ENRIQUEZ, John Rey G.

LWR
BSA 5-1 Mr. Reyes

National Hero
(A reaction paper for the film “José Rizal” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya)

"José Rizal" is a world-class film about the well-known Philippine national hero,
which was excellently portrayed by Cesar Montano as the main role in the year 1998.
He exhibited an exhilarating performance of Dr. Jose Rizal's achievement, tragedy, and
compassion for our country. With genius director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the life and works
of Rizal, and Spanish-occupied Philippines are vivid and authentic to the viewers. The
direction and cinematography are in five-rate star for me.

The film opens with short statements about the life of the national hero. The
background was Rizal's imprisonment in Fort Santiago, and the rest was shown through
a series of non-linear flashbacks which reflect on various aspects of his life. The
flashbacks start in consistent strokes, images of political and religious affliction from
characters of Noli Me Tangere. It refuses to fall into ordinary film biographies. There is
no overlook on Rizal's whole life. He is appeared as a writer, as a son, as a young
brother, as an artist, as a propagandist, as a doctor, as a friend, as a lover, and as a
man that inspired a revolution for our nation. Thus, part of the film's excellence is due to
good selection of outstanding actors and actresses to name a few: Gloria Diaz as the
caring mother Teodora Alonso, Gardo Versoza as the revolutionary Andres Bonifacio,
Pen Medina as the protective brother Paciano Rizal, Jaime Fabregas as the Rizal's
defendant Luis Taviel de Andrade, Peque Gallaga as the Archbishop Bernardino
Nozaleda, and Jhong Hilario as the Rizal's servant in prison that takes interest in his
ideology to simply do what is right.

In a 178-minute film, the best part for me was definitely interrelating Montano's
monologues with excerpts from monochromatic world of Rizal novels, the "Noli Me
Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo". By writing his two novels, many Filipinos opened their
eyes to what is happening in the country. It led to the founding of Katipunan that aimed
to revolt against Spaniards.

Because of this film, I did appreciate the bravery of all our heroes who fought for
our motherland, either by weapons or by pen. I truly believe without their courageous
acts, we will not experience the freedom we have today. We owe it all to them. I also
believe it got all its facts right and accurate which would help me a lot in studying this
semester, Life and Works of Rizal subject. I hope that this film revives our patriotism
and nationalism in modern times, and inspire us to strive more for ourselves, for our
nation, and for the glory of God.

In conclusion, I would strongly recommend the "José Rizal" film to persons who
love their country dearly and to the youth that Dr. Jose Rizal believed the hope of our
nation and our future.