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Movie Reflection Paper: Final Paper in Readings in Philippine History

Diaz, Ma. Fe M.
Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
1-B
Pampanga State Agricultural University
February 2022
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Introduction
Heneral Luna is a Filipino film directed by Jerrold Tarog and produced by E.A Rocha that was
released in 2015. Critics and audiences alike praised the film's cinematography, writing, acting,
and plot, praising it. The film was chosen as the Philippines' entry for the 88th Academy Awards
in the category of Best Foreign Language Film. The film depicts the life of an irritable Filipino
general who faces an adversary far more formidable than the United States: his own people. A
national hero who is known to have many enemies due to his erratic behavior, which led to his
assassination. Apart from providing context for why he's always flared up, we also get to know
him better as a person, a leader and a son.
Body
After a three hundred and thirty-three years as Spanish colonies, the Philippines has reluctantly
come under American rule. In 1898, the commander of the Revolutionary Army, General
Antonio Luna, was engaged in a war. Some would say that General Luna is probably a
battleship. The truth is that he really hates war. People used to ask why they didn't compromise.
He said that he will never compromise because we all should know that we have equal right to
freedom. According to General Luna no one is above the law, not even the President. He also
told the countrymen that freedom cannot be won by protecting their loved ones. They had to pay
the price - blood and sweat. He had to jump into the ditch. He wanted to fight for independence,
while politicians and members of the elite wondered about the many economic benefits that the
Philippines would have if traded with the US. He doesn't like how he was running things. They
constantly said that he was very cruel, abusive and arrogant. Negotiations with the new cabinet
became more tense but General Luna and his men even as soldiers were only loyal to the
president and many others opposed his military decisions. Therefore, General Luna has
emphasized an important point, that we actually have an enemy more than the Americans -
ourselves.
Unlike most hero films, this one succeeds in telling a compelling story about the brilliant and
fiery general. General Antonio Luna is portrayed as a real human being in this film, with both
virtues and flaws. It encourages a particular type of reflection that we need to rethink our own
patriotism and sense of nationalism. This film allows us to learn not only about Luna's life, but
also about the historical context of his struggle and heroism. The cinematography in the film will
keep your attention throughout, from camera angles to vibrant colors, ambiance, and seamless
transitions from past to present. It also depicts the brutality of warfare and gruesome scenes that
will both shock and hurt you.
Conclusion
The film wants us to see how General Luna led the Filipino soldiers against the Americans, how
our leaders at the time couldn't take a stand and were indecisive, and how we lacked unity, which
led to the deaths of many of our countrymen and the fall of the Philippines at the hands of the
Americans. At that time when General Luna was killed, you can see how the Filipinos lacked
knowledge. They didn't consider what would happen if General Luna died. Will they be able to
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defeat the Americans? They’re unconcerned about what might happen later. Maybe if they hadn't
killed General Luna, we could have gotten the freedom that we desired.
As young people, we must put our own self-interests aside and exercise control over our desires.
We must begin to practice good deeds in our own unique ways, and patriotism will emerge as a
result. We must discipline ourselves because we are our country's hope.
My insights to this subject (Reading in Philippine’s History) is Through the lens of selected
primary sources, this course critically examines Philippine history from multiple perspectives.
The ultimate goal is for us students to develop historical and critical consciousness so that we
can grow into versatile, broad-minded, morally upright, and responsible citizens.