HUM 3 E1

Maria Isabelle V. Villacorte

FILM CRITIQUE: Heneral Luna

Heneral Luna (2015) is a historical biopic directed and scored by Jerrold Tarog and
produced and distributed by TBA studios. It is the highest-grossing historical film in the
Philippines as it provides us with an immersive and imaginative experience of General
Antonio Luna’s world during the Filipino-American War in 1899. It highlights the
struggles and sacrifices made by key Philippine historical figures in their efforts to
achieve independence as well as the internal and political conflicts that hindered their
progress.

The film was made with no target audience in mind but rather with the purpose of
making history entertaining. The fictional character, Joven Hernando who is played by
Arron Villaflor, serves as a narrative device and a surrogate for the audience. It is mostly
a non-fictional film, accurately depicting key historical events with some dramatization
and creative license. Deviations from the true events do not take away from the bigger
picture of the Philippine-American War, and some imaginary or rumored portrayals can
be treated as having a grain of truth to them.

Film Aspect 1: Acting

General Antonio Luna, played by John Arcilla, is portrayed as a passionate, driven,

short-tempered person – a flawed yet sympathetic hero. His lines and gestures are
delivered with intensity and conviction.

Film Aspect 2: Sound Design

The soundtrack utilizes traditional Filipino instruments and melodies to reinforce the
film’s cultural and historical significance. It provides a backdrop to the drama and
tension as well as the mood and character of the scenes. For instance, the militaristic
score accompanied by sounds of gunfire, explosions, and horses’ hooves create a
sense of chaos and violence on the battlefield. They also are associated with Luna’s
fierce determination to fight for independence. The absence of sound can bring out the
tension in scenes preceding unfortunate events.

Moonlight Sonata, written by Ludwig van Beethoven, is used as a motif to symbolize

Luna’s plight. Perhaps it is his theme because of the name Luna meaning “moon” in
Spanish, but mostly because it is a piece commonly associated with melancholy and
introspection due to its haunting yet delicately played melody.
Though it was dedicated by Beethoven to a student he developed romantic feelings for,
Giulietta Guicciardi, it is more likely that he was going for a funeral feel rather than a
romantic one. This is backed by his notes in one of the original manuscripts where he
wanted to capture the emotion of a certain scene in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don
Giovanni, an opera where a playboy youth named Don Giovanni kills the father of one
of his romantic interests in Act 1. On top of that, the piece was written during the time
his hearing was beginning to deteriorate. Hence, the piece can be more accurately
associated with death and turmoil.

The piece is first played in a scene where Luna is reflecting on his youth and sacrifices
for the Philippine revolution. Here, the music serves as a melancholic and introspective
backdrop, showing the toll and emotional weight of his decisions on him. It is also
played when he is betrayed and assassinated by his countrymen. The music creates
the feeling of foreboding and tragedy in this case.

“Bayan Ko” is also played in the film to evoke a sense of patriotism. It is usually played
in scenes to emphasize the struggle for independence. “La Solidaridad” represents the
intellectualism and philosophical ideals of Apolinario Mabini, played by Epy Quizon.
“Canto de Maria Clara” is played in scenes that show the everyday life and struggles of
the common Filipinos. Tarog also drew inspiration from Russian classical composers.

Film Aspect 3: Editing

The film is quickly paced and builds tension and suspense. The cuts and transitions
create a sense of urgency to drive the narrative forward while still allowing room for the
audience to connect and empathize with the characters. Cross-cutting and parallel
editing are used to highlight character connections and conflicts and to make different
storylines feel simultaneous. These allow for a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Montages are used to quickly convey information and provide context and background
without the need for exposition. This can be helpful for viewers who are not familiar or
knowledgeable with the historical events and sociocultural context preceding the main
events in the film. They also help create a sense of time and place and show the
significance of the portrayed historical period.

Film Aspect 4: Production Design

The meticulous effort from the production team allowed for authentic and credible
recreation of the historical period the film is set in. There was much attention given to
details in costumes like the military uniforms of the soldiers and the interiors of
government buildings. The set and costumes also serve to show the divide between the
opulence of the ruling elite and the poverty and struggle of the common folk, adding a
layer to the film’s sociopolitical commentary. The use of traditional Filipino music and of
Tagalog language captures the cultural and national identity of the Philippines. The
muted color palette of the film depicts the bleak and uncertain atmosphere of the time
period. Dim lighting and shadows in certain scenes convey danger and dark thoughts
faced by the characters. Altogether, these allow for an immersive experience for the
audience.

