MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7 (2019) Review
Directed by Nuel Naval
An adaptation of one of the most popular Korean family drama in the world, ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ isn’t perfect but it’s the perfect movie for the family this Metro Manila Film Festival 2019. Prior to seeing the film, I’ve only watch the portions of the original or heard its story from a friend or family member. So this is my first Miracle in Cell No. 7 experience.
Never have I cried in a Filipino film this much since I can’t remember when. Miracle in Cell No. 7 has its flaws but its main objective is to draw emotions from its audience through its story and the characters that the audience can easily attach to.
Aga Muhlach and Xia Vigor with Bela Padilla, JC Santos, John Arcilla, Joel Torre, Soliman Cruz, Jojit Lorenzo are all tremendous here. The level of entertainment and emotional ride these actors give to the audience are high, that even though the prison cells are way open and there are more obvious faults in the story, it’s dismissible because you’re already drawn to a story that’s too heavy and too engaging you just want to give in to everything it presents.
It could have been better. The framing felt like it was a television show and some of the dialogues aren’t as polished as it could be. It will always be compared to the original version and a better cinematography, production design and a more polished story would made it better than the original.
But all in all, Miracle in Cell No 7 is the best Metro Manila Film Festival entry from a big production outfit. It’s funny and heartwarming and deals with socially relevant issues like death penalty, abuse of power and being prejudice to the physical looks or disability of some. I enjoyed the film more than I expected and I cried a lot, still carrying the heaviness of its drama but in a good way even after days of watching it.
‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from VIVA Films. Rated G by the MTRCB.