Fable of the Fish

Fable of the Fish is a compelling 2011 film, directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. and featuring talented actors like Cherry Pie Picache, Bembol Roco, and Anita Linda. This film stands as a remarkable example of Filipino cinema, with its powerful storytelling, extraordinary performances, and socio-political undertones breaking through the molds of traditional storytelling and pushing the boundaries of traditional cinematography.

The film unfolds in a small shanty town in the Philippines where a middle-aged couple – Lina (Cherry Pie Picache) and Miguel (Bembol Roco) – lives. Their life involves moving from one squatter area to another due to operations of eviction by the government. The movie adaptation revolves around this couple who, devoid of any child of their own, are trying to endure the hardships of daily life in the slums. They're hoping that someday their prayers will be answered, their days will turn brighter, and their lives will improve.

Lina, who always yearned to be a mother, surprisingly gets pregnant, against all odds defined by her age and health. This unexpected yet delightful turn of events lends a new hope to the protagonists, pushing them to harbor dreams of a prosperous future. For Lina, the protracted wait for motherhood and the upcoming child symbolizes optimism and a chance for a new beginning.

However, the joy doesn't last long once Lina begins to sense something peculiar about her pregnancy. The movie takes an unexpected turn towards surreal when Lina's pregnancy evolves in an extraordinary fashion; she gives birth to a fish. This unbelievable event flips their lives upside down. While Lina, and surprisingly the community, grows affectionate towards the fish, Miguel is in utter disbelief and denial.

The birth of fish sparks various reactions throughout their shanty town. Some see it as a miracle, believing it to be their savior from poverty, and begin to venerate the fish. Meanwhile, others see it as an oddity to be exploited, resulting in conflicts that expose the human propensity for greed, belief, and survival. As we delve deeper into the story, we gradually witness the societal, economic, and practical aspects of how people wrestle with this extraordinary event. Meanwhile, Miguel, rooted to harsh realities, grows increasingly uncomfortable with the situation.

Fable of the Fish paints a vivid picture of human nature and society utilizing surreal elements. The movie plays out as a social commentary about the condition of the poorest inhabitants of the Philippines and their struggles in life. The narrative of the movie also critically reflects the socio-economic disparities and failed urban development policies.

In their roles, Cherry Pie Picache and Bembol Roco deliver moving performances that give a soul to the narrative. Picache accurately brings to life the anguishes, joys, and dilemmas of Lina with her instinctive acting skills. Roco, on the other hand, excellently portrays the stoic, hapless, yet caring character of Miguel, who struggles to grasp the unnatural condition of his wife and the bizarre reality imposed on them.

Anita Linda also appears in the film, contributing her years of acting experience to enhance the storytelling. Other members of the cast blend so seamlessly into the slum setting that the place itself becomes a powerful character in the movie. Alix's direction and the cinematography work in harmony to represent the raw, desolate, and grim life in the slums.

Fable of the Fish is not just a tale about a woman who gave birth to a fish, but an allegory on how survival can turn into the surreal when people are pushed to their limits. It delves into what society perceives as a miracle amidst their desperate circumstances and constitutes a stark commentary on the social and economic inequalities in society.

The film’s indelible charm comes from its unique embroidery of real-life struggles with magical realism, holding a mirror to society in an unconventional but effective manner. The interplay of realism and fantasy makes Fable of the Fish a standout in the canon of Filipino films. Like a textured tapestry of human emotions, the film offers various interpretations and thus invites audiences to engage on deeper emotional and intellectual levels.