In 2013, the world was crushed with the heart-wrenching story of a mentally handicapped single father who was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, and who left behind his daughter who loves him very much and friends who truly cared for him.
The South Korean film Miracle in Cell No. 7 took the world by storm. It was a commercial and a critical success, and a well-deserved one at that.
Six years later, this story is once again highlighted—this time on the Philippine cinemas. There may have been concerns about this version not living up to the original, but this film proves that it is just as heart-warming as the South Korean version. See how:
(WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!)
The acting of Aga Muhlach as a mentally challenged parent is superb
Aga Muhlach’s performance in this film is perhaps his best yet. His enactment of Joselito, a mentally-challenged parent, flawlessly represented people with special needs, as well as portrayed how pure their love can be for their children.
The genuine reflection of the friendship shown among inmates is at par with—if not, exceeds—the original version
One of the core features of Miracle in Cell No. 7 is the friendship the father forged with his fellow inmates. In the Philippine remake, this chemistry is magnified ten times with the witty yet moving performances of Joel Torre, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Jojit Lorenzo, and Soliman Cruz. If the South Korean version made you think they are friendship goals, the remake would probably make you believe they are also just as close in real life.
The father-daughter chemistry is undeniable
Xia Vigor is outstanding in the remake, as she portrayed the role of a jolly and loving daughter just as magnificently as Gal So-won. Her chemistry with Aga made the film a lot more drawing, and even if some parts of it defy logic or the reality of the prison situation in the Philippines, you’ll let it slip away once their performances capture your hearts.
The ending is just as tear-jerking
For people who have watched the original, we’re here to tell you that even if you know the ending already, you’ll still get heartbroken, happy, and peaceful all at the same time with the finale of the Philippine remake. Just go out and watch it!
