Movie Notes: Heneral Luna and the Philippine National Identity (2015)

Heneral Luna can be considered a seminal cinematic piece with its thought-provoking and emotional stirring screenplay and cinematography. This was clear with the resounding applause of people in the cinema when we watched it last night at Glorietta.

Of all the biopic of local heroes I've seen so far this has by far is a stark improvement with the way we tell the stories of our heroes - one that is humanized with their faults and frailties.

This may be the charm of this film apart from well written verses in Filipino in the script that reminds us how poetic and romantic our language is.

I'm not a historian to confirm how much creative license Jerrold Tarog has given with his interpretation of Luna's life but more than an accurate historical account of Luna's life, this movie is a more of a reflective film about our national identity then and until now. It shows a reflection of what is Filipino Nationalism and Patriotism - an enigma.

COMPLEX LUNA

Tarog painted a complex character in Luna, both endearing and obnoxious. It kept the movie relevant with the audience because people can identify with them. The portrayal of John Arcilla on Luna's various personality was amazing and very convincing. He seamlessly portrayed Luna from being a ferocious general, dotting son and stern patriot.

The movie portrayed the paradoxical nature of Luna as a patriotic general who would be willing to give his life to preserve the Republic by enforcing the rule of law and on the other hand his plain tyrannous approach to leadership especially when his temper flares up.

I find it very confusing at first the hilarity of some scenes, especially the witty and cool banter despite the bloodshed during the battle encounters in the trenches. It may be a statement of the humor of war or a reflection of our culture as well.

Heneral Luna is far from what we have learned in school at least in my generation. To be honest he was not given much attention back then, the focus has always been with Rizal, Bonifacio and Aguinaldo. He was overshadowed as being the brother of Juan Luna, the general during the first republic and Philippine-American war and he has faced a tragic death.

He represented, like most of our heroes who have faced a tragic death in the fight for freedom, the pure idealism of nationalism, which we could hardly understand now.  

RECEPTION

These kinds of movies deserves to be rewarded with box office turn-outs to encourage producers to produce more. We have so many heroes and prominent historical figures that have led interesting lives and I believe that the future generation should be given a chance to get to know them not only in textbooks but in the cinema as well.

It has been announced that Heneral Luna will be the official entry of the Philippines to the upcoming 2016 Oscars. Let's cross our fingers that despite the subtle commentary on American Colonialism that it will give us our first Oscar.

RATING

This is a must watch movie as it provides a renewed perspective of historical events in our past which could help understand ourselves as a nation better.

I give this film a rating of 4 out of 4 and stamping it an AMAZING movie.




For movie information visit Heneral Luna page on Cinemunch

Photo: Heneral Luna Movie, Heneral Luna, Antonio Luna