ANG WALANG KAPANTAY NA HENERAL: HENERAL LUNA

The film showed me what a true hero “Heneral Luna” is not just because he can lead an army of his soldiers but how he accepted his fate and still keeps on fighting for his life even if he knows that he is outnumbered. He shouted the word “duwag” to the soldiers who ambushed him and murdered him. For it is true a true soldier would not fight someone who is wounded by others. A true soldier would fight someone if he or she is ready to accept that he will not be victorious. Which shows how Luna didn’t shout for help or tried to escape but he faced them all and did his best to protect himself. Also it shows how the government is before they have people that sided before with the Americans just to protect the “economy” but the truth is that it’s all about “business” and “money”. Heneral Luna is fighting for freedom and not just having a peaceful kind of way to end the war but to express that he and his army and all of the “Filipinos” are strong enough to protect the country. The way that he puts up with everything even if he gets rejected he would never give up on what he believes. He is the kind of person who is truly amazing even if he is harsh in some ways. The film also reminds me of our government today for some reason it didn’t change. When it comes to power they would be selfish like in the scene where they tried to ruin Heneral Luna’s name while having a small conversation with President Emilio Aguinaldo. Talking about how Heneral Luna got mad and set out his emotions in a bad way saying words that he didn’t meant to say. It only shows how thirsty others are just to drag down Heneral Luna. It took me awhile before I figured out where the “SPOLIARIUM” scene was supposed to be then I realized it was near the last part where they also killed one of Heneral Luna’s soldiers and was drag up next to him. I actually cried and was still thinking how beautiful it is. 
-Palisoc, Chi

Second time's the charm

Heneral Luna (2015) a film directed by Jerrold Tarog is about Dr. Antonio Luna whom we have known so little about. This film is so raw. After watching this last Wednesday, September 17; it gave me more knowledge about Luna and I applaud his greatness and braveness of what he did and stand for our country, the Philippines, in my mind before watching Heneral Luna he was just in the sidelines.

The cinematography of Heneral Luna was sick! And by sick I mean awesome. The special effects, lighting, music, the angles was just WOW! Also, I heard that the movie had a low budget, AMAZEBALLS! I commend the Team of this movie, the costumes and props were impressive. The locations were wisely chosen. And I believe they used a drone with a camera strapped to it, the overview of the mountain where Luna was sitting. I was also impressed on how they emphasized important details like the slow motion of presenting the Spolarium and the close up of the wrecked Philippine flag, it’s almost hard to believe that this was made by Filipinos, no offense meant. Although some said there were mistakes in the movie, but regardless it was a one hit wonder I must say, it may not be seamless but kudos to everyone involved in the making of Heneral Luna. It was a very good and liberating film, maybe that’s why this movie is trending, I’ve heard my friends from different universities talk about watching Heneral Luna, Professors recommending it to their students, and even my family knows about it. A must-see movie it is.

The mise-en-scenes I have noticed in this movie were: First was the build-up of people complaining about how Luna treated his men, so when the scene of Heneral Luna dropped off by Rusca and before Luna left he said “Mag ingat po kayo, mukhang mabigat ang haharapin ninyo ngayon” I thought that Luna was going to be punished by Aguinaldo due to the complaints of the soldiers, but it was his wife all along. Second was the Philippine Flag at the end which was torn up, in flames and dirty, it represents us Filipinos back then, chaos struck our country not just the invasion of the Americans but the chaos between us fellow Filipinos we turned on against each other. Third, was the Spolarium shown in the movie crafted by Juan Luna, though in the original frame there were 3 roman soldiers being dragged, in Heneral Luna there were only 2 being dragged two of which were Luna and Paco, also may I just commend how they emphasized that scenario, they presented it in slow motion to let the audience feel the sorrow and heartache of how cruel and treacherous our countrymen were. Fourth was when Rusca surrendered when he ran out of bullets, I reckon he gave up so he could live to tell the tale of Luna’s bravery and great love for what is right and for our country. Lastly, when Heneral Luna and Paco’s coffins were being carried I noticed that the soldiers had red on them, Aguinaldo’s carriage had red curtains, and when someone is dead you shouldn’t wear red because it symbolizes that you are happy, then when he was interviewed he said that he did not have anything to do with Luna’s death but the question is “Why wear red?”.

