Green Bones: A Tale of Justice, Redemption, and Hope at MMFF

Last updated on December 28th, 2024 at 11:26 am

Director Zig Dulay won at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival for his Best Picture now he is again returning with his latest masterpiece movie ‘Green Bones.’ This 96-minute play is already generating a buzz at this year festival in the Philippines.

A Tale of Justice and Redemption: Green Bones

The story of movie is about Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid) who is a prison guard. He wants justice for his sister’s murder. The second main character of the movie is Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo) who is an inmate nearing the end of his sentence for allegedly killing his sister and niece.

The film is told in three parts. It starts with Xavier narrating the life of Domingo using police records. Then it shifts to Domingo’s perspective revealing his side of the story. The final part brings everything together, providing answers and closure.

At the core of the story is the tension between Xavier and Domingo. Xavier doubts Domingo’s claims of change, and their connected fates raise deep questions about justice, forgiveness, and whether people can truly change.

Symbolism and Strong Storytelling

The title Green Bones comes from a belief that finding a green bone in cremated remains means the person was good. This indicates the hope and redemption in the film.

The strong and goose-bumping story is written by National Artist Ricky Lee and award-winner Anj Atienza. The screenplay of the movie is simple yet powerful. Instead of relying on plot twists the film focuses on honest and heartfelt storytelling.

Green Bones is reflecting on issues like systemic corruption, prison violence, and abuse of power. The film dares to find hope in the darkest situations.

Ruru Madrid shared his hopes for the audience by  saying, “Huwag tayo agad manghusga lalo na kung hindi natin alam ang punot-dulo. At sa lahat ng pagkakataon, napapaligiran man tayo ng kadiliman at ng kasamaan, patuloy nating piliin ‘yong maging mabuting tao.”

Green Bones is a powerful film that tells a meaningful story in a simple way. With strong characters, and important messages the movie is standing strong at MMFF 2024.