The 1980's transformed the landscape of Philippine cinema, this period marked several significant changes for the film industry, sparked by political and social shift and the entry of a more modern way of film making. The 80's saw the rise of several classic movies made by bold filmmakers, and this includes probably one of the most iconic Filipino movies ever made, "Himala" directed by Ishmael Bernal, written by Ricky Lee, produced by the Experimental CInema of the Philippines, and starring the one and only superstar, Nora Aunor.
"Himala" tells the story of Elsa, a young woman who lives in the remote town of Cupang who claims to have witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary and has experienced miracles and healing. Although the town is suspicious of whether Elsa was telling the truth, they begin to believe that Elsa was a messiah and could heal them through faith.
As Elsa became a symbol of faith and devotion, pilgrims start to flock in the quiet town of Cupang. As Elsa's fame grew more and more, it doesn't only attracted pilgrims, but it also attracted the eyes of the international media and as her fame and influence becomes inevitable, tension and conflict start to circulate in Elsa's life.
In 2003, the movie was adapted as a theatrical play with Ricky Lee collaborating with Vincent de Jesus to turn the 80's classic into musical called "Himala: Isang Musical" that was performed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In 2018, it was re-staged starring Aicelle Santos as Elsa.
This 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Ricky Lee collaborates with Pepe Diokno and Kapitol Films to bring the musical to the big screen in "Isang Himala", starring Aicelle Santos.
Isang Himala, still follows the same storyline and core plot of the original film, where Elsa (Aicelle Santos) claims to have witnessed a miracle from the Virgin Mary in the Town of Cupang, but instead of a deserted location, the town was converted into a mining pit setting.
Elsa's supposed divine encounter was added songs and performances that enhances the drama and the emotional intensity of the movie as it explores the same moral and social questions raised in the original film, such as the intersection of faith and exploitation, the dynamics of celebrity, and the role of religion in Filipino society.
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