Green Bones

This article is about the film. For the species, see Greenbone.

Green Bones is a 2024 Philippine prison drama film directed by Zig Dulay from a screenplay written by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, based on a story concept by JC Rubio. Starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid. The plot follows Xavier Gonzaga,^[2] is still grieving his sister's death, fights against the release of the criminal Domingo Zamora.^[3]

Green Bones
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Zig Dulay
Written by	Ricky Lee Angeli Atienza
Story by	JC Rubio
Produced by	Nessa Valdellon Angeli Atienza
Starring	Dennis Trillo Ruru Madrid
Cinematography	Neil Daza
Edited by	Benjamin Tolentino
Music by	Len Calvo
Production companies	GMA Pictures GMA Public Affairs Brightburn Entertainment
Distributed by	Sony Pictures Releasing International
Release date	December 25, 2024 (2024-12-25) (MMFF)
Running time	100 minutes
Country	Philippines
Language	Filipino
Box office	₱133,742,461.06[1]

The film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, as an official entry of GMA Pictures to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival in its 50th year.^[4][5][6]

Plot

In Manila, a dedicated prison officer Xavier Gonzaga was burdened by a heavy responsibility. His sister, Ruth Pineda, had been a victim of gang violence, and Xavier opposes Domingo Zamora's parole because he blames Zamora's gang activity for his sister's death and the cycle of violence that caused it.

Domingo is preparing for his parole hearing, aiming to demonstrate to the board that he has reformed. Ruth is a ten-year-old girl, the daughter of Jo Zamora, and embodies innocence and optimism despite her father's troubled past. Jo visits Dom in prison, learns about Ruth through these visits, and then tries to befriend Xavier. Xavier, grieving and withdrawn, is conflicted by his growing attraction to Jo's resilience, creating a tension between his personal pain and this new connection.

Xavier struggles with feelings for Dom while mentoring Jo through teenage issues. Jo and her best friend Elise bruised the vibrant but harsh realities of Manila's youth, their journey marked by struggles and the search for forgiveness and redemption. Two individuals form a strong friendship through basketball and shared experiences, overcoming difficult pasts together.

Xavier is torn between friends wanting revenge on Dom and others pushing for forgiveness. Xavier faces a moral dilemma as Dom opposes release approaches, forcing him to confront past trauma and make difficult decisions that will define his future and his men as a mentor.

Xavier's testimony at the parole hearing, Ruth's belief that compassion is insufficient on its own. Dom's potential release jeopardizes reconciliation efforts, but he surprisingly takes responsibility for his past actions. He admits his guilt and recognizes the extensive damage his actions have caused to others.

Xavier learns that healing from the past comes from understanding and acceptance, not revenge. Ruth's memory means choosing kindness and love, even offering it to those, like Jo, who seek forgiveness for past wrongs.

Dom and his friends start experiencing strange visions tied to their fears and desires after making a mysterious discovery. A group of friends navigates growing up and self-discovery, helped by a new girl named Betty who encourages them to embrace their true selves and confront their fears. Facing sabotage, Dom is publicly supported by Jonathan, who reveals his truth, inspiring the group to embrace Dom and celebrate empowerment and acceptance.

Betty is secretly photographing the group's journey, documenting their individual and collective growth. Dom finds acceptance through art with Jonathan. Carlos meets Elise embraces adventure and sincerity. Ruth challenges societal norms. Betty discovers her storytelling ability.

Ruth and her friends fight to save her family's historic home from destruction, battling the system while dealing their own personal challenges. Jonathan is pressured into politics, Betty questions her artistic ability, Juanito struggles with societal expectations, and Carlos learns about vulnerability.

A group supporting Ruth's cause discovers family secrets that strain their relationships. They then confront Ruth, believing she feels overlooked, leading to a revealing conversation and newfound understanding.

A community is fighting to protect Ruth's home from developers. Xavier's family is secretly planning to abandon the current project and develop luxury condos instead. Betrayed but offered a path to redemption. Xavier is torn between staying true to his friends and pursuing his family's goals for his future.

Ruth reconciles with her past and finds hope in embracing the future. Dom is Ruth's older brother who was initially resistant to embracing their family's heritage. The speaker forgives Ruth and Xavier, acknowledging their loyalty to their friendship despite potential personal disadvantages.

Cast

Lead cast

Dennis Trillo as Domingo Zamora

Ruru Madrid as Xavier Gonzaga

Lead cast

• Dennis Trillo as Domingo "Dom" Zamora, a criminal accused of murdering his own sister and niece.^[4]
• Ruru Madrid as Xavier Gonzaga, a prison guard.^[7][8][9]
  • Enzo Osorio as young Xavier

Supporting cast

• Alessandra De Rossi as Betty
• Michael de Mesa as Juanito Velasquez
• Ronnie Lazaro as Edgardo Sevilla
• Sofia Pablo as Ruth Pineda
  • Sienna Stevens as young Ruth
• Wendell Ramos as Jonathan Cruz
• Pauline Mendoza as Elise Gonzaga, Xavier's sister
• Victor Neri as Carlos Pineda
• Kylie Padilla^[10] as Lisa
• Mikoy Morales as Minyong
• Royce Cabrera as Luis
• Ruby Ruiz as Mi
• Gerard Acao as Pol
• Raul Morit as Ador

Special participation

• Iza Calzado as Joanna "Jo" Zamora-Pineda
• Nonie Buencamino as Jorge Delos Santos

Production

On July 15, 2024, GMA Pictures released a Facebook post of a teaser poster of their entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.^[11] The film is known as Green Bones, which is directed by Zig Dulay,^[5] who previously directed the film Firefly that won the Best Picture award in the previous year.^[12] Green Bones is just one of the first five entries for the film festival.^[13]

Moreover, the screenplay is written by national artist Ricky Lee and GMA Public Affairs Assistant Vice President Anj Atienza, while the story is written by JC Rubio.

Filming concluded on November 20, 2024.^[14]

Music

The 2022 song "Nyebe" by Filipino boy band SB19 was used as the theme for Green Bones.^[15]

Release

Green Bones was released in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2024, at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.^[6] GMA Pictures signed a distribution deal with American film company Columbia Pictures (through the Sony Pictures Releasing International label) to distribute the film.^[16] The film was cited by the MMFF as one of the three top-grossing entries for its 2024 edition.^[17]

The film is also scheduled to premiere at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025.^[18]

Reception

Accolades

Accolades received by Green Bones

Year	Award	Category	Recipient(s)	Result	Ref.
2024	50th Metro Manila Film Festival	Best Picture	Green Bones	Won	[19]
		Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence		Nominated
		Best Director	Zig Dulay	Nominated
		Best Actor	Dennis Trillo	Won
		Best Supporting Actor	Ruru Madrid	Won
		Best Screenplay	Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza	Won
		Best Cinematography	Neil Daza	Won
		Best Production Design	Maolen Fadul	Nominated
		Best Editing	Benjamin Tolentino	Nominated
		Best Sound	Narra by Wildsound	Nominated
		Best Musical Score	Len Calvo	Nominated
		Best Child Performer	Sienna Stevens	Won