The movie Jose Rizal is a Filipino biographical film of the Filipino

national hero, Jose Rizal himself. Before I start my reflection about the
movie, I will give the introduction and the plot the story first for us to further
understand what the movie is all about. But first, let us know who is Dr. Jose
Rizal? Jose Protacio Mercado Alonzo y Realonda Rizal respected and
acclaimed patriot in the Philippines recognized for his unselfish contribution
in the historical and social transformation in the country. He was born from a
wealthy family in Calamba, Laguna and seventh of eleven children of
Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonzo y Realonda.

The movie shows the childhood years of Rizal and his adolescence. It
introduced the scenes and events that led Rizal to fight the oppressors. The
whole theme, Rizal himself, is the spirit of the entire film. The movie
narrated his love for the country until the time of his death. The two novels
he made show the poor condition of the Filipinos and the government of
friars, that they use the Catholic religion to practice wealth and power,
discrimination, torture, violence, unequal rights, high taxes and corruption.
The book was prohibited when the officials discovered it, because the novel
attacks the church and government. Through that work, many Filipinos were
enlightened and inspired; for the first time, his work served as the best way
to live the national sentiment.

The plot of the story is when Jose Rizal was imprisoned in Fort Santiago
under the abusive Spanish colonization, Rizal was approached by a young
man uneducated Indio asking the importance of education during his life.
Soon, a first lieutenant Luis Taviel de Andrade, visited Rizal. He did not
waste his time to study carefully Rizals case. In just a short period of time,
Rizal and Taviel captured each others sympathy and eventually became
friends as they had usual meetings in Rizals cell in Fort Santiago. Then,
Rizal was sent to Royal Audiencia to hear the trial against him. Soon after,
the magistrates decided to condemn him under firing squad on the 30 th of the
morning in Luneta. At the night before the execution, Rizal hallucinates,
seeing Simoun of his novel El Filibusterismo tempting he author to change
the climax of the story.

As Ive watched the movie I recognized the real meaning of

Patriotism, that was being implant in every Filipinos mind. The movie
focuses on the condition of the society and also to the government at the
time of Spanish era. The lead role which is performed by Cesar Montano
was well-played. With the use of the novels, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo written by himself the Filipinos have been awaken to the
reality such as the abusive ways of the Spaniards towards the Filipino
people. It really gave the picture of abusing and oppression of the Spanish
Government. Rizal didnt really stay being blind, mute, and deaf in fighting
the condition of the Filipino. The movie had successfully showed some of
the characteristics of the Filipino, like being brave and patriot.

The film also works through series of flashback showing Rizal as a

genius, a writer, doctor, artist, lover, friend, and a brother that gives color to
the movie. The actors dedication for the film is inevitable especially Cesar
Montano. His values and great performance gave justice to our national
hero. The movie shows how good, respectful and intelligent son Rizal is.
How he handles all the hardships he experience in his short life. He was able
to handle and lived on his own. It also shows us how Rizal handles his
feelings, his self control and overcoming all the bad news he faced.

However, there are also scenes which required parental guidance

because some scenes are brutal and not suitable for young audiences. Such
as the bed scene wherein the Spanish priest with the used of his power, raped
a Filipino woman. And also during the homily of a priest who threw the
Bible on the ground. Bible is a sacred thing so we need to respect it.

All in all, the movie was great. It was epic and shows how rich our
history is. There are funny, tearful, grieves and hatred scenes which give me
mixed emotions. 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 but his death was just the beginning
of everything we aim. I couldnt help but feel the sense of pride being him as
the National Hero. He is a legacy of what a real Filipino is.
 Wesleyan University-Philippines
College of Business and Accountancy
4100, Mabini Ext., Cabanatuan City

REFLECTION
PAPER ON
JOSE RIZAL MOVIE
Submitted by:
Lorence S. Bumanlag
Submitted to:
Prof. Michael Miguel Santos