3rd Thought: Bayan O Sarili? Heneral Luna Review

*Writer's note/s
Edited: October 18, 2015, Original publish date: October 8, 2015
Title: "Bayan O Sarili?" means "The nation or yourself?"


History is never my forte. Since elementary, I get low scores on history because I easily fall asleep when studying history. Memorizing dates and events is also a difficult task for me. Back in high school, I got streaks of line of eight in my Social Studies because I really couldn't understand World History. After discovering this weakness I have, I decided that I'll teach myself history by watching historical films.


Warning: May contain spoilers.
 

Films come in different genres but shockingly, historical films are less likely chosen by the public. This is because people find it less interesting compared to the other genres, or maybe they have watched historical films that seems less satisfying, thus, making an impression that historical films are boring. If you have this kind of thought on historical films, I tell you that your impression of historical films will change now that Heneral Luna arose. 

Heneral Luna by Jerrold Tayog and Artikulo Uno is the first Philippine historical indie film I ever watched. I have watched Jose Rizal by GMA Films, and I liked it. However, aftter watching Heneral Luna, I can say that it is the best historical film I ever watched.

Credis to Kuya Emilio

The portrayal of the characters was magnificent. The dialogue was delivered well, and the humor and the words of wisdom arose significantly. In my opinion, the story itself wasn’t exaggerated nor insufficient. Those gore visual effects were great! They look real and look high-class. I can say that it is also a great achievement. I think the script writers studied Gen. Antonio Luna’s life well to make the story realistic. I found it realistic because the film showed that our heroes aren’t the perfect people that we should make as example. The film showed that our heroes are similar to us normal people who get angry, become boastful, become bossy, slacks off sometimes, and encounter relationship problems with family, friends and comrades too. It showed that Gen. Luna can also lose temper and can be calmed down by his mother just as how it is with us normal people. This original artwork shows some of the scenes I like in the film. It's the reflection of the artist wherein Gen. Luna is all tough, mighty and scary in the battlefield, but he can also be soft and cute in front of his mother. The people seated from left to right are Capt. Jose Bernal, Gen. Alejandrino, Capt. Rusca, and Col. "Paco" Roman. Kuya Emilio shared his reaction to these scenes in the identity of the four men. I also had this reaction, that's why I took this photo

The movie showed us the real meaning of patriotism and nationalism. It told us that the true patriotism and nationalism is not all about dying for the country. It is about the willpower, courage and determination to contribute something to and to do something for the Motherland. However, it also showed us that the people behind the shadows find ways to keep the mouths shut of those people who are loyal to the Motherland. Such thing is around politics. It is a sad thing indeed, but it’s true. Bad things happen to good people. However, don’t be afraid to show your love for your country in the simplest and the biggest things you can do.

Heneral Luna is a splendid historical film. I recommend it to everyone even to foreigners because it portrays nationalism that everyone can apply regardless of nationality. It shows that everyone can commit mistakes. Even heroes commit mistakes! It showed that the heroes of our country we know are once normal people; and it was their ardent love for their country that made them take action for their country. Please continue to support Heneral Luna so that the awaited trilogy with Gregorio del Pilar and Manuel Quezon will arise! Long live Philippines!

Photo credits: Emilio Jose Andres del Pilar / Philippines (Axis Powers Hetalia OC) for the artwork and Heneral Luna Official Facebook page for the real movie photos