"BABALIKAN kita!" is a phrase that can send chills down your spine when uttered by someone perceived as a criminal. Yet, for families left behind, it transforms into a promise—a glimmer of hope for a day when justice feels like paradise.
Green Bones is a gripping prison drama that follows Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), a prison officer haunted by the tragic death of his sister. His personal grief collides with his professional duties as he vehemently opposes the release of Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), a convicted criminal whose fate stirs questions of morality, redemption, and justice.
Directed by Zig Dulay and penned by the powerhouse duo of Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, Green Bones defies the conventions of a typical heartwarming film. Instead, this 100-minute masterpiece challenges viewers to confront their faith in humanity and the justice system.
One of the film’s most striking lines, “Sino ba ang mabuti, sino ba ang masama?” (Who is truly good, and who is truly evil?), underscores its thematic core. It forces us to reflect on the complexities of morality and wrestle with the timeless question posed by Machiavelli: Do the ends justify the means?
If you’ve seen the trailer, be prepared—what it reveals is merely the tip of the iceberg. Packed with unexpected twists, the film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you wiping tears as the credits roll.
Dennis Trillo delivers a powerhouse performance, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most versatile actors. However, the real revelation here is Ruru Madrid, whose portrayal of Xavier Gonzaga cements his place as GMA’s next primetime king. His character resonates deeply, embodying the anguish of those who grapple with societal injustices. Through Xavier’s eyes, the film raises compelling questions: Why do criminals seem to have better access to justice than victims? Can even the most hardened offenders, like Domingo Zamora, find redemption? And ultimately, is there hope for a system that seems broken?
Critics questioning the film’s authenticity or its worthiness of the 2024 MMFF Best Picture award are missing the point. Green Bones doesn’t just deserve its accolades—it demands them. This is a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, ignites debate, and touches the soul.
Building on the success of their 2023 MMFF Best Picture winner, Firefly, Green Bones has raised the bar with this emotionally charged narrative. You don’t need to have lived the life of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) to feel the weight of their struggles. The film immerses you in the emotional turmoil faced by prisoners, offering a poignant and unforgettable perspective on life behind bars.
Green Bones isn’t just a movie—it’s a mirror reflecting the flaws and hopes of our justice system and humanity itself.
With the success of Green Bones, which won the festival's Best Picture award, this marks the first time that GMA Pictures achieved back-to-back wins for the award (following their win at the previous year's edition with Firefly) since both José Rizal and Muro-Ami did in 1998 and 1999 editions respectively.
Rating: 5/5