Film Aspect 5: Cinematography

The composition of the shots helps convey the relationships and power dynamics
between characters and reinforces the themes of betrayal, loyalty, and political conflicts.
Depth of field is used to convey a sense of scale and perspective to show the
complexity of the historical events and the people behind them. Close-ups provide a
sense of intimacy and beckon the audience to connect with the characters, while wide
shots provide a sense of grandeur and awe.

Luna’s intensity, vulnerability, and inner turmoil are captured by the framing. His
relationships with other characters – brotherhood with Roman and Alejandrino, played
by Joem Bascon and Alvin Anson respectively; conflict and tension with Buencamino,
played by Nonie Buencamino; vulnerability with Isabel played by Mylene Dizon – are
shown through the framing.

Long, continuous shots following characters as they move through the scene capture
the energy and momentum of the action, creating a sense of immediacy. Handheld and
shaky camera work conveys the chaos and uncertainty of certain events. Slow-motion
shots convey the significance and impact of emotional and dramatic events.
Point-of-view shots place the audience in the characters’ shoes and create a sense of
intimacy and connection with the characters.

Film Aspect 6: Screenwriting

The screenplay provides insight into the complexities of Philippine history and the key
historical figures behind them. Although at times overly dramatic and clunky (especially
in scenes with foreigners), the tensions and conflicts between the characters are
successfully conveyed. The internal conflicts, power struggles, betrayals, and shifting
alliances among Filipino leaders are presented in a nuanced, multi-dimensional view.
General Luna is presented as a complex and flawed figure with a strong will and quick
temper that is disagreeable to his fellow leaders yet with a soft side to his loved ones.
Exchanges between characters are engaging, meaningful, and memorable thanks to
the sharp dialogue. Despite the serious subject matter and gore, humor and wit allows
for moments of levity and breaks from the tension and drama. The humor also adds
satire by underscoring the absurdity and hypocrisy of the events.

The screenplay also provides a clear narrative arc and effective pacing. It builds tension
and suspense leading up toward dramatic scenes and climactic battle sequences in a
well-crafted manner.

Film Aspect 7: Production

A concerted effort was made by the production team to recreate detailed and accurate
costumes, sets, and props that allow for immersion in the time period depicted. Some
shots were done on location in various parts of the Philippines, capturing the rugged,
natural beauty and diversity of the country.

The usage of CGI and other visual effects creates a sense of grandeur and spectacle,
especially in particularly gory scenes. They help create a sense of awe and wonder. The
green screen “shadowplay” scene, while out-of-place, static, and artificial-looking for
some viewers, adds to its surrealism.

In terms of creative choices in the dialogue, most of the Tagalog used is accurate to the
time period. However, Luna and the other elite Filipinos would have been speaking
mostly Spanish or using Spanish-derived terms in real life since it was the tongue of the
privileged of the recently ex-Spanish colony.

Additionally, after having been shown for a while, the film was removed from some
cinemas to make room for international blockbuster films, but due to a passionate and
persistent media campaign, it was brought back.

Film Aspect 8: Directing

Jerrol Tarog showed his ability to balance the historical context of the story with
personal and emotional aspects. He was able to add depth and nuance to the
characters by emphasizing their personal struggles and relationships rather than simply
documenting events. He was able to bring out the best performance from the actors by
using their physicality and gestures to be able to best convey subtle emotions and
relationships.
Themes Explored: Social Classes and Colonialism

There is a clear divide between the American colonizers and the Filipino people, the
latter of whom are shown being oppressed, marginalized, and tricked. American
characters are mostly depicted as arrogant and oppressive. President McKinley’s
Benevolent Assimilation speech is ironically played over scenes that portray Americans
as uncaring, domineering conquerors rather than benevolent liberators. Luna notes how
America has fought hard for its freedom yet denies the Filipinos theirs.

There are also class divisions within Filipino society. Elites are depicted as educated,
wealthy, and influential, while the lower classes work hard and squabble for an
opportunity to earn money. Among the elites, those like Luna are frustrated with those
who are out of touch with the needs of the Filipino people and accuse them of
prioritizing their personal interests over the revolutionary movement. Some elites are
shown as wanting to run away from the impending bloodshed, not caring that those less
fortunate can get caught up in the crossfire when they could have been helped as well.

