Heneral Luna Movie Review

After the many comments I read in social media and discussions with friends who have seen the movie, I finally found time in my busy scehdule to watch the highly regarded historical Filipino movie, Henera Luna, by Jerrold Tarog.

I must say, the cinematography is indeed superb, perhaps almost flawless. The script was fantastic, with lines that would bring fervor or humor to any scene. The actors were quite an ensemble, though it felt like it was only Arcillas, who played Heneral Luna, who had so much gravitas in the movie. The other characters were not as compelling, perhaps so as not to overshadow the main character of the movie. It was Arcillas' portrayal that fueled the movie, giving a true character to the hero we barely knew in history books.

Photos courtesy of henerallunathemovie.com

My top 3 best scenes in the movie were:

1. During the cabinet meeting, they are divided between those who want to be allies with the US and those who want to drive them away. Luna, who is fed up from hearing negotiations for peace with US, finally shouts "Para kayong mga birhen na naniniwala sa pag-ibig ng puta!" And everyone falls into silence.

2. The scene at the train station where he said, "Nauubusan na ako ng Ingles, arestuhin niyo na nga to... Huwag mo kong Inglesin sa bayan ko, punyetta!" The whole movie house bursts into laughter.

3. The one-take scene depicting the childhood of Luna up to the death of Rizal was beautifully executed. Luna's mother wanted him to remember the days before the war and how it all began.

Overall, I am very glad with the movie. It left in me a sense of pride that this is a Filipino movie that remembers our forefathers, not as overrated heroes, but as men whose love for the country was sincere and deep.