Himala review and analysis

Director: Ishmael Bernal

Writer: Ricky Lee

Synopsis:

A young girl named Elsa, (Aunor) lives in a remote village. She is a lowly and plain-looking woman who never knew her real parents. She was believed to possess miraculous powers after she claims that the Virgin Mary has spoken to her. She starts to heal people when she revealed her vision. Tourists, Pilgrims and sick people come to her to be healed. This made the sleepy town to be transformed into a bustling community.

Audience Stability: R13

Cinematic Focus (Identify and Explain):

-          Story / plot driven: Thinking that there is a miracle on Elsa it has fully gave life to the film. The theme of this movie is great in terms of catching the audience attention.

-          Character driven: Nora Aunor is a brilliant actress. She conveys an emotion so effectively. I think that her eyes can act well just like very subtle movements she makes. I guess, the movie is also a boost of interesting and appealing characters superbly acted.

-          Technical driven: The musical score of this film, I would say is absolutely poignant. It gives more meaning to the film.

-          Experimental driven: Ricky Lee really made a great screenplay. He didn’t put a limit into writing the story of this film especially in times that people are losing their faith.

Points of Observation

Should Not’s: The gun shot of Elsa shouldn’t be as accurate as it was. The man who shot Elsa was so far away. He was using a revolver. Only a revolver and yet, it looks like he was good for hitting Elsa once. It is not realistic. A revolver couldn’t hit a target with that range.

Should Be’s: I guess, it could’ve been more realistic if the guy have just missed hitting Elsa on her heart.

Well Presented: Elsa’s scene telling the people there is no such thing as miracle. She really gave a courageous statement yet it felt heartwarming. It has such an indescribable effect to the audience.

Rating:

5 stars: highly recommended to watch!

4 stars: recommended to watch!

3 stars: you can watch it to relax

2 stars: better see another movie

1 star: stay at home! It’s not worth it!

—– Grechell Ann P. Silvestre

—– BBrC III-3D (irr)

ANALYSIS

HIMALA

The script of Himala is expandable. It describes almost everything fully. It is detailed. The writer of the story did not limit his limitation. The major characters were described basically into their lines in the script. Although there are some inappropriate words used in the script, it did not seem so bad to the movie, thus it gave emphasis to the lines and characters in the story.

            There are scenes deleted in the film and / or maybe little bit in the scenes were changed. Here are some parts of the film that were changed / deleted in the film: In the fifth scene where Elsa is alone in the hills and Baldo comes near her calling. In the script, Baldo was supposed to shake Elsa’s shoulders but it was never done in the film, perhaps to show respect to Elsa whom at that time, was known to be Virgin Mary’s emissary. Well,, I think it did make the movie. It was much better than the original script stated.

            Next is the sixth scene when Elsa was talking to the priest about the apparition. The priest asked Elsa why the Virgin Mary was crying. In the script, Elsa was supposed to say, “Sabi po niya’y di mo ako mapapangiti, Ineng, maraming kasalanan ang tao.” And then the priest was supposed to ask, “Sa kanya mo ba nakuha ang mga sugat mo?”

I think that this part of the scene was deleted since it gives an impression that the Virgin Mary is angry to the people and that She punished Elsa by giving her wound. Of course, it wasn’t that way the Virgin Mary loves us. And that the Virgin Mary, like Jesus Christ, always forgives the sinners. It would only look inappropriate and the exact opposite of the Virgin Mary’s image. It is more suitable to the film so it did make it.

            The other part of the scene deleted was in scene 31, in Nimia’s bar where Nestoy and Intong are taking a glimpse of the girls in Nimia’s bar. In the script, Nestoy said, “Putang ina!” and Intong reacted saying, “Kuya, ba’t ka nagmura? Sabi ng Inay, magagalit ang Diyos!” This part was deleted probably because it is contrary to accepted principles. And it might give an understanding that kids at their age are okay to use these words. The change made in this particular scene is righteous and did great in the movie.

            The 34^th scene that has been cut to Mrs. Alba who was so mad because of the people in her house has some parts deleted too. Baldo was supposed to say, “H’wag ho kayong maiinip, lalabas na si Elsa! Sandali na lang! ‘Yun hong gustong mag-abuloy, andito ang donation box!”  I think it was deleted since it seemed like Baldo was reminding the people not to forget their donations which may give a dent to the people to give donation when they got healed. Next is the other “cut to” scene wherein a beggar is carrying a child who has “polyo.” Aling Pising’s line in the script was, “Pupunta ka sa impiyerno, kuripot!” And then the beggar will walk away as Orly takes a shot of them. It wasn’t included in the movie perhaps it shows the bad attitude of Aling Pising, an elderly. This is an inappropriate action especially towards someone who is seeking for help.