Themes Explored: Unity, Patriotism, and Nationalism (or lack thereof)

Filipinos are shown as being more loyal to their families, tribes, and provinces than to
the whole nation. They function as individuals who look out for themselves and only
work with people who can help serve their interests. The values that Filipinos have in
common like family and faith are the same values that divide them and weaken the war
efforts against colonizers. Even Luna becomes convinced that the country is not ready
for self-rule because his countrymen’s self-interests and squabbles come before their
responsibilities to each other.

It is ironic how the Filipinos in Luna’s life write his history while denying their own
wrongdoings and portraying themselves as more likable while the Americans show
more respect to him regarding his actions and legacy. Even recently, Aguinaldo’s
descendants were defensive about his portrayal in the film rather than acknowledging
that he did have his faults and has done unforgivable things. If they cared more about
the nation than themselves, they would have stated that they are not like him and aim to
be better for their fellow countrymen.

The Americans, like our other colonizers, are able to take advantage of the division
among Filipinos to subdue the Philippine resistance. Luna’s military knowledge and
ability to rally and inspire others allowed the Philippine army to stand strong despite the
number of untrained soldiers and the lack of resources. As stated by Generals
MacArthur and Otis, Luna’s assassination ruins the country’s chance at winning the war
all because Aguinaldo prioritized himself over the very people he should be taking care
of.

Themes Explored: Sacrifice and Betrayal

Most of the Filipino revolutionaries are willing to put their lives on the line to fight for
independence. Other characters give up their personal ambitions and desires to put the
country ahead of themselves, while others do the opposite and see the patriotic people
as threats. Indeed, it is hard to fight for freedom without bloodshed, but they do not
realize that freedom has to be earned and that it’s not enough to just yearn for it.

Character Analysis: General Antonio Luna

As the main character, he symbolizes Filipino nationalism and patriotism, and he is an

icon of strength, perseverance, and determination as he remains resolute in his pursuit
of independence for the Philippines and its people. He also represents the difficulties of
leadership given his flaws as a hot-headed character, a characteristic which tends to
push others away from him. He knows he isn’t an ideal character, and his actions may
have led to more deaths than if he had behaved more amicably and taken the time to
weigh his options outside of a bloody war.

Character Analysis: Apolinario Mabini

He serves as a voice of reason and caution to Luna and the other politicians. He is the
foil to Luna’s aggressive and militaristic tactics and to the other politicians’ pettiness and
shortsightedness. Still, he is just as patriotic as Luna and also represents Filipino
resiliency as a disabled man. He represents intellectualism and idealism and notably
wears white as he is “the only sane man in Aguinaldo’s cabinet”. This is given emphasis
in a scene where he is the only one in the light and those opposing Luna are in the
shadows.

Being the only level-headed official, he was able to recognize Luna’s strengths and
flaws as well as the precarious state of the country. Unfortunately, Aguinaldo paid no
heed to his advice and listened to Paterno and Buencamino.

Character Analysis: Emilio Aguinaldo

His character, played by Mon Confiado, represents the challenges and contradictions of
the revolution. He is torn between his loyalty to his fellow revolutionaries and family and
his desire for personal power and influence. In critical moments, he makes decisions
that are politically (and even personally) beneficial but not beneficial to the revolution
and the country as a whole. Even Luna’s mother is aware of his impending betrayal
since he has done the same with Andres Bonifacio. As the President, he is a
representation of what the Filipino people value and prioritize – themselves before their
country.

Character Analysis: Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino

Buencamino and Paterno, the latter played by Leo Martinez, while having done
questionable things and not having a purely good-aligning moral compass, still
considered the fact that the Filipinos were outmatched by the Americans and that the
fighting and bloodshed may be pointless. They would rather negotiate with the
Americans and even become a protectorate under them just to keep the peace.

While trying to negotiate and minimizing the bloodshed for an opportunity to bolster the
economy is not a bad thing, they should have considered the fact that the Americans
had lied to them and were more concerned with colonizing the country rather than
helping it. The Philippines also did not have any bargaining power, so any negotiations
would have been mostly futile.

There are several antagonists to Luna shown in the film, but it is up to the viewer to
determine who the real antagonists are.

