Green Bones is proof that Philippine cinema is only getting better and better
Zig Dulay does it again, delivering yet another compelling masterpiece that earned him a well-deserved Best Picture win at the Metro Manila Film Festival, following last year’s triumph with Firefly.
Green Bones is a straightforward yet profoundly moving tale of humanity and second chances. The story follows Dom (played by Dennis Trillo), a man convicted for the brutal killing of his sister and niece. Much of the film unfolds within the confines of San Fabian prison, with occasional flashbacks providing glimpses into his past. Dom, silenced by trauma, has chosen not to speak, despite not being deaf-mute.
Within the prison, the film paints a portrait of the harsh, dehumanizing treatment inmates endure. It raises a critical question: Is the purpose of prison to solely punish or to rehabilitate? While the structured activities and sense of community among inmates suggest rehabilitation is a goal, the oppressive environment tells another story.
The film also explores the stigma of incarceration. Once labeled an inmate, it seems impossible to escape that identity, even after release. This is embodied in the character Mang Gardo (played by Ronnie Lazaro), who, after being freed, deliberately commits a crime to return to prison. For Gardo, life outside the walls is lonelier and harsher than the structured, albeit confined, life inside. The camaraderie and sense of belonging he found in prison were irreplaceable, reflecting the complex emotional realities of those who live within and beyond the system.
The story also exposes the failures of the justice system, highlighting how inmates are often victims of circumstances beyond their control. While their crimes are not excused, the narrative urges viewers to consider the systemic issues and larger forces at play. These individuals are often products of a broken system, caught in a cycle of poverty, violence, and limited opportunities.
Dom’s journey is particularly striking. Once a thief and drug addict, his life took on new meaning when he met his niece. She became his purpose, grounding him and stirring in him a desire for change. This connection is pivotal in understanding the film’s climax, where Dom performs a courageous act of selflessness that costs him his life. This ultimate sacrifice — his peak moment of kindness — elevates him to a heroic status, underscoring the power of transformation and the enduring capacity for good, even in deeply flawed individuals.
The title Green Bones itself draws from the belief that if someone’s ashes reveal green bones, it signifies they were truly a good person. This metaphor ties beautifully into the narrative, reflecting Dom’s transformation and ultimate redemption. His journey, marked by mistakes but culminating in selfless acts, embodies this idea of goodness.
The film is also a testament to the transformative power of kindness, even in the bleakest of places. Small acts of care, solidarity, and forgiveness ripple through the story, showing how these moments of humanity can shape outcomes and restore dignity. The film’s message resonates: no matter how dark life may seem, kindness has the potential to rekindle hope and guide us toward a better path.
Once again, Dulay delivers a film that not only entertains but provokes thought, showcasing his talent for creating stories that tug at the heartstrings and that resonate deeply with audiences.
