"Ung simula palang talaga ng movie kinilabutan na agad ako!"
This is how I initially felt when I watched this official movie entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. Goosebumps is real in every scene of the film even in the very first part of it.
Yours truly Runner Rocky got the privilege to be one of the first viewers to witness this classic masterpiece "Isang Himala" during its Exclusive Red Carpet Premiere Night held at Cinemas 6 & 7 of SM City North EDSA, December 19, 2024. The film is actually based on the theatrical play, "Himala: Isang Musikal," which premiered in 2018 and the play itself was based on the 1982 film "Himala" which starred the Superstar and National Artist Ms. Nora Aunor under the direction of Ishmael Bernal.
I was not yet born in 1982 but I've already watched this classic film of Ms. Nora Aunor decades ago. Then while watching this 2024 musical version, important scenes from the original version flashed on my mind making me more understand why the original film and its story turn to be legendary.
"Isang Himala" puts all the elements to make a good movie - best sets of soundtracks fitting important scenes in the movie, original music intensifying the emotions of the viewers, perfect cinematography giving us classical vibes, and well-talented actors playing both the main characters and supporting casts of the film!
I was amazed with the cast members of this film. Although most of them were not mainstream actors, all of them were great performers, their nailed their characters giving justice to their respective roles! All of them were not only great singers but best actors as well! Even the extras or the supporting cast members with minimal roles in the movie can sing and can act well!
This is also my first time to watch Ms. Aicelle Santos playing a lead character in a full-length film. Before I admire her as a great singer singing most of the TV series theme songs of GMA teleseryes. But after watching her in this movie playing the lead character of Elsa (original played by Nora Aunor in the 1982 version), I admire her more now as an actress! She proves the saying that "kung magaling kang kumanta, magaling ka ring umarte!"
Of course the other main and supporting characters namely David Ezra, Kakki Teodoro, Floyd Tena, Neomi Gonzales, Vic Robinson, and Bituin Escalante were didn't left behind. They showcased their talents as singers and actors at the same time making you realize that theater actors were truly 'cream of the crop!' "Sa galing nila, iisipin mo talagang mga mainstream actors sila ng TV at pelikula!" Kudos to all of them!
For me, "grabe din ang setup at cinematography ng movie na'to!" The cinematography of "Isang Himala" and the settings of Cupang give you a vibes in Biblical land! "Ka-vibes niya 'ung mga biblical films at 'ung settings ng Bethlehem specially 'ung setup sa burol kung saan nagdarasal sila Elsa!"
And yes just what I've said in my headline, "Isang Himala" relived a classic film in the modern era. "'Ung kahit ipapanood mo ito sa mga Gen Z, ma-aappreciate nila 'ung movie at mas maiintindihan nila kung bakit naging iconic at legendary 'ung original version ni Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor!" "Isang Himala" paid tribute and respect the original film - hindi binago, hindi binaboy... mas pinaganda pa making it a musical version!
Meanwhile the exclusive red carpet premiere night of "Isang Himala" turned to be a star-studded event as many mainstream celebrities graced the event showing support to the movie. Some of the stars spotted on the red carpet who watched the film are Eula Valdes, Eugene Domingo, Meryl Soriano, Alex Diaz, Kelvin Miranda, Gerard Santos, Cedric Juan, Pen Medina, Kate Alejandrino, Jay Gonzaga, Shawn Salvador, Ian Pangilinan, Mark Bautista, and Direk Joel Lamangan.
Atty. Chel Diokno, the father of the movie director Pepe Diokno also watched the film showing support to his son. He even posted selfies of his together with the guest stars and cast members of the movie! And of course, the loving hubby of Aicelle Santos, Mark Zambrano was also present in the event from the start of the red carpet until the end of the movie's premiere night attentively taking photos and videos of his beautiful wifey Aicelle who is wearing a white gown with tagline of "Elsa Loves You."
"Isang Himala" is also co-written with its director Pepe Diokno and with the National Artist Ricky Lee. It is co-produced by Kapitol Films and UXS and is distributed by CreaZion Studios. It is one of the 10 movie entries to the 50th Edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) which is set to hit the cinemas this coming December 25!
Will "Isang Himala" be the first movie that you will watch this Christmas? Well, feel free to share your thoughts and comments about this movie here in our comment section after watching it and let;s discuss! I'm pretty sure this movie will definitely get more awards and recognitions during the festival's "Gabi ng Parangal!" Congrats in advance guys! 12/22/2024 (Runner Rocky)
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