From the 1990s: Two Movies with Religious Themes

Philippine film company Cine Suerte Inc. was known for producing religious-themed movies during the Lenten Season. In observance of Holy Week, we will be sharing posters of two of Cine Suerte's religious-themed movies during the 1990s: Divine Mercy sa Buhay ni Sister Faustina (Divine Mercy in the Life of Sister Faustina) and Kristo (Christ). Ben "M-7" Yalung directed both movies, which were also produced in cooperation with the Oasis of Love Community.

Divine Mercy sa Buhay ni Sister Faustina opened in theaters on March 24, 1993. It chronicles the life of Saint Mary Faustina Kowalska of Poland, to whom the Divine Mercy devotion is attributed. Interestingly, Filipino-American actress Donita Rose was cast in the role of the Polish saint.

According to the Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices, the Divine Mercy is a Roman Catholic devotion to the "merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one's own heart towards those in need of it." In the Philippines, the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is a major church dedicated to this devotion. It is located in the town of Marilao in Bulacan province.

Kristo, which stars Matt Ranillo III in the title role received general release on March 27, 1996. It details the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Big names in Philippine entertainment industry lent support to the ensemble cast.

Prior to this movie's release, Mat Ranillo III had portrayed Jesus Christ in theater. In Kristo, Charmaine Rivera essayed the role of the Virgin Mary. Other members of the movie's cast include Gabby Concepcion as John the Baptist, Ricky Davao as Barabbas, Aga Muhlach as the Demon-Possessed Man, Amy Austria as Mary Magdalene, Christopher de Leon as Dismas, Gardo Versoza as Gesmas, Lorna Tolentino as Veronica, and Rudy Fernandez as Simon of Cyrene.