GREEN BONES (2024) Review
Directed by Zig Dulay
There are films that entertain us, there are films that tend to educate us but there are exceptional films that entertain, educate and at the same time, touch us with its story and how it is told – Zig Dulay’s latest drama film, ‘Green Bones’ is one of those films.
Firefly was a pretty special film for me. It took me back to the warm comforts of being a kid doing silly innocent things and experiencing my first loss of a loved one. But here in ‘Green Bones,’ the storytelling graduated to present a more complex story but at the same time, a deeper representation of humanity.
There’s magic in the way Zig Dulay presents his stories especially the tearjerker scenes. While everything here is fictitious even its beautifully shot location, there’s authenticity in every element in the film. The details from the characters to the location and how the film presents them, it’s like navigating a well-thought-out world from a perspective of a real person who we know personally. ‘Green Bones’ is like a story told by a close friend – whole and worth paying attention to.
Ruru Madrid and Dennis Trillo gave life to their characters Xavier and Dom flawlessly. There’s depth and genuineness in their portrayal that we don’t see them as Ruru and Dennis anymore on screen. Ruru looks at Dennis as if he’s not trustworthy, the way his character Xavier should. And Dennis keeps that mysterious look from start to finish, you’ll be captivated by how the story of Dom unfolds.
‘Green Bones’ is moving, thought-provoking, and proves how kindness can change people. As the story progresses, you’ll understand more about how people deprived of liberty can also be like your friend, how some criminals are actually forced to do bad things because of their surroundings, and that doesn’t make them a bad person in general. They make bad choices but those choices doesn’t define them. It’s a story of humanity, it’s a story of hope, of bringing together a community, of love.
There are small and forgivable issues in the film but those issues didn’t affect how the whole story and its message will touch me.
When the film nears its end, I thought I was good with shedding a few tears but I was caught off-guard and bawled my eyes out as if I lost someone dearly to me. It was definitely an emotional but enriching experience watching ‘Green Bones.’ It was one of those movies that isn’t hard to recommend because it will connect with you one way or another, and it will definitely give you something to ponder on even after the credits start rolling. It’s a testament of how extremely good of a storyteller Zig Dulay is.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Green Bones’ is an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. Now showing in cinemas nationwide from GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs. Rated PG by the MTRCB. #GreenBonesMMFF