Wazzup Pilipinas!?
When a film resonates deeply, lingers in your thoughts, and leaves you asking existential questions long after the credits roll, you know you've just witnessed something special. Green Bones is exactly that—a simple yet profoundly impactful film that explores humanity's eternal struggle with morality, redemption, and hope. It’s no wonder it swept multiple awards at this year’s MMFF—it deserves every single one.
At its core, Green Bones grapples with a deceptively simple question: How can you really tell who is good and who is bad? It’s a theme that feels timeless yet incredibly fresh in this narrative, made even more compelling by the stellar performances of its cast and the thought-provoking script.
One of the most memorable moments for me was a line delivered by Ruru Madrid: “Are people born inherently evil?” It’s the kind of question that sticks with you because it doesn't have an easy answer. Can someone who has done terrible things truly change? Can redemption ever be fully earned? These questions aren’t merely philosophical musings in Green Bones—they’re woven into the lives and struggles of its characters, making you feel every ounce of their pain, guilt, and hope.
The Parallels with The Shawshank Redemption
The narrative reminded me of The Shawshank Redemption, particularly the character arc of Brooks, an elderly inmate who struggles with freedom after decades behind bars. In Green Bones, there’s a similarly poignant scene where one character reflects on life beyond prison walls. “When a person has been caged for so long and is finally set free, they won’t just leave right away.” It’s a chilling truth about institutionalization—the way prison walls become a false sense of comfort, and freedom transforms into an unfamiliar and terrifying abyss.
The Mystery of Green Bones
The titular “green bones” phenomenon serves as both a literal and metaphorical anchor for the film. Scientifically, it’s explained as a chemical reaction caused by antibiotic use in childhood, resulting in a greenish hue during cremation. But the folklore behind it—this belief that having green bones signifies being a good person—adds layers of mysticism and meaning to the narrative. It forces you to confront your own legacy: If I die, will my bones have even a speck of green?
It’s questions like these that make Green Bones stand out. It doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls you into an introspective space where you begin to evaluate your own life, choices, and morality.
A Film That Stays With You
Few MMFF films have left such a lasting impression on me over the years. Green Bones isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience. The screenplay is tight, the direction masterful, and the performances—especially from Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid—are unforgettable. Their raw vulnerability pulls you into their world and makes you feel every emotion coursing through their characters.
Support Philippine Cinema
While Green Bones will eventually make its way to streaming platforms like Netflix, it’s a film best experienced on the big screen. There’s something magical about sitting in a dark cinema, fully immersed in the visuals, the sound, and the silence that fills the room after a particularly gut-wrenching scene.
It’s also an opportunity to support Philippine cinema, which has been evolving and producing world-class films. Every ticket bought is a vote for more stories like Green Bones to be told—stories that challenge, inspire, and leave you forever changed.
If you haven’t seen Green Bones yet, don’t wait for it to hit streaming services. Watch it while it’s still in cinemas. Trust me, it’s worth every peso and every second of your time.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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