Symbolisms

When General Luna is assassinated, he is dragged away in a fashion similar to that

depicted in his brother Juan Luna’s painting the Spoliarium. It is a painting which, on the
surface, depicts the brutal and violent aftermath of gladiatorial combat, but for the
Filipino people, it is a metaphor for the cycle of violence and oppression the Filipinos
suffer at the hands of colonizers. In the context of the film, Luna suffers at the hands of
his own countrymen. Additionally, his corpse is looted and found to contain elements of
Christian symbolism.

The Philippine flag is also seemingly displayed in its “peacetime” position rather than
inverted as is usual in wartime. Even when Aguinaldo proclaims his innocence
regarding Luna’s assassination, it is still positioned as such but portrayed as crumpled
with dull colors in contrast to the ironed-smooth and vibrantly colored flag in Luna’s
scenes. Perhaps it is because the only war the Philippines had was with itself.
The burning of the bloodied flag at the end of the film represents the loss of Filipino
independence and the sacrifices made by those who fought for it. However, a sliver of
hope is present in Joven who represents the youth, the silent patriots, and the common
people who can live on carrying the lessons of history and continue fighting not just for
Filipino independence but also unity and patriotism.

Takeaways

I found the film’s portrayal of Antonio Luna to be layered and nuanced. His character is
based on descriptions from both those who didn’t like him and those who did, so he is
both an authoritative, temperamental man and a man who is capable of love, empathy,
and humanity. While some bits of his personality and dialogue may have been
embellished, I still agree with his portrayal as a flawed human being rather than as an
ideal hero to mimic. His patriotism and passionate spirit continue to live on through the
film.

His struggles with his own insecurities and demons affects his relationships with others.
Perhaps his own actions were also a factor that led to his demise, but it is
understandable that one becomes angry when the country’s freedom and future are
being handed over again to foreigners and the rest just don’t care enough to allow the
Filipinos to have power over themselves.

In the present Filipino society, historical films like Heneral Luna help us remember,
reevaluate, and relive the past. They help us develop an appreciation for our history,
culture, and the people who shaped them. They inculcate pride and nationalism among
the Filipinos. They remind us to keep educating ourselves and to keep re-constructing
our memory as a nation amidst historical revisionism, and they keep us curious and
encourage us to talk about what may have been the real events and how key historical
figures really behaved.

They also help us reflect on how the historical events impact today and see if anything
has changed, if we have learned our lessons from the sociopolitical issues then and
have not repeated the past. Unfortunately, the people of our country and even other
nations continue to fight amongst themselves over petty things and self-serving
interests when working together and behaving maturely can allow for much progress
and can help those around us who are struggling. Hence, films call for sociopolitical
change and progress.

Moreover, the film shows us that Filipinos are capable of making films that can meet
international standards and challenge people to talk and think. They elevate our
standards for films, show us what we can be capable of, and promote the art of cinema.
They call us to be brave and daring to tackle complex themes and issues while offering
a meaningful and memorable experience. They also promote greater empathy and
social awareness among audiences by challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. By
doing these, more diverse and innovative films can be created, and the human
experience becomes more fulfilling and enlightening.

In this era of globalization, it is still necessary to be nationalistic, but the concept of

nationalism should be redefined and adapted to the changing global landscape.

Nationalism is the belief in the superiority and importance of one's nation and the
promotion of its interests above all others. In the context of Heneral Luna, the film's
nationalistic ideology revolves around the idea of defending and preserving the integrity
and sovereignty of the Philippines while promoting the common good and welfare of its
people.

Globalization, on the other hand, refers to the increasing interconnectedness and

interdependence of nations, economies, and cultures across the world. It has brought
about many benefits including greater access to resources, technology, and ideas, and
has enabled nations to participate in the global marketplace and collaborate on global
issues. However, globalization has also brought about some negative consequences
such as the erosion of local cultures and identities, the exploitation of workers and
resources in developing countries, and the exacerbation of global inequality and
poverty.

In this context, nationalism shouldn’t refer to being isolationist or anti-globalization, but

rather, it should mean promoting a sense of pride and identity in one’s country and
prioritizing the welfare of one’s fellow countrymen while recognizing the importance of
global cooperation and collaboration. Hence, it is still necessary to be nationalistic
because the duty of the nation’s people is first to each other. When other countries
become unreliable or have to care for their own, we shouldn’t be dependent on them.

A country is like a house. If its foundation – the bonds of the very people who make it up
– is weak, then outside forces can easily crumble it. But if the foundation is strong,
reinforcements can always be added easily to it and outside forces will have a harder
time bringing it down.