Goyo: Ang batang heneral

I can forgive Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral's filmmaking shortcomings, such as its use of distracting CGI that produces manufactured landscapes that takes you out of what should be an immersive epic. I can even forgive its way too long runtime & narrative woes, accentuated by opening acts & romance arcs that absolutely drags with no significant advance in storytelling. What I cannot move past, is the Filipino-style method acting where characters are more interested in the way they look and the way they project, throwing away chances of genuine, authentic personas that demands emotional responses. This soap opera level of acting is one that Paulo Avelino exudes, distinguished by MUMBLED deliveries, MUTED to a fault responses, and STIFF & HOLLOW demeanor despite the weight of circumstance. Arron Villaflor, Empress Schuck & Gwen Zamora continues the annoyance, conveying either PAINED OR BLANKED EXPRESSION IN EACH & EVERY ONE of their scenes. These facepalm performances are so glaring and stretched out, that the noteworthy portrayals from Mon Confiado & Epy Quizon among others, can become unnoticeable. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!

When will Philippine cinema ever transcend this Hallmark-y style of dramatization I wonder? I had high hopes after 2015's Heneral Luna, but it does seem that John Arcilla's genuine performance is somewhat of an uncommon occurrence. With its sluggish screenplay, unpolished visuals and horrendous performances, Goyo defines what a 21st century tragedy is, in every sense of the word.

Goyo: Batang Heneral is a way different tone from Heneral Luna. It is understandable because both heroes has different life story. Goyo is part war drama and part tragic romantic movie. It blends so well in this film. The film is never boring and everything in the film is worth a research after leaving the cinema. The acting is brilliant that all of the cast did their parts believable. The cinematography is majestic that it feels like I am from different time while watching this film. The musical score adds layer to every scenes made this film atmospheric.

Overall, Goyo: Batang Heneral is an instant classic! It belongs to our library of One of the Greatest Filipino Movies Ever Made. For years to come, this film lives and will be studied by every students who wants to know the life of Gregorio del Pillar. I'm proud watching this epic movie.

Reading Gregorio del Pilar's life in my history books has always painted this image of a brave young hero who selflessly died for our country - leading his short life of 24 with nobility and grace. Almost a perfect young man that deserves all the praises. However, the movie, Goyo; Ang Batang Heneral, painted a different picture of the young hero.

In this narration, Goyo is painted far from his image of being a celebrated hero. He has been stripped of all the praises afforded him throughout Philippine history. Instead, Goyo is depicted as the flawed gullible young man. He blindly follows the instructions of his president, Emilio Aguinaldo, which then leads to the question of whether he really had the burning passion of fighting for our country. Perhaps he was just a young man forced to be a part of a war he knew nothing about? The movie even begs the question whether Goyo's failures and eventual demise were due to his ego that people around him have meticulously reared.

This movie ultimately made me question my assumptions. It urged me to think and be critical. Not to mention, the movie likewise treats its viewers with aesthetic brilliance - from the topnotch cinematography, production design, and a moving music score. For that, I would have to say that the movie has catapulted to the ranks of great classics and a must watch for everyone. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is definitely a different kind of treat that prompts the viewers to be critical while pleasing them with creative prowess.

Cinematography was wonderfully made and actors played the role brilliantly. However, in my opinion, this movie version of G. Del Pilar's life was unnecessary. It's as if the movie was made just to add a sequel to its predecessor, Heneral Luna. Plot was already known to every one yet the movie was a bit dragging to the point that too unnecessary emphasis on Goyong's love story was made (it was kind of annoying, to be honest). It could also have been better if air time spent on the aforementioned was focused more on the Filipino's efforts to fight the Americans.

On the bright side, credits should be given as the movie successfully showed his vulnerability as a young general. His struggles on how to maintain sanity with a large amount of responsibility given to him was also tackled (e.g. him being constantly reminded as the "agila" by his older brother). Another good part in the movie was the part where the Filipinos started their journey in Tirad Pass. Hunger and lack of unity among them was shown. This, for me, subtly implied that one of the reasons why we were conquered by Americans before was the lack of solidarity amongst us - a single goal but different means and desires. Furthermore, it was illustrated that selfishness and greed are also major contributors to Philippines failing to protect its freedom from Americans. It's sad to see that up until now; it's these traits that we Filipinos have are what remain in our hearts.

All in all, movie was good but below expectation. It could have been done better.

Goyo, Ang Batang Heneral is not just a period film re-telling our History, neither a simple account of what transpired in the battle of Tirad Pass against the Americans, and not just an artistic expression of the director and the writers; "Goyo" is a film that defines and connects our past to our present plight as a People and as a Nation and the dialectics of our history--We are because of what we were and we will be for what we are now.

The film gives the audience a sharp and deeper insight about us Filipinos-past and present. In one of the dialogues of Apolinario Mabini in the film that really struck me and it was mentioned 3 times, if I remember it right. I may not be able to recall the exact lines but let me paraphrase it; "The Americans have always regarded the Filipinos to be like children, and there may be some truth to that". What is the subtext of the line then? Our leaders are like children-immature and selfish, prioritizing their own Political Agenda, always wanted to ensure hold of power and personal convenience. And these things affected our struggle against colonial rulers and our quest for freedom. Sadly, these children-like traits are still prevalent in our present leadership as the struggle of every Filipino shifts not from Colonial rule but against poverty, inequality, corruption and abuse of power with emphasis on the treachery and betrayal of some of our fellow Filipinos serving their personal interests.

"Goyo" is a well-written screenplay, the main plot as told by Apolinario Mabini (played by Eppie Quizon) describes the internal machinations among the Filipino Generals and Aguinaldo during the Philippine-American War. While sub-plots depicting the perspectives and experiences of Joven Hernando (played by Arron Villaflor) who typifies a Filipino caught in between crossfires; and Goyo-Del Pilar (played by Paulo Avelino) despite being a General who is notable for his courage, in the battles he won and a mercenary henchman against Filipinos opposing Aguinaldo, was depicted to be more human having a conscience that chases him in his nightmares and dreams.

The approach to reality shifts from realism to surreal, while dialogues use contemporary language with a blend of lyrical phrasing that made the interaction between characters easy to understand and relate with.

Cinematography is commendable without any effort to make the scene superfluously dramatic that includes the camera shots, angles and movement. Color and texture of the film brings you to the era of 1890's without much of sepia or black and white schemes.

Just like in any period film, Production design has always been challenging, like Katipunero's or Soldiers uniform to be very neat like a newly tailored fit; a location where houses and other structures are obviously fabricated and constructed.

I laud "Goyo" Production Designer for an excellent job, gone are the uniforms of the Soldiers who look like freshly ironed even after a battle and no more hand props that look unreal. There may still be issues with the details like texture and finish windows, wall or roofing; structures that are still obviously fabricated, which maybe improved on the next period films. Remarkably, the production design has given the audience the experience of 1890's era.

The music score is also notable as it served its purpose of complimenting the development of the Film. It was designed to accentuate key sequences, and share with the audience the same level of emotion as the characters in the film have.

Bravo! Paulo Avelino, Alvin Anson, Mon Confiado, Arthur Acuna, Jeffrey Quizon, Carlo Aquino and Gwen Zamora for an outstanding performance.

Kudos to Director Jerrold Tarog, Screenwriter Rody Vera, Producers of Artikulo Uno, Cast and Crew!!