Rafael D.

Catain
BSIT- III
REACTION PAPER
You see, the Philippine-American War has always been viewed as an insurrection by the American
government than a genuine war. If we follow that train of thought then theirs too is an insurrection against
British rule during their own war of independence. They formed their own Continental Congress and
declared themselves free and independent states in July of 1776 (although the war ended in 1783). How
different is the Philippines' Declaration of Independence made in Kawit, Cavite? From the jaws of victory,
independence was cruelly snatched away from the Filipinos who fought so hard for independence from
Spain. And for $20 million, the country was sold by Spain to America. It wasnt an insurrection. It was a
war of independence from two colonial masters and this film pays honor and respect to Antonio Luna, one
of the men who boldly stood against imperialism. Tarogs film has generated a firestorm of interest and
admiration, and it not only puts Luna on the pedestal he deserves but venerates him (and short of vilifies
Emilio Aguinaldo who was indirectly or directly involved in the deaths of two strong-willed military leaders
of that era Luna and Andres Bonifacio). Having said that, Heneral Luna" is a masterpiece and here is
why. First and foremost, it is a historical biopic done the right way. It is as accurate as it can be. There are
embellishes here and there but never to the point where it spins the story into something altogether
different. The casting is spot on, the production design a marvel to behold, and the cinematography, a
pleasure to watch. A wonderful script that flows The script is clever and it flows. Scenes do not drag
especially in the long exchange between Luna and Tomas Mascardo. Heres where Tarog hits it out of the
park the humor in the dialogue, although used sparingly like a well-laid ambush, isnt contrived and is
priceless. Its usage is so totally unexpected like how it was so the Guardians of the Galaxy film that
makes it more memorable or even quotable. And it brings something so Filipino to the film finding
humor in the bleakest of situations. For example, the train station scene was absolutely hilarious! But it
never gets out of hand, never trivializes the incident or the story and it quickly veers back on course. They
were in the middle of a war after all. And John Arcilla, in the titular role of Antonio Luna, delivers his lines
with aplomb and never in that overacting manner that seems to come with Filipino films. The manner of
how Luna dissects the problems of the nascent republic resonate and touch a chord because they hold
true even to this day. Remember that famous quote by Spanish philosopher George Santayana Those
who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. A lot of the problems that plagued those
early patriots still face us today. Whether it is a message or a sermon, it doesnt come across as
preaching. In fact, it is an incredible comparison that should leave you thinking that we have learned
nothing. Now we all know what befell Luna. And throughout, there are subtle reminders. However, the
impending doom as imparted by his mother, Laureana (and not his brother, Joaquin, in real life) makes it
even more tragic. What parent wants to bury their child? And it was made all the more poignant as Lunas
family life is briefly told in a beautifully executed flashback. Remember the scene where Luna asks for a
volunteer and a certain Garcia stands up and makes his way close to the American lines where he takes
some shots just to send a message that they arent as safe as theyd like to think? Well, that Lieutenant
Garcia in real life commanded Lunas Black Guard and like the deadshot that he was so is the cast of
Heneral Luna. Its a large cast and most everyone is given proper time to flesh out their personalities.
Based on all the historical reports about Luna, John Arcilla captures the fiery officers personality
perfectly. When he shifts from that gruff exterior to a gentler person when around the ladies, he does it so
well. As a child who keenly devoured anything and everything related to our Revolutionary War of
Independence, I have strong feelings against Aguinaldo. Yet I like how Tarog doesnt exactly make out
Mon Confiados Aguinaldo to be the power hungry leader many believe him to be following the deaths of
Bonifacio and Luna at the hands of his men. He leaves that to the audience to decide. I thought that Epi
Quizon was magnificent as Apolinario Mabini. Like Confiados Aguinaldo, he is pensive but he is quick to
make his thoughts known. In spite of Mabini being rendered immobile due to the ravages of polio, Quizon
brought a regal bearing and sage-like aura to the Prime Minister. Although not much is known about
Lunas two aides, Colonel Paco Roman and Captain Eduardo Rusca, I love how Tarog depicted them like

the ying and yang of Lunas personality. Joem Bascons Roman was the more serious and pensive one
while Archie Alemanias Rusca brought a light-heartedness to an otherwise grim situation. Sort of reminds
me of Ron Livingstons portrayal of the fun-loving alcoholic Captain Lewis Nixon in "Band of Brothers" as
an opposite to Damian Lewis serious Captain Richard Winters. Mylene Dizon, who brought in a fictional
love interest for Luna, showed that Isabel was strong in her few minutes of screen time. I love how Tarog
borrows from scenes from Saving Private Ryan where Luna is momentarily shellshocked before he
regains his wits and wades right back into battle. Theres that Braveheart scene where Luna sits atop
the mountain lost in his thoughts with Celtic-like music playing. When I saw the part where the bodies of
Luna and Roman are dragged in the Churchyard, I thought it was a great geek moment, Hey, thats a
neat way of paying homage to Juan Lunas 'Spoliarium. figure it also signifies the assassination as a
dark time in our nations history. And Luna was proven correct all throughout his short life from the
duplicity of the Americans, to the need to conduct guerrilla warfare and to build that fortress up in the
north. arog gave more screen time to the death of Jose Torres Bugallon who dies in that battle in the
trench. Bugallon led a charge on the American lines and though fatally shot, continued to advance. Luna
rescued Bugallon and before he passed away, promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I wish that
they had placed a date to the assassination that would have showed that there was indeed a conspiracy
to murder the general. For on the very day of the assassination, Felipe Buencamino, the Secretary of
Development in Aguinaldos cabinet and a Luna foe, says that the President had left Cabanatuan for
Tarlac. Yet around the same time Luna is murdered, Aguinaldo shows up at Angeles to disarm General
Venacio Concepcion and his troops who were loyal to the former. Lunas other aides, the Bernal brothers
are also brutally murdered. The scene between Aguinaldo and his mother and the subsequent slaying
where Trinidad, the Presidents mother, asks from the window if Luna is still moving has me thinking, Oh,
theres a Cersei Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon!" They say that history is written by the victors. But if my
recollection is correct, those Philippine history books werent exactly written by Americans. The murder of
Bonifacio and then Luna leaves everyone hanging as if it refuses to bring down a so-called venerated
hero of the revolution. I felt that these historians did someone a great disservice. Thanks to Jerrold Tarog,
Heneral Antonio Luna is given his due.