GERPHIS reflection on the film Heneral Luna PDF

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Reaction to the history film - Heneral Luna...

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"May mas malaki tayong kalaban sa mga Amerikano–ang ating sarili." - Heneral Luna Heneral Luna, a historical biopic, revolves around General Antonio Luna in the fight for independence during the Philippine-American war. As one of the most expensive Filipino films made, it has certainly embodied such value and more. From pre-production to post-production, the movie was well thought out with stunning actors who take charge of their roles. Compared to other Filipino historical films, the historical accuracy and attention to detail were amazingly accurate as compared to other films. This was because of historical consultants who paid attention to even the smallest details such as the props, equipment, and uniform. Heneral Luna is not historically accurate; however, it was close to it. In fact, the details were not accurate not due to lack of knowledge but for a greater cause. The film unfolded many lessons; however, I would like to highlight the best lesson by first explaining the characters: Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, and Pedro Paterno. The main character of the film General Antonio Luna, the leader of the Philippine Revolutionary Army, represents a fierce and aggressive Filipino that strives for independence despite sweat and bloodshed. Compared to the other characters, he did not hold the ideal Filipino characteristics wherein they prioritize family as he said there must be sacrificed to achieve independence. Emilio Aguinaldo, the president, had a goal of claiming independence with the help of others- the Americans as evidenced by his statement wherein he made a deal with the Americans. Known as the brains of the Philippine Insurrection, Apolinario Mabini believed in the establishment of a democratic republic, and more importantly, he recognized the true intentions of the Americans and the congressmen. In spite of his resignation as Aguinaldo’s right-hand man, Mabini still continued to help him understand the issues that a President must recognize for his duty to the country. His nationalism embodied acceptance of other’s views as you could see as he mediated between Heneral Luna and the assembly. Lastly, Pedro Paterno embodies those Filipinos who perceive the best way is to succumb to anything as long as blood is not shed. In light of this, it is evident that each character had different views on nationalism. In fact, Heneral Luna kept telling others especially Pedro Paterno that they were traitors who do not love their country and people. With each character, the differences are clearly evident that eventually led to not only Heneral Luna’s death but to their demise. The most striking scene was wherein MacArthur and Otis conversed regarding Heneral Luna’s death and said that “General luna was a rare soldier- the most worthy adversary”. All in all, the film has unlocked one idea which was the nationalism should not be one defined term. As the film ends, our worst enemy is ourselves. It should be a celebration of differences without putting down one another.

Sources: Tarog, J. (Director). (2015). Heneral Luna [Film]. Artikulo Uno Productions Nicolas, J. (2015, October 1). The movie and historical accuracy. BusinessWorld.

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-movie-and-historical-accuracy/.

1. MacArthur and Otis acknowledged Luna as a worthy adversary, laughing at the fact that the Filipinos killed the only real general they had. 2. “General luna was a vrae soldier- the most worthy adversary” a. How would you explain the nationalism of the various characters in the films, particularly Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, and Pedro Paterno? How were they different from each other? i. Antonio Luna

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1. voiced out his staunch disapproval of the American forces in the Philippines 2. Negosyo o kalayaan? Bayan o sarili? Pumili ka! (Business or freedom? Your country or yourself? Choose!) 3. Furious, Luna snapped at them and forced the families to leave the train, stating that they weren't going sight-seeing. 4. Joven mentioned that it was common for the Filipinos to put their families first. However, for Luna, there were only a few people whom he could consider to be truly patriotic. 5. General luna paid for his own uniforms and gave to everyone to be unified Emilio Aguinaldo 1. President of the First Philippine Republic and thereby General-inChief of its Revolutionary Army, who led the Filipinos during the Philippine-American War in 1899[1] until his eventual capture in Palanan, Isabela in 1901 2. Aguinaldo halted the quarrel, but Luna ordered the arrest of Buencamino and Paterno because of treason. Aguinaldo sought the advice of Mabini, to which the latter allowed him to heed Luna's request in arresting the two statesmen. At night, Aguinaldo visited his mother before attending a party consisting of attendees from different affiliations and nations. 3. Aguinaldo assured his cabinet that the Americans had promised to help them in winning their freedom from their Spanish overlords. However, during their meeting, it was revealed that Manila has fallen to the Americans, indicating a possible war against the Filipinos. With that, Luna was given the authority over the entire command of the army. 4. “ dont believe the sweet words of the americans” 5. “ there is no room for blindness in this cabinet” 6. “ freedom is not achieved by protecting our loved ones. They have to pay the price” “blood and sweat” 7. What kind of government is this Apolinario Mabini 1. former Prime Minister of the First Philippine Republic and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who served as the adviser of Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo. Despite his incapacitation due to polio, he offered the President legal and professional advice founded on his intellect on the field of law. Pedro Paterno 1. Felipe Buencamino and Pedro Paterno indicated their support for the proposal of the Philippine autonomy by the Americans. Enraged by this, Luna ordered their arrest. Leaving the cabinet

meeting, Luna threatened that he would kill any traitor, one that was overheard by General Tomás Mascardo. 2. “Lets give peace a chance” 3. “ how can we feed or family, business” 4. “We all have interests, we are humans” b. What scene in the film stuck you the most? Why? i. Paco stopped him; only to later realize that the bullet hit a coin that he keeps on his breastpocket, ultimately saving his life. With the Filipino forces charging, the Americans retreated; giving the decisive victory to the Filipinos. ii. Rusca, however, lamented the death of his general and Román; agreeing that Luna was right that their enemies wasn't the Americans, but themselves. MacArthur and Otis acknowledged Luna as a worthy adversary, laughing at the fact that the Filipinos killed the only real general they had. iii. “General luna was a vrae soldier- the most worthy adversary” iv. You killed the only real general you had v. “The filipinos worst enemy is ourselves” CONFLICT: PH vs PH PH vs US 1. Richness of our history and can develop national consciousness 2. Serves as a wake-up call, enemies are ourselves 3. Can develop patriotism > while historical accuracy is important, there are bigger truths about the filipino nation that can only be reach by combining the real and the imaginary - Evident in jose rizals novels > Paterno was biased against Luna, and it is obvious that those most threatened by Luna protected themselves by playing on Aguinaldo’s fear and insecurity. They got rid of Apolinario Mabini by intrigue, Luna had to be disposed of by murder. A more nuanced reading of the challenges that faced the short-lived First Philippine Republic leads us to the complex background of the Luna assassination. Tarog’s direction and storytelling allowed us to see General Luna’s own human frailties – his sightless idealism and tendency to see the world as black and white as evidenced by his reluctance to compromise. Truth be told, it isn’t the lack of unity during that period that killed Luna as intimated by the movie, it’s his naïveté and stubbornness. Maybe the problem is that we, as a nation, try too hard to become something we are not. Maybe the solution to our dilemma is quite simple: the acknowledgment and acceptance of our national diversity. Perhaps that should be our take-off point, and from there, slowly try to unkink the knots

along the road towards a united vision. And while national unity sounds pretty damn good, it is simply a means to an end, not an end in itself.

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