by Renzo Acosta
Jerrold Tarog’s Heneral Luna is probably the director’s most ambitious film to date. Tarog, known for Sana Dati and his Shake, Rattle & Roll omnibus features, takes on the story of one of the most controversial figures in Philippine history, Antonio Luna.
Heneral Luna is a historical epic that gives a new perspective not only on the life of Antonio Luna, but also on how the Philippine government, as well as the Filipinos, behaved during the arrival of the Americans. In the beginning of the film, a disclaimer says that the biopic is inspired by both the real and the imaginary, but nonetheless, history is portrayed in a way that the Filipino audience will appreciate.
Heneral Luna is a historical epic that gives a new perspective not only on the life of Antonio Luna, but also on how the Philippine government, as well as the Filipinos, behaved during the arrival of the Americans. In the beginning of the film, a disclaimer says that the biopic is inspired by both the real and the imaginary, but nonetheless, history is portrayed in a way that the Filipino audience will appreciate.
The film covers the Philippine-American war, with the arrival of the Americans causing suspicions among the members of the Philippine Cabinet as to what could be their hidden intentions. Captain General Antonio Luna, played by John Arcilla, advises President Emilio Aguinaldo (played by Mon Confiado) to enhance the country’s military so as to be prepared once a battle with the American forces ensues.
However, members of the Cabinet composed of elite businessmen with self-inflicted interests opposed the proposition. Shortly after, the Americans attacked and Luna is left with inadequately armed forces. All throughout the film, the undesirable character of Luna proved to be too much for the others to take, causing conflicts that eventually lead to a powerful, tension-filled climax.
Tarog enlists Pong Ignacio who is also the cinematographer of Bang Bang Alley, Rakenrol and Shake Rattle and Roll 13, in capturing the breath-taking landscapes featured in the film, filled with sharp visuals and warm tones. Tarog and Ignacio presented Philippine history in a very artful way, showcasing poignant allusions to Philippine art, and building the right amount of tension and drama when needed.
John Arcilla as Antonio Luna is outstanding, portraying Luna’s flawed heroism in a very complex and authentic way. Luna is the epitome of an anti-hero. He was the disciplinarian that the undisciplined Filipinos needed. Portrayed as crass and hot-tempered, he also showed kind-heartedness and nationalism. “Luna the lunatic,” he was called, but more than his flaws, his patriotism is what made him a hero. In a government full of people protecting their own interests, Luna served as the model of patriotism. He may be difficult to deal with, but he was the only one who realized that a radical change is needed to establish peace and order within the archipelago.
Aside from a lesson in history, the film also serves as a reflection of both the past and the present state of Philippine society -- the disparity between the rich and the poor, with the former being the decision-makers and the latter being the ones who suffer the most from such decisions; the problem of unity, or the fact that the Filipinos’ biggest enemy when it comes to progress is themselves; and the immature and egotistic nature of men, as opposed to women being the mediators.
Another noteworthy factor about the film is its natural showcase of the comic side of the Filipinos. It’s not just another serious, bland historical epic; it’s one with a heart, flavor, and lessons about the Filipino identity.
"Heneral Luna" is now showing in theaters nationwide. The Millennial Post
However, members of the Cabinet composed of elite businessmen with self-inflicted interests opposed the proposition. Shortly after, the Americans attacked and Luna is left with inadequately armed forces. All throughout the film, the undesirable character of Luna proved to be too much for the others to take, causing conflicts that eventually lead to a powerful, tension-filled climax.
Tarog enlists Pong Ignacio who is also the cinematographer of Bang Bang Alley, Rakenrol and Shake Rattle and Roll 13, in capturing the breath-taking landscapes featured in the film, filled with sharp visuals and warm tones. Tarog and Ignacio presented Philippine history in a very artful way, showcasing poignant allusions to Philippine art, and building the right amount of tension and drama when needed.
John Arcilla as Antonio Luna is outstanding, portraying Luna’s flawed heroism in a very complex and authentic way. Luna is the epitome of an anti-hero. He was the disciplinarian that the undisciplined Filipinos needed. Portrayed as crass and hot-tempered, he also showed kind-heartedness and nationalism. “Luna the lunatic,” he was called, but more than his flaws, his patriotism is what made him a hero. In a government full of people protecting their own interests, Luna served as the model of patriotism. He may be difficult to deal with, but he was the only one who realized that a radical change is needed to establish peace and order within the archipelago.
Aside from a lesson in history, the film also serves as a reflection of both the past and the present state of Philippine society -- the disparity between the rich and the poor, with the former being the decision-makers and the latter being the ones who suffer the most from such decisions; the problem of unity, or the fact that the Filipinos’ biggest enemy when it comes to progress is themselves; and the immature and egotistic nature of men, as opposed to women being the mediators.
Another noteworthy factor about the film is its natural showcase of the comic side of the Filipinos. It’s not just another serious, bland historical epic; it’s one with a heart, flavor, and lessons about the Filipino identity.
"Heneral Luna" is now showing in theaters nationwide. The Millennial Post