Suffice it to say that the movie exceeded my expectations; but that won't do it justice, so kindly allow me to expound. First of all, a foreword: 'Fable of the Fish' is unpredictable.
"Isda" is a compelling story of a woman who gave birth to a fish. It stars Cherry Pie Picache as Lina, and Bembol Roco as Miguel, a couple that could barely muster a living but is yearning to have a child. Alas, their offspring turns out to be some sort of a milkfish.
Equipped with an engaging plot, commiserable characters, and above average production values, Adolfo Alix, Jr.'s "Isda" is a big catch. The unique storyline is enough to pique your curiosity, but wait 'til you see the movie.
"Isda" is a drama through and through, but it manages to be humorous without even trying. One can't help but stifle their laughter as the story verges on the ridiculous.
The movie's strength lies in its plot, which is pretty simple yet pretty odd. Imagine someone in your neighborhood giving birth to a fish; how would you react? Do you think the parents could easily accept that twist of fate? What repercussions will it leave to a society that never fails to raise questions? Does God create mistakes?
As silly as it seems, Alix confronts these absurdities with sincerity and conviction. He approaches the subject with modesty as the movie earnestly narrates the plight of a married couple that have fervently hoped for a child, but whose prayers were answered in a way they never expected.
Much like David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," this film has a prevailing tone of seriousness that could bend beliefs and erase doubts. It would make you embrace the bizarre as something usual.
The kind of treatment given to this urban legend makes the surreal become real. Top-notch acting made it all the more believable. Cherry Pie Picache is every inch an actress in this film. She received solid support from the rest of the cast who also managed to keep a straight face despite the screenplay's ludicrous origins.