            Another part of the script deleted is on scene 38, outside Nimia’s bar. She was talking to Narding about the foreclosure of the bar. Nimia’s original line in the script was, “Matigas ang putang inang si Elsa. Pakausap mo nga sa kapatid mo, Narding.” The word “Putang inang” was not mentioned by Nimia. Maybe, it is because it is an immoral attitude calling Elsa, who was then performing miracles and healing the people to be called such. It shows disrespect to the part of Nimia, who was a friend of Elsa way back.

            Next is the 41^st scene in the movie. Mr. Chua’s car is arriving while Narding was reeling. The driver’s line was deleted. (Joking) “Kina Elsa na lang, libre pa. Halika, makiusap tayo dun sa intsik.” I guess it was deleted because it was not important to the film anymore.

            A part of the script in scene 47 was also deleted. It is when Orly was having a confession to the priest. In Orly’s script, he was also about to say, “Nagdadalawa po ang loob ko. Di ko malaman kung tutulungan ko sila, o kukunan ko ng pelikula.” Hindi ko sila tinulungan.” Literally, it was deleted for it portrays such a malevolent act. God teaches us to do good things to others and wants us to be good to other people. So in my belief, if this line was not deleted in the scene, it will only give an impression that it is okay to ignore the people who needs help and to ignore all the bad things you have witnessed.

            Another conversation between Elsa and Aling Saling was deleted in the film. It was in scene 69. Elsa was to say, “pag gabi, hindi ako makatulog. Naririnig ko pa rin ang mga daing nila, ang paghingi nila ng tulong. Maski saan ako bumaling ay naaamoy ko sila. Ang mga sakit nila.”  Then Aling Saling was to react, “hinahanap hanap mo pa rin ang himala.” I am not sure why this part was deleted in the movie. Thus I think it will be good if it was added there to give much appeal to Elsa’s feelings that moment.

            In the 73^rd scene, along the street of Cupang, when the rain has fallen after a long time of drought, Lolo Hugo’s line was deleted, “Natapos na ang sumpa sa Cupang!” I guess it was deleted because of Baldo’s line which is, “Bumalik na ang himala!” Obviously, Lolo Hugo’s line is the opposite of Baldo’s. So it’s much of not appropriate to say anymore. Just like how the message goes, it says that Baldo said that the miracle has come back because the curse has gone. Even without Lolo Hugo’s line, the movie did make it.

            Between a conversation of Aling Saling and Elsa was there a deleted conversation again. In scene 76, Aling Saling’s line was, “Baka lumalabis na ang lahat. Tinototoo mo na.” Elsa was to say, “Hindi ko sila niloloko, Inay.” Perhaps, it was deleted not to reveal that there really was no miracle, which was later on Elsa will reveal. On the other hand, it did make the movie even if it was deleted.

            The other scene deleted was on scene 77. This is the part where the people were disturbed since Elsa was shot. The line of Chief of Police was deleted, “Ikaw ang bumaril ano? Ikaw, ano?” Since it was deleted, it still did make the movie. I guess it wasn’t important anymore so it was just excluded in the scene.

Another part of the scene 77 was also deleted. This is when Bino tries to stop Sepa. Bino’s line, “Sepa, h’wag ka nang sumunod! Dito ka na lang, ano ka ba?” I can’t see the reason why it was deleted but I think it was okay that it was. Perhaps, it was not important anymore too and that the rushing of people was more important so it was deleted. But it still makes the movie.

There are also some added scenes in film. Some of this were I guess, adlibs. Just like in scene 58, where Elsa was called by Sepa because Nestoy and Intong were sick. When the two kids died, Elsa’s reaction was not stated in the script. Yet, Elsa did the sign of the cross. This gives more meaning that Elsa’s faith and also adds to her character as the Virgin Mary’s emissary. Yes, it did make the movie. Instead of Elsa just standing there while Sepa was in grief.

            Next is on 60^th scene where everybody in Cupang was outside to show their sympathy to all the people who died. The line of Aling Pising was added, “Bakit? Bakit ang anak ko pa?!!” I think it was added to give more tension to the scene since after this Aling Pising will come to Elsa and blame her for her sons’ death. Well, it was pretty good in terms of giving an extreme feeling. It was intensified.

            The other scene was on the 77^th. A man told everybody, “Halikayo! Mga anak ko! Puntahan natin si Elsa! Tara!” It just made an explanation as to why the people of Cupang were running to a place, in which for the reason that they are going to Elsa who heals everyone who come to her.

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