Movie No. 50 (2015): HENERAL LUNA
Heneral Luna (2015)
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Cast: John Arcilla, Arron Villaflor, Archie Alemania, Joem Bascon, Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Leo Martinez, Noni Buencamino, Mylene Dizon, Paulo Avelino
The centerpiece of the movie is, of course, General Antonio Luna. While there maybe hints that the movie is almost imposing the idea of nationalism, I don't see it that way. I'm more interested in the Antonio Luna character who is passionate enough to be imposing that to the point of him being repulsive and obnoxious. He's portrayed as a human being, with all his genius, faults and misgivings.
Director: Jerrold Tarog
Cast: John Arcilla, Arron Villaflor, Archie Alemania, Joem Bascon, Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Leo Martinez, Noni Buencamino, Mylene Dizon, Paulo Avelino
I'm grateful about the people who are brave and passionate enough to make this movie. In the part of the world where most movie-viewing people are content with seeing only escapist cinema (e.g., slapstick and romance comedies, mistress-themed formula movies), Heneral Luna is a much-welcome outing, a breath of fresh air. The story may not be "fresh" since it's supposedly fleshed out from events that actually happened during the Philippine-American War. Since the documents recording this phase of Philippine history are, in opinion, still unable to complete the jigsaw, and some controversial questions still left unanswered, the movie takes the liberty of artfully creating snippets in the narrative that may provoke audience into suggesting links between events.
The centerpiece of the movie is, of course, General Antonio Luna. While there maybe hints that the movie is almost imposing the idea of nationalism, I don't see it that way. I'm more interested in the Antonio Luna character who is passionate enough to be imposing that to the point of him being repulsive and obnoxious. He's portrayed as a human being, with all his genius, faults and misgivings.
The script, editing, and meticulous direction make the story flow with ease. The cinematography is something to behold. Major performances (including those of the supporting actors who play pertinent personalities in this phase pf history) are competent. And the movie as a whole is genius. In my opinion, this movie will be a much-welcome addition to the short list of real masterpieces of Philippine cinema.
I'm happy that people flocked and endured the long queues at cinema lobbies to see this masterpiece. I'm happy to see satisfied audience who couldn't contain their appreciation of the movie. Some of them even claimed to have seen the movie twice or thrice already.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: September 25, 2015
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