Project

In
NSTP
Dianne April Dela Cruz
UC-41
Prof. Javier

Heneral Luna
- Summary of Heneral Luna

"Heneral Luna" tells us a more detailed account of the life of one of the revolutionary heroes
we learn about in school, yet know practically nothing about -- Gen. Antonio Luna.
Practically all we know about him is that he had a very bad temper which gained him a lot of
enemies, eventually leading to his assassination. Aside from telling us specific situations
where this legendary temper flared up, we also get to meet him more intimately as a leader,
a soldier, as a son and as a man.
Even from his intense penetrating gaze and formidable mustache in the poster alone, you
already know John Arcilla will be excellent in this film. His comic timing was impeccable. It
was a most vibrant performance of a most vivid man, making him really loom larger than
life. He was over-the-top in his explosiveness, just the way Tarog wanted him to be. The
way he was built up, we were ready for that climactic assassination scene, however
outrageous the savagery.
Mon Confiado was a picture of ironic calm as President Emilio Aguinaldo. The more movies
we watch about the revolution certainly brings up more and more questions about the
controversial Aguinaldo. Nonie Buencamino was so slimy as his treacherous surname-sake
Felipe Buencamino. That nonchalant look on Lorenz Martinez face was so hateful as he
essayed the role of the equally haughty Gen. Tomas Mascardo.
It was also such a casting risk and surprise to put known comedians in such key roles, like
Epy Quizon as Apolinario Mabini, Leo Martinez as Pedro Paterno and Ketchup Eusebio as the
vengeful Capt. Pedro Janolino. I must admit their presence can be distracting in certain
dramatic moments, particularly Eusebio. Or maybe that was their purpose -- to balance out
the severe seriousness of those scenes.
You immediately upfront that the filmmakers were aiming high for this film. The initial
introductory texts were written in English, signifying intentions for this film to make the
rounds of foreign film festivals. (I read that there were even certain reels with English
subtitles shown in some more upscale cinemas.) The presence of disclaimers stating that
this is a work of fiction inspired by fact could somehow raise an uneasy question as to how
much fiction was in there mixed among the facts.
This film will also grab you with its gorgeous cinematography. The images on the big screen
had such vivid colors and innovative camera angles. The period production design and the
costume design were meticulous in detail. During a beautifully-edited flashback sequence,
there was a stylized scene about Rizal's execution that was so uniquely and hauntingly
rendered. There are most gruesome and graphic special effects showing the violent brutality
of warfare which will shock you.
The historical storytelling was very clear, exciting and engaging from beginning to end, with
a fresh graphic novel feel to it. Humor was such an unexpected yet integral element of the
script, from those crisp off- color expletives of Luna to those sarcastic side comments of Lt.
Rusca (Archie Alemania) and many more in between of different shades. The patriotic
sentiments were very poetically-written, but the way they were delivered here felt sincere.
They did not sound preachy or cheesy, like when such lines were mouthed by Robin Padilla
in "Bonifacio" or Jeorge E.R. Ejrcito in "El Presidente".
Just like a Marvel film, there was an extra scene in the middle of the closing credits,
suggesting a next film featuring Paulo Avelino as Gen. Gregorio del Pilar. There was also a
brief cameo appearance of Benjamin Alves as a young Manuel L. Quezon, hinting at a
possible trilogy. This is a very exciting plan indeed which we all hope will materialize given
the success of "Heneral Luna".

I hear this is also under consideration of being submitted for Oscar consideration, and I
support that campaign. The screening I caught today was a full-house despite being 1:30 in
the afternoon on a weekday. It was really gratifying to see a quality Filipino film have
commercial success even if it was not an inane comedy or "kilig" teen flick with box-office
stars in the cast.
Kudos to Artikulo Uno Productions and director-film editor-musical scorer Jerrold Tarog for
coming up with what may just be the best, certainly the most audacious, Filipino film
released this year to date. Like Gen. Luna, this film leads a mad charge on horseback with a
raised fist against Filipinos who say they love their country yet look out for their personal
interests first. Let's hope this strong message hits its targets. 9/10.

Reaction
When I watched Heneral Luna I did not expect
that there are many people watching the film. I
saw students who were probably there to fulfill a
class assignment to view this film. The audience
clapped when the credits rolled in the cinema,
Every screening of Heneral Luna has ended with
this kind of reaction as told by my friends and
netizens in social media. This is a rare reaction
among Filipino audiences to burst into applause, I
was amazed when the movie was end I feel
happiness and also sadness. Happiness because
we know that there is Filipino that willing to fight
for our country, sadness because she died in
unjustified way.