What Remains: Ashes or Green Bones?
Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for the film Green Bones.
We’ve all sat in a dark theater, popcorn in one hand and drink in the other, completely immersed in the events unfolding before our eyes. We sit back, listen, and don’t judge as the movie progresses; in that moment, we’re not just watching a film but experiencing it. With Green Bones, you’re not just along for the ride. You’re left with a bone to pick—one that’s buried much deeper than expected.
While it may seem like a straightforward crime narrative, the movie offers much more than just the action and thrill its genre suggests. As it explores the psychological complexities of its characters, Green Bones challenges the traditional structure of a whodunit, a murder mystery with its perpetrator unveiled at the end, by subtly hinting at our country’s social injustices. By exploring the nuances, traits, and backgrounds of each character, the film uncovers their beyond-the-first-glance attributes and highlights the difficulties of growing within the country’s social system. Set in a world where officials deem themselves superior to criminals, they often impose labels on these individuals and ultimately deny their humanity and potential. In doing so, it raises a question: how can we know if a person has truly changed when governing systems often deny the possibility of growth?
At the heart of the movie lie two contrasting perspectives: that of Xavier Gonzaga, a prison guard with a vendetta against criminals due to his sister’s murder, and that of Domingo Zamora, a soon-to-be-released inmate who grapples with his dark past. When met with the harsh realities of their respective roles, both are forced to confront their own beliefs about justice, loyalty, and the inevitable change. Yet despite their different paths and backgrounds, both evidently share the grief over their sisters' deaths and a certain belief in green bones which according to Filipino culture, are believed to indicate a person’s goodness when found in their remains.
It is through Gonzaga’s perspective that we first enter the opening scenes, pulled into his grief-driven struggle in which his pursuit of justice is distorted by his belief that punishing criminals will bring closure and that their past deeds are unforgivable. This causes him to be consumed by his desire to punish criminals and unable to see beyond his obsession, which is reflected in his treatment of Zamora. As the prison guard interacts with Zamora, who becomes the focal point for Gonzaga’s unresolved anger, his inability to see beyond the surface is revealed. To him, Zamora is simply a symbol of everything he has lost—someone who, in his mind, doesn’t deserve empathy or redemption.
Meanwhile, Zamora’s silence, initially interpreted by all as an absence of remorse and repentance, later reveals the depth of his conflict as he wrestles with the consequences of his actions and takes the blame for a crime he didn’t commit, compelling him to continue striving for his release. As viewers then get introduced to Zamora’s view, which contrasts with Gonzaga’s, it becomes clear that the alleged criminal’s past actions haunt him. His quiet reflection gives a glimpse of how his silence speaks louder than words. It’s a cry for understanding and an unspoken plea for redemption. His label as a criminal despite his true character of selflessness and determination to protect his family shows how difficult it could be for people like him to escape their past and be viewed as human beings. His struggles and guilt are overshadowed by society’s perception of criminals, which in turn makes it impossible for him to redeem himself. The system, rather than offering opportunities for change, often traps people in a never-ending cycle of punishment.
Through its intricately woven narratives, Green Bones subtly unveils the injustices perpetuated not only by criminals but also by the very institutions that have sworn to protect us. It compels viewers to confront the biases and labels that shape our understanding of others, illuminating the profound truth that growth, forgiveness, and change are within reach for all—regardless of past mistakes. Forgiveness is not just an act of kindness; it is a necessary step toward healing.
Though the film’s release dates back to last December, its message has become all the more relevant today especially with the debate, controversy, and division currently surrounding our nation. The political world is vicious and filled with lies, often blurring our perception of morality. It remains uncertain when the government and our people will finally be united in shaping the Philippines into a peaceful democracy and perhaps further away than we’d hoped. However, may we not forget that as citizens, it is our responsibility to promote peace and advocate for the truth, battling the temptation to get carried away by the floods of stories rushing through mainstream media. Not everything that is spread is true, and there may be another side of the story that has yet to be uncovered.
