This movie was very twisted in many ways, tapping in to our minds to showcase the reality of our decisions in life and showing how our religious beliefs take a role in our daily livelihood and decision making. A lot of representation was presented by the various characters, all tying in to present ethical issues that each one faces.
Everyone or maybe not quite everyone, rather majority, maybe, are always seeking miracles, hoping for a better life, hoping for better health, hoping for more fortune, hoping the best for others, and so forth. The list of requests or prayers can go on and on. Malen although a very stubborn child at first, realizes later her gift to help heal and answer many prayers and requests. Although it was hard to believe, it seemed as God used her as a tool to reach out into the community, as her mother was also very religious in her ways. It was as if she was destined to cure and help people. In reality, there are many people who feel the same way and therefore, share their gift from God to help others heal. In some sense, Malen would represent the role of like an Angel that provides good for those in need. It is just ironic that she is paid for the good that she is doing.
On the other hand, there is a total opposite character of Malen, which is Mike, whom seemed to be doing good, but was a bad person at the same time. Conflicted between the two, it is really hard to kind of say. He prostitutes himself so that he could help his family, especially his son who is sick. Although he is not around him, he still loves him. It is unfortunate that he has to earn money in ways that he does and to even some steal things in order to make life better for him. On his back he as a tattoo of a Serpent which clearly represents evil. When he was making love to Malen, it was as if the serpent was taking over of Malen’s purity, a serpent that was seeking a lot of attention, taking advantage of people, but not realize the consequences that he may face for his actions. He normally did things for the right reasons but from the wrong ways.
Ironically the priest in the movie had an alcoholic problem. It seemed that he was hiding from his problems by not realizing it. What he thought to be very minor was actually chewing him away from his priesthood. Through the character of Mike, he was able to finally realize what his problem is and then decided to continue on as a priest. At the same time he has helped Malen to realize a lot of things, helping her to become a better person, and to help her accept the passing of her mother.
Like the Cardinal in the movie, you will have those people who do not believe in such things as miracle as they only base things on facts. He could not justify the powers of Malen despite many who tried to persuade him that it is a miracle. A lot would probably argue that you simply just need to believe in miracle and to look away from the facts. Or maybe to open up their minds outside of the box. It seems as for those who do not believe, I have great respect for them and that it is a lost for them for not opening up or trying. Miracles are hard to explain, but what other reason could it be if it isn’t a miracle.
People are always seeking for help for whatever reason it may be. They pray hard to God or to those that they believe that they feel could help them. Despite how incredible her powers are, there is some truth to that in our culture. Miracles do happen.
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