FIREFLY Movie Review

The 2023 film "Firefly" bagged the prestigious Best Picture Award, together with the Best Child Performer and Best Screenplay at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. The story unfolded through the eyes of the adult Tonton, recalling his young self back then, who once dreamed of being brave someday as he contends with bullying and trauma from dogs, which unveiled to be rooted in his terrifying past. His mother, Elay, who became the unwavering source of his comfort during moments of fear, battled breast cancer and eventually passed away. The only remains of Tonton's mother were her ashes and a collection of papers containing the child's drawings illustrating Elay's bedtime story about the cave of fireflies. Among these papers was a map leading to the said location in Ticao Island, her hometown, which she had also shared with Tonton as a place capable of fulfilling wishes when visited.

Driven by his fervent desire to bring back his mother’s life, Tonton ventured alone on a journey, following the map to Ticao Island. Along the way, he encountered diverse individuals who helped him reach his destination. He passed by different places before arriving in his mother’s hometown just to find out that it was impossible to grant his dream. It was painful and horrifying for him as he remembered his dark past with his abusive father, the reason why Tonton and Elay escaped the island before. But that feeling of pain turned into a magical one when a multitude of fireflies appeared, evoking memories of his mother. Although he didn't see Elay, he had no regrets as he used his experience to publish his own book, bringing the entire story to the present time when he finally reached his success of sharing it with the public.

Throughout the film, the cinematography predominantly emphasized showcasing the expansive landscapes rather than focusing on specific subjects. This deliberate choice aimed to highlight the picturesque settings of the movie, including famous tourist spots such as Mount Mayon, the Rock Formation in Sorsogon City, and Ticao Island. Having these kinds of angles and visual approaches helped the audience immerse in the scenes, fostering a sense of presence and allowing them to appreciate the beauty of different attractions in the province of Bicol. This cinematic strategy also served as a subtle form of promotion, potentially captivating viewers and sparking an interest in exploring the featured locations after watching the film.

The elements of visual effects played an essential role in executing the child's imaginative journey, successfully fulfilling the movie's intended purpose. The adept application of filters and color grading tailored to evoke the required moods, the skillful use of Computer- Generated Imagery (CGI) to bring mythical creatures to life, and the seamless layering of frames for smooth transitions between scenes are particularly commendable. Upon viewing the film, it becomes evident that every technical aspect has been utilized with precision and without compromise, underscoring why it rightfully earned the Best Picture award during the MMFF awards night.

The dialogue in the movie is straightforward, presented in a manner resembling casual conversations. It was not burdensome for viewers to grasp. However, towards the end of the film, when the intended message was verbalized, I believe there are more impactful words that could effectively convey their moral lesson about the importance of allowing love to triumph over our fears. As much as I do not want to scrutinize it, the endings of a movie indeed wield significant influence, comprising a substantial portion that can either make or break the film’s overall impact. Nevertheless, in totality, it was still exceptionally well-executed.

The two main characters, embodying their respective roles, conveyed their lines in a manner that was not overly done and allowed the audience to genuinely feel their authenticity – the mother's unconditional love for her son and the child's innocent expression of emotions captured the essence of genuine familial bonds. In addition to the main characters, the supporting cast contributed to the film's equilibrium, each possessing distinctive traits that enrich the overall story. The inclusion of their brief backgrounds provided clarity on their motivations and behaviors, illuminating why they present themselves in the unique ways depicted in the movie.

The entire film-making process, particularly in its technical aspects, is intricate. However, looking at the central message intended for the audience, it was a simple yet profound idea that demonstrated the importance of having the courage to confront one's fears no matter what happens, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or achieving goals without the support of those people you used to lean on.

Tonton's story reflected the journeys of many individuals who, faced with unexpected challenges, found themselves venturing things out to pursue their dreams. In the real world, we all have different reasons that drive us why we choose to set aside our doubts and face our fears. Some seek a more luxurious life for themselves and their families, while others aspire to explore new places and fulfill the dreams of their younger selves, and some are driven by a desire to help those in need. Despite the varied versions of success in our minds, a common thread unites us all – the need for courage to achieve these diverse goals.

The Firefly movie, in its entirety, was truly made for everyone, catering not only to the youth but also to those young at heart seeking to be moved by its overflowing emotions. In my view, it stood among the finest films ever produced in the Philippines—an incredible masterpiece that once again elevated the standards of Philippine cinema, showcasing the remarkable potential of Filipinos in creating high-quality films.