The film started with a scene showing Rizal at Belgium writing a letter.

The letter contains his thoughts that the Philippines has a serious illness and
that it is plagued by the Spanish domination over our country. Crisostomo
Ibarra was also introduced in the film, and it is Rizals alter ego. Ibarra had
been forced to have two personalities because of the worsening problem in
our country. He cursed the revolution and even the youth because they are
asking for chains and not freedom with Spain. He said, Mamamatay kayo
bago pa man dumating ang inyong kamatayan.
Rizal had published books such as the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as his weapons against the dominions of Spain in our country.
These novels became an inspiration over the KATIPUNAN or the Sons of
the People. Andres Bonifacio condemns the friars and he said that the Spain
is deaf and blind, they only make people become imbeciles and criminals.
The only way for independence and freedom is through revolution. The
Katipunans tear their cedulas that symbolizes to end all of their ties with
Spain and unity with revolution.
The friars have discovered such revolution; they even interrogated
Paciano (Rizals older brother) just to gain information about the uprising in
the country. The male members of Rizals family left their home at Tondo,
Manila because they were being hunted by Spanish forces. Meanwhile,
Governor General Blanco was subject to the commands of Monsignor
Nosaleda.

On November 1896, Rizal has been brought to Fort Santiago in Manila,

and he was being interrogated by a colonel of Spain. He refuse to admit that
he knows anything about the revolution and the colonel accused him as a
traitor, just like Fr. Burgos. Father Burgos has been sentenced to death
together with other priests such as Father Gomez and Father Zamora
(GOMBURZA). The death of Father Burgos was witnessed by Paciano. Paciano
opened Rizals eyes to the injustices at that time.
Rizal believed that education is important, but what matters most is
how you have learned the things in your life. Rizals first teacher was his
mother and she had inspired him to learn more. Soon, Rizal was sent to
Ateneo Municipal in 1872 and University of Santo Thomas in 1878. Her
mother taught him the story of the moth; and she told him not to be like the
little moth who was fascinated with the fire and it had burned his wings and
fall completely into death. Rizal not only wanted to learn everything, but he
wanted to see everything. He became a physician, and he cured his mothers
eye illness. He became a novelist and wrote about the current status of the
country. He became a good son and good brother in his family.
In the film, Rizals mother was accused of attempting to poison her
sister-in-law and she was imprisoned for almost two years. This is a revenge
of the friars to Rizals family and to protect Jose Rizal, Paciano advised him
not to use Mercado anymore, and only Rizal.
Rizal was exiled and Signor Luis Taviel de Andrade became his Defense
Counsel (the brother of Jose Taviel, Rizals former bodyguard). Luis has

unleashed the stories behind Rizals intent of writing the novels, his life, his
relationships, his education, and his beliefs. Luis believed that as a writer,
what Rizal did is not art, but propaganda. Rizal defended that what the
Filipinos really wanted is recognition that Filipinos are equal with Spaniards
and peaceful reforms through education and civic development.
Rizal went to Europe to study medicine and do whatever is necessary
to help liberate the people, as requested by Paciano.

He left Leonor (his

cousin and his lover) and his family to help his fellow countrymen. Rizal did
well in school of medicine and he was inspired by the uprisings in Spain. He
talked some of his fellow Filipinos in Spain in how shall they help in changing
the system in the Philippines.
Rizals novels stimulated uprisings in our country and some copies of it
were burned by the friars. Innocent people were imprisoned by the
government by illegally possessing the books of Rizal. La Solidaridad was
founded and writings about the system were once again published. Some
misunderstanding happened between the members of the organization and
Rizal went back to the Philippines to face the Spaniards. In Manila, Rizal
founded the La Liga Filipina in July 1892. It aims to fortify the foundations of
man and his family, give importance to education and agriculture for the
development of our country.
Rizal was exiled at Dapitan and there he met Josephine Bracken.
Monsignor Nosaleda is not contended with the exile of Rizal and he wanted
him dead. He asked Governor General Blanco to execute Rizal, but refuse to

do so. A new governor general, Governor General Polavieja was sent by

Spain to grant Monsignor Nosaledas wish.
The revolution sparked despite Rizals disapproval. For him, we are not
yet ready and it is not the right time. Rizal however was charged with being
the leader of the revolution and he was sentenced to death. Rizal was fired
on December 30, 1896 at Bagumbayan, Manila. His family and the Filipino
people mourned for his death. Filipinos joined the uprisings and with Rizals
death, we have achieved independence on June 12, 1896. Rizal died with
honor and dignity for his country and for his fellow countrymen. He had
fought for our freedom till his last breath. He had fought for his principles no
matter how hard it is.

*****The movie Jose Rizal which was excellently played by Cesar

Montano as the lead role was a heartwarming one that shows how Rizal runs
his life.
While watching the movie, I felt mixed emotions given the fact that it
was made to help us, Filipinos, understand what our national hero had done
for the country. It shows how Rizal really love his mother country for him to
sacrificed his own life.
The film also works through a series of flashback showing Rizal as a
genius, a write, a doctor, an artist, a lover, a friend, a brother, a son that
gives texture to his character.
It shows the great explanation of the Philippine history, the nationalism
and heroism in a non-violent manner, though, there were times that the
characters speak in Spanish language and I couldnt understand it unless I
will read the subtitles. I could also say that the other characters werent
having any difficulties in reciting their Spanish lines.
The actors dedication for the film is inevitable especially Cesar
Montano who is very perfect for the role of Rizal. His values and great
performance as the lead actor is impeccable and has a great impact on me
as the audience of the said film.

Also, the supporting casts like Jhong Hilario who played as Rizals
servant, Jaime Fabregas as Rizals attorney did a great job on portraying their
role fluently. They made it easy for me to understand the flow of the story.
However, there are also negative comments that I must say about the
movie. The plot was full of twists and turns. It is confusing to watch because
of too many flashbacks and you couldnt guess whether it is still in flashback
or not. Also, some scenes are brutal, and some are not suitable for young
kids such as the bed scene wherein the Spanish priest with the used of his
power tried to rape a Filipino woman.
They shouldve cut that scene knowing that this film is not only for oldaged viewers but also to the students who are studying the life of Rizal,
particularly those who have the subject El Filibusterismo and Noli me
Tangere.
All in all, the movie is superbly great. It was epic, melodrama and
historian. There are funny, tearful, griefs; hatred scenes that would surely
make you appreciate it. The characters are unforgettable.
I particularly love the last scene when Rizal fell in the ground facing the
sky, having his last breath look at a beautiful surprise it only shows that
Rizal did not die in vain. His death was just the beginning of everything we
aim to face the Spaniards who made us suffer.

After watching the film, I couldnt help but feel the sense of pride being
him as the Philippine National Hero. There is no one like Rizal. He is a legacy
of what a real Filipino is.

Republic of the Philippines

Northwest Samar State University
College of Teacher Education and Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
Main Campus
Calbayog City

Submitted by:

Jeck C. Rebucas
BS Crim 2A

Submitted to:

Mrs. Susana Tarrayo