More than four decades after the birth of a Filipino renowned classic film Himala, faith healer Elsa returns to the big screen for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival—this time, in a musical.
From Creazion Studios, Kapitol Films and UXS comes Isang Himala, a musical film adaptation of the 2018 multi-awarded theatrical play Himala: Isang Musikal, which in turn is based on Ishmael Bernal’s critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece Himala from 1982. Directed by Pepe Diokno and written by the original film’s screenwriter, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, viewers are once again transported to the town of Cupang for a musical reinterpretation of the movie’s events.
If you’re a fan of musicals, Pepe Diokno’s filmography, Ricky Lee’s exceptional writing, or just a good old fashioned drama, Isang Himala might be the MMFF film that you’re looking for. Check out SEA Wave’s High Five review and find out why you should include Isang Himala on your watch list.
Top-notch Musical Score and Performances
You won’t be able to talk about this film without mentioning the musical direction and outstanding score of renowned Filipino composer Vincent de Jesus, which was recognized with the Best Musical Score Award at the recently held MMFF Gabi ng Parangal.
The choir-like performance of the cast right at the first scene sets the mood for the film as it also gradually sets apart the identity of the musical adaptation apart from the 1982 classic. With the shift from spoken conversation to powerful musical numbers, the movie comes alive with performances infused with an electrifying hint of rock, back-to-back with soulful ballads, all featuring amazing vocal performances.
Despite exploring heavy topics about society and religion, Isang Himala used music as a key element to make the themes more digestible for audiences everywhere. De Jesus’ score was perfectly threaded with every scene making the film a masterpiece of its own.
Stellar Cast
Still from Creazion Studios
Unlike most MMFF entries, Isang Himala did not have household names as part of their cast. The majority of the film’s cast came from Philippine theater, exhibiting their strong passion for the artform and bringing out their phenomenal talent on the big screen.
Aicelle Santos proves herself worthy of the role of Elsa with her outstanding dramatic and vocal performances. Despite carrying the heavy pressure from Nora Aunor’s original portrayal, Aicelle gave her own spin on the sympathetic character wrestling with faith and its consequences.
The rest of the cast were equally as compelling, delivering a new depth to their characters’ role. As a testament to their success, Aicelle Santos and David Ezra earned nominations for the Best Actress and Best Actor awards respectively, while Kakki Teodoro won the Best Supporting Actress award for her outstanding performance as Nimia. This just goes to show that acting talent goes beyond name recognition.
Immaculate Set Design
Still from Creazion Studios
Unlike the 1982 film, which was shot on location in the Ilocos region, Isang Himala was shot in an enclosed set. But if you’re thinking that this reduced the quality of the film, you’re wrong. The set design clearly draws inspiration from the actual origin of Cupang, as seen from Ishmael Bernal’s Himala, while paying tribute to its musical roots. The accurate portrayal eventually evolves and mirrors the chaos happening in the small town, immersing viewers in the story.
Production designer Erickson Navarro, who also worked on the theater musical, was responsible for giving the set an ambience similar to a theatrical stage. From built-in houses, to Elsa’s stage, and Cupang’s town proper, the picturesque set definitely amplified the film’s powerful storytelling by drawing viewers in and letting them experience the musical as intended.
A Timeless Story
Still from Creazion Studios
Ricky Lee is not a National Artist for no reason. As the screenwriter for the original film, the script writer for the theater musical, and now co-writing with award-winning director Pepe Diokno for the musical film adaptation, Lee has worked on this project for generations and deserves all the recognition for his great contribution to the rich tradition of Himala.
Despite having its roots from the 1982 production, Isang Himala is undeniably a film that mirrors the current situation of today’s society. This timeless film explores the gutting reality of exploitation that we continuously face until today. Decades may have passed but the circumstances remain the same—different versions of “Elsa” have emerged, wrapping vulnerable people around their fingers, and selling them “miracles.” Isang Himala remains relevant as ever in the modern day and shows us the dangers of blind faith.
Themes that go beyond the screen
Still from Creazion Studios
Isang Himala is a thought-provoking film that may have you either feeling numb or overwhelmed as you exit the cinema. It leaves its viewers lost and confused with no answers on what exactly they are supposed to feel. Just like the original film, it is a cinematic masterpiece that one can’t easily forget. More than a beautiful production, it’s an experience that doesn’t end after the credits roll. It’s a kind of film that makes you feel so much and question so many things about society by shining a light on difficult topics that are often overlooked and set aside.
With all that being said, Isang Himala remains a beautiful blend of theater and film. If there would be a minor blemish to cover, the film could have been more compressed given its current run time of over two hours and 30 minutes. Regardless, that does not change the fact that Isang Himala is beautifully made, lovingly adapted, and deserves to be seen by more viewers. With that, SEA Wave gives this film 8 out of 10 waves.