December 28 ------ Despite the presence of heavyweight contenders in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the musical film "Isang Himala" stands as a strong competitor. Directed by Pepe Diokno — from a script he co-wrote with National Artist Ricky Lee and music by award-winning musical director Vincent de Jesus — this musical adaptation stems from the 2018 stage production "Himala: Isang Musikal."
Since its inception, the 1982 film "Himala," directed by Ishmael Bernal, has been inextricably linked to National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor. In this musical rendition, singer-actress Aicelle Santos first brought Elsa to life — a faith healer in a remote town whose miraculous claims stir both fervent devotion and intense controversy. Santos delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Elsa, embodying and making the iconic character her own. Her portrayal ensures that this role will likely define her career and be remembered by many Filipinos. Had the role been given to a big-name mainstream star, the impact might not have been as lasting or distinctive. Equally noteworthy are the supporting cast members, all talented theater actors. Bituin Escalante as Aling Saling, Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, and David Ezra as Orly, among others, bring depth to their characters. Their emotions resonate not only in their dialogues but also in their singing, even with the challenging musical pieces. The musical element adds a fresh layer of emotional depth for viewers.
The set design, executed entirely in a studio, reflects the filmmakers' vision to create an expressionistic aesthetic, detaching the story from a specific time or place to make its themes universal. While the original film featured expansive wide shots of mountainous landscapes and crowds flocking to Elsa, this adaptation relies on tight shots that focus more on the cast's facial expressions. "Isang Himala" continues to resonate because the issues it tackles — blind faith, desperation, and the pursuit of truth — remain painfully relevant. In a world still plagued by poverty, inequality, and the spread of fake news, the film serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unquestioning belief.
It's essential for the younger generation to see this film as a reflection of Filipino experiences. Like Elsa, many Filipinos continue to wait for a "strong man" or savior to address their woes. While the story's classic nature is compelling, the weight of its themes and the somber ending might make one question whether it's an ideal film for the Christmas season. Nevertheless, "Isang Himala" is a masterpiece that the theater community can take immense pride in, successfully honoring the original film while distinguishing itself as the lone musical entry in this year's MMFF. The film should be given more theaters to allow more people to watch and appreciate it, so that more producers can explore the possibility of creating musicals for the MMFF, instead of sticking to the usual romance, comedy, horror and drama genres.
Source: manilatimes.net
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