back for you,” Dom signs. While Ruth sees this as the loving gesture that it is, Xavier sees it as a threat.
This bias shows that even the most noble of actions can be seen as hostile, especially if the people involved are already convinced of your guilt. Despite this, the movie sheds light on the fact that the language people share can cross boundaries, if only we take the time to learn it.
Emotive Score and Cinematography
Still from GMA Pictures
“Hopeful” is the best word to describe the tandem of original score and picturesque scenes that the film has to offer. Green Bones is filled with touching scenes of rehabilitation from the deep blue sea of the penal colony in San Fabian to the farming land that the prisoners take care of. Combined with the moving musical score, the film underscores the life of the inmates living in San Fabian with a tinge of hope for a brighter tomorrow. This is also palpable for audiences who grow to learn these characters, some wrongfully accused, some admittedly guilty, and some visibly reformed. The inmates are people too, and the emotive score and cinematography help show audiences just what it’s like to be in their shoes.
All Star Cast and Talented Crew
Photo from GMA Pictures
Actors and actresses from different generations join forces in this award-winning film. Veteran actors include Dennis Trillo, Michael De Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Allessandra De Rosi, and Wendell Ramos, while the newer generation include Ruru Madrid, Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, and Sienna Stevens. Pair them with an outstanding director like Zig Dulay, whose film Firefly won Best Picture at MMFF 2023, and writers Rick Lee and Anj Atienza, and we have a melting pot of talent that undoubtedly contributed to the film’s Best Picture win.
Poetic Symbolism
Still from GMA Pictures
The tree of hope is a central symbol in the film, where inmates would hang their wishes on when they leave prison. While the general public sees prisons as a place for punishment, the tree of hope stands as a beacon of light in the middle of a despairing confinement—symbolizing the stories, hopes and dreams of persons deprived of liberty, and further driving home the film’s advocacy for true justice.
Overall, Green Bones tackles important things that we need to ponder as a society through a thoughtful, albeit heavy handed, movie. With a impressive performances, an amazing story, and a solid exploration of hope and justice in the Philippines, the film truly deserves the Best Picture win. SEA Wave gives Green Bones 9 out of 10 waves.