I walked out the theater proud that a Filipino team can produce a movie like this, yet at the same time, I walked out ashamed as I was made more aware of what is wrong in modern Filipino society.
Immediately, I felt the passion of General Luna - the rage, disgust, and temper - as he rallies the nation to stand against the Americans.
The character was well-played by John Arcilla, who, together with a strong supporting cast, was able to deliver a script that reflects the stresses of Luna with gravity, but with an injection of comic relief to ease the seriousness.
The film itself was able to paint a reflection of modern society in the colors of the Filipino-American War. The movie tag-line "Bayan o Sarili" (nation or self) was evident in scenes depicting colonial mentality, favoritism, and abuse of chain of command.
The movie also paints a human side of Luna - one of that of being a comrade, a son, of a talented man, and an eccentric one. It tries to connect you to the human side of a leader struggling to win a war.
Ultimately, the portrayal of this tragedy has spurred so many emotions and so many questions. It brought me to an incredible low likened to the death of hope, and filled with a rage as to why this nation is the way it is. Perhaps this emotional effect is very much amplified by the excellence of the production.
As opposed to mainstream cinema, this movie has many long continuous shots and creative takes. Computer graphics were also used meaningfully. The music (which was also composed by the director, Jerrold Tarog) ties together the movie very well. Costume and make- up was accomplished with a high degree of detail.
The Philippines needs more movies like these, and perhaps more people to watch and learn from these. This type of film is one that tries to enlighten and change the viewer for the betterment of a nation.
A classic.
Immediately, I felt the passion of General Luna - the rage, disgust, and temper - as he rallies the nation to stand against the Americans.
The character was well-played by John Arcilla, who, together with a strong supporting cast, was able to deliver a script that reflects the stresses of Luna with gravity, but with an injection of comic relief to ease the seriousness.
The film itself was able to paint a reflection of modern society in the colors of the Filipino-American War. The movie tag-line "Bayan o Sarili" (nation or self) was evident in scenes depicting colonial mentality, favoritism, and abuse of chain of command.
The movie also paints a human side of Luna - one of that of being a comrade, a son, of a talented man, and an eccentric one. It tries to connect you to the human side of a leader struggling to win a war.
Ultimately, the portrayal of this tragedy has spurred so many emotions and so many questions. It brought me to an incredible low likened to the death of hope, and filled with a rage as to why this nation is the way it is. Perhaps this emotional effect is very much amplified by the excellence of the production.
As opposed to mainstream cinema, this movie has many long continuous shots and creative takes. Computer graphics were also used meaningfully. The music (which was also composed by the director, Jerrold Tarog) ties together the movie very well. Costume and make- up was accomplished with a high degree of detail.
The Philippines needs more movies like these, and perhaps more people to watch and learn from these. This type of film is one that tries to enlighten and change the viewer for the betterment of a nation.
A classic.