In the Philippines, the historical film "Heneral Luna," will open in theaters on September 9. He said such mentality remained a challenge in the Philippines today.Ĭonsul General Mario de Leon Jr.commended the Filipino community organizers for making the film screening a reality in New York, and expressed appreciation as well to writer and co-producer Ed Rocha and Francisco Ortigas and its Director Jerrold Tarog for sharing the film to the audience through its advance screening in New York. He also remarked on the tribalism that led to grave divisions in the revolutionary movement and the consequent assassinations of Antonio Luna, Andres Bonifacio and others, a critical factor which led to the revolution's eventual defeat. A patriotic biopic that veers toward propaganda, Heneral Luna is about Antonio Luna, who in the late 1800s led the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War.
"A significant and powerful film that must be watched, especially by the younger ones," a community leader added.Īs described in history texts, General Luna was a military officer gifted with a quick mind but burdened with an equally quick temper which often caused conflict within the revolutionaries' ranks, including then Foreign Affairs Secretary Apolinario Mabini and even President Emilio Aguinaldo himself.ĭuring the talk back, Luis Francia, Hunter University history professor and author of "A History of the Philippines From Indios Bravos to Filipinos," noted how rich the Philippines was in stories yet untold or rarely made into films. It won Third Prize at the FDCP’s kaSAYSAYan Historical Scriptwriting contest in July of 2010. "The film 'Heneral Luna' is compelling as it exposes Luna's heroism through his confrontational anti-heroism acts," a viewer said. The film Heneral Luna is based on Whirlwinds of Dust: The Fall of Antonio Luna, an original screen play written by Henry Francia and E.A. The movie impressed the Filipino-American viewers, young and old, as it portrayed a patriotic, blunt and poetic Heneral Luna. The movie played in a packed theater of Filipino-American community members as well as Philippine history buffs and film enthusiasts. On horseback.MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of this year's National Heroes Day, "Heneral Luna" held its advance screening at the Anthology Film Archives in Lower East Manhattan on August 30. Compare and contrast from the time the film was made with the 21st literary traditions from across the world 5. Appreciate the cultural and the aesthetic diversity of literature and the world. Situate the film in the context of the region, nation & the world 3. “He must be the bravest man I’ve ever seen or the looniest lunatic this side of Frisco!” an American proclaims after Luna single-handedly charges the front line. Explain the film in terms of literary elements 2. General Antonio Luna, superbly portrayed by John Arcilla, is in charge of the. There’s frequent grandstanding and staring off into the distance as the movie aspires to epicness. Let’s begin with some background: During the Philippine-American war, Heneral Luna, a military leader with a fiery temperament, contends with an enemy more treacherous than the Amerikano: his own duplicitous countrymen. The film, directed by Jerrold Tarog, portrays the general as a Patton-esque figure, bucking authority and doubters, all for love of country. “General Luna, you may be a military genius, but you do not understand politics,” one of those skeptics whines. About that aspect, historian Ambeth Ocampo had this to say in his newspaper column: Everyone who comes out of Heneral Luna blames Aguinaldoan oversimplification because history is more complex. This war is in your hands.”) Cue the sweeping orchestral music.īattles are waged, speeches are made and foreign enemies soon become the least of Luna’s problems: Bureaucrats, cowards and other homegrown spoilsports continually try to sabotage his unconventional plans. The opening titles did acknowledge that the producers had blended historical facts with cinematic fiction. Early in the story he’s given command of the military. Gregorio del Pilar is shown gathering Luna’s remaining. In the mid-credits scene at the end of Luna, Paulo Avelino as Gen.
But really, when a film works this hard to rouse you, there’s no shame in just giving in.Ī patriotic biopic that veers toward propaganda, “Heneral Luna” is about Antonio Luna, who in the late 1800s led the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. Tarog said that he planned to do a trilogy, starting with Heneral Luna.
I’m only a little embarrassed at liking “ Heneral Luna,” an audaciously manipulative movie that’s more involving than it should be.