MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Isang Himala - Miraculous Cast Brings Iconic Film To Life

Himala has made itself an icon in Philippine cinema as a masterpiece by Ishmael Bernal, written by National Artist Ricky Lee, and is one of the most notable films of Nora Aunor. The story has transcended into different forms of media and one of them is the musical adaptation in 2003 with music by Vincent De Jesus. The most recent version of the musical was in 2018 which the movie and songs are based. Which brings us to ISANG HIMALA, one of the entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.

It seems like a full circle moment for the film, which was also part of the 1982 MMFF and won 9 awards for that year. For Isang Himala, it brought some of the people who were part of the original movie to be integrated with the new generation of actor and singers mostly coming from the musical that can bank on nostalgia and the amazing songs and performances of the cast.

Himala tells the tale of Elsa, a young woman who proclaims that the virgin Mary has made an apparition to her in the forsaken town of Cupang. The town quickly became a healing mecca due to Elsa's healing powers which also benefited the town in many ways with the influx of tourists. However, many do doubt this and causes tension between the people of Cupang as well as the friendship of Elsa's best friends Chayong and Nimia. Many things will unfold as things get dark and complicated leading to the climax.

Acielle Santos takes the role of Elsa which she also played in the 2018 musical. There is no doubt in her singing and performance and gives a more intimate take for the film. There are also great and emotional performances from David Ezra, Bitiun Escalante, Neomi Gonzales, and Kakki Teodoro to name a few.  With almost all of the cast hailing from theater, there is no awkward extras in the film. The ensemble indeed proved their talent and brings intensity to the movie musical.

Interestingly, the movie was shot in a studio setting which Director Pepe Diokno said gives that theater feel with freedom to enhance the scenes. The songs by Vincent De Jesus are powerful which brings new sensations to the original lines and sequences. Though I think some scenes feel too long that I think can be omitted yet keep the essence of the material. One thing to look out for is to spot where Nora Aunor fits in the film. 

Being adapted from film to musical and back into film in an interesting twist which can bring new creative strategies given the musical approach and technological advancement through the years. Cupang's poverty and change is now noticeable and the colors added to the scenes brings out emotion with the characters.

Himala has indeed proven its legendary status and impact in Philippine entertainment and even after so many decades, shows that the issues back then still remains today and that many of us still hasn't learned from the mistakes of the past. Nevertheless, Isang Himala proves that it can be a worthy contender for best film, along with other awards. I also hope that the soundtrack for the movie will be also released on Spotify and other music streaming to brings us wickedly hooked.

Produced by Kapitol Films and UXS and Creazion Studios, Isang Himala will be showing in PH cinemas starting December 25, as part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. 

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