Musings: Isda (2011)

Isda aka Fable of the Fish, Philippines (2011)

Directed by Adolf Alix Jr.a

Cast: Cherry Pie Picache, Bembol Roco, Evelyn Vargas, Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda, Angel Aquino, Allan Paule

Isda poses a challenge to Filipino moviegoers and film viewers: to seriously view a rather queer premise and empathize with the character no matter how silly and outrageous she/he seems to be. Feeding your son is one thing. But feeding Miguelito, your 'fish son' is another story itself. 

To some, it's just another movie about a mother's love to her child. But the story's unique twist- raising a fish as your own child- is a delicate matter to handle. And director Alix Jr., managed to project such mother's affection in evident, respectable and dignified ways, without necessarily forcing - nor fooling the audience- to believe in seemingly 'ridiculous' situations (E.g. Treating the bored fish to a walk in the park, buying him an aquarium set instead of a baby crib)

If it weren't for the believable performances of Picache and Roco, and the rest of the ensemble, as well as the direction and approach of Alix Jr., Isda would've turned out to be just another dramatic movie turned into a comedy, when the audience laugh at the character instead of sympathizing with him/her. It's obvious that the actors -as if effortlessly- made us believe that this is no laughing matter and that we all should pay attention as to how 'serious' the situation is. (E.g. Rushing the injured fish to the emergency room) Furthermore, Alix Jr., was indeed faithful to its title- fable of the fish- leaving us an important lesson/ message: understanding is the key. Isda is the door. Unlock it by all means.