The movie Gomburza tells the sad story of three Filipino priests: Mariano Gomez,
José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. They were executed in 1872, which became an
important event in Philippine history. The three priests fought for equal rights for Filipino
priests against Spanish friars. They were accused following the Cavite Mutiny and
sentenced to death. José Rizal along other Filipinos was motivated to struggle for
freedom by their deaths. This review will focus on how accurate the movie is and
compare it to real historical documents. This review will focus on how accurate the
movie is and compare it to real historical documents.
One significant scene in Gomburza depicts the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. Filipino troops
and laborers protested against harsh working conditions and the loss of their privileges.
They were dissatisfied with the forced work and higher taxes. The Spanish government
used this as a chance to accuse Gómez, Burgos, and Zamora of leading a rebellion,
and they were jailed without clear evidence. This section of the film is based on actual
historical accounts. Governor-General Rafael Izquierdo regarded the mutiny as a
serious revolt, while historian Trinidad Pardo de Tavera claimed that Spain exaggerated
the event to remove Filipino monks from authority. The film accurately depicts how the
Spanish authorities wrongly accused the priests, using them as scapegoats to keep
control of the colony. While the film uses drama for emotional impact, it remains
historically accurate in depicting the priests' severe treatment. This image depicts how
Spanish rulers utilized the insurrection to suppress Filipino leaders, crush reforms, and
solidify control. It also underlines how the arrest of the priests was a watershed
moment, sparking Filipino resistance and nationalism over time.
In another important episode, the three priests are on trial. Despite the lack of strong
evidence, the Spanish court finds them guilty of helping the uprising. Witnesses give
false statements, and courts dismiss the priests' defense. The court quickly decides
their fate, declaring the trial unjust and biased. Historical records reveal that the trial
was profoundly flawed. Records from Spain show that the evidence against the priests
was weak and untrustworthy. According to historian John Schumacher, the tribunal was
more concerned with removing Filipino monks who questioned Spanish power than with
justice. Some historians say the trial was staged by the Spanish government to set a
precedent and discourage future opposition. The film accurately portrays the trial's
injustice by showing how the priests were denied a fair chance to defend themselves.
While some elements of the speech are dramatized for dramatic effect, the overall
depiction is historically accurate. This episode highlights the power gap between
Spanish authorities and the Filipino church, hinting that the execution was intended to
instill fear rather than serve justice.
The most moving incident in Gomburza is the execution on February 17, 1872, at
Bagumbayan (today Luneta Park). The film depicts the three priests walking to their
deaths while a big throng observes. Burgos is visibly distraught, shedding tears, whilst
Gómez and Zamora stay calm and composed, accepting their fate with respect. The
Spanish troops prepare the garrote, the method of execution, and execute the priests
one by one. This scene is based on historical records. According to historian Gregorio
Zaide, Burgos cried before being executed, whereas Gómez and Zamora remained
steadfast. The Spanish rulers intended to instill dread in Filipinos, so they publicized the
death as a warning. The film stays true to historical facts while using emotional
language and concepts to heighten the drama. Despite some artistic liberties, the scene
effectively portrays the gravity of the situation. It shows how the killing of the three
priests became a symbol of Spanish persecution, inspiring Filipinos to seek
independence. This scene in the film vividly depicts Gómez, Burgos, and Zamora's
sacrifice and its long-term impact on Philippine history. Despite potential artistic liberties,
the scene effectively conveys the gravity of the situation. It depicts how the execution of
the three priests became a symbol of Spanish persecution, driving Filipinos to seek
independence. This scene in the film eloquently illustrates Gómez, Burgos, and
Zamora's sacrifice and the long-term consequences for Philippine history.
Overall, Gomburza presents the genuine narrative of the three priests in a
straightforward and meaningful manner. Despite certain dramatized instances, the film
is true to life. The assassinations of Gómez, Burgos, and Zamora were watershed
occurrences that motivated Filipinos to struggle for their freedom. Their executions
demonstrated the brutality of Spanish rule, motivating future revolutionaries like José
Rizal, who dedicated his essay El Filibusterismo to them. The film stresses their bravery
and the injustices they encountered, making their story more relevant to contemporary
audiences. Watching this film helped me understand their sacrifices and the significance
of their martyrs in Philippine history. It also piqued my curiosity in other historical events
affecting the country. The film serves as a reminder of Filipinos' suffering under Spanish
control while also encouraging viewers to remember the sacrifices of national heroes
who battled for justice and liberty.