I consider Heneral Luna as my all-time favourite Filipino film! I actually got to see this film twice with my friend, same day, to tell you a brief story about my experience; my friend and I were about 10 minutes late so we had the seat V17 and V18, when we settled down, we unfortunately were seated next to a group of teens who were annoyingly really loud, we couldn’t hear a word said in the movie especially me I have difficulty in hearing when watching TV or a film so we decided to get the 5pm screening and headed for the book fair at SMX. Praying that the second time’s the charm we went and sat at the patron area left wing, although there was a couple behind us that were talking a bit loud it was fine we managed to pull through it, we ended up in tears in some parts of the movie especially the part of Luna’s death and the reviving of Spolarium in the film. When we finished the credits and the teaser I remember saying this to my friend “this movie will be a hit!” I recommend this to everyone, well maybe to those of free minds or of right age. Congratulations to the film maker and director! A job well done for producing such an awesome and knowledgeable film.

By Beanca Navarro

IBA'T IBANG BAHAGI NG MUNDO

“IloIlo”

I’ll start with Flor Contemplacion’s story which is about a Filipina who works as an OFW in Singapore. It is said that she is a murderer with a case of strangling another OFW and drowning a 3 year old child. Two witnesses appeared before Flor’s death penalty they stated that “Flor is being framed by the father of the child for what really happened is that the maid who took care of the child suddenly left when the child was taking a bath then suddenly the child had a seizure which leads the child to his death and the father strangled the maid in revenge for his son.” The statement that the witnesses said was declined and the Government didn’t listen thus ending the life of Flor Contemplacion. President Ramos even tried his best to stop the death penalty for he believed that Flor is innocent. As the news spread it also affects the peaceful relationship of our country “Philippines” and “Singapore” in a way that the citizens of Singapore thinks that other Filipino OFW’s are the same. Comparing the story of the film IloIlo we have Terry an OFW mother who tries to find a better future by going out of the country. She was introduced nicely and was accepted except for the little boy in the family. She was treated as if she was a bad person and the little boy does everything to piss off Terry and he keeps on showing that he doesn’t want Terry to be around. Until one time Terry couldn’t handle the bullying of the little boy she said that “I don’t care if you like me or not just let me do my job as your maid.” With those striking words the little boy wasn’t expecting something like that to happen and still continues his behaviour towards Terry until one time the little boy had an accident where he was trying to go away with his bike a taxi was on his other side without the little boy noticing the upcoming taxi hit him. The parents got mad but didn’t blame Terry for the accident then slowly Terry and the little boy got closer once the little boy accepted her as a person who truly does care. The family had some financial issues and the Father can’t get a proper work for he was fired in his last job. When the little boy started to love Terry and almost doesn’t want her to leave his side the day came where they can’t support and pay Terry the money she needed and has to go back to the Philippines. The little boy was against his Parents decision and wanted Terry to stay. This scene made me look back on the first time the boy met Terry and he wants her to go and leave him alone but then everything changes and he would almost just cling to Terry and beg her not to go for he got attached and love her as his trusted friend. Also the camera work here focuses on the character to emphasize each scene and the growing or blossoming of each relationship into something wonderful. For the production design there where some scenes that Terry was cleaning the room of her employer and then she notices the makeup and jewellery she tried it on and just having thoughts of living the life where she doesn’t need to work. Also the clothes she wears inside the house or simply casual clothing and the ones that her employer gave her is usually used when she goes out like in the scene where she found a part time job as a hairdresser. So by comparing the two stories of Flor Contemplacion and Terry they had different situations that’s a fact and maybe just maybe that Terry was lucky to be in a family that even if they have problems throughout their life love would still be dominant and caring for one another is still present.

“Pinoy Transkings”

I would proudly say that this documentary made me think that yes I should be proud of who I want to be and should not be shy or think that I’m doing something bad as a lesbian in our community. Also it cleared up my mind of misunderstanding Trans from Lesbians and Gays. Like the phrase that they always say or I always here from people like them is “I’m born in the wrong body and I know that I should be a boy in real life.” Whenever they say that phrase I would always feel that pain that they’re experiencing for they want a life that they would be respected and be recognized as a man. That kind of feeling somehow hits me but I don’t consider myself being a man like literally but I know that it really does hurt for wanting something that you can’t get or you need to wait for the right time to actually have it. And at the end of the documentary I also learned how they survive the obstacles that are given to them even if they have that kind of nightmare of being in the wrong body. How they want to tell others that they’re also normal people and nothing is different with them. This kind of lesson should be treasured and everyone should be simply open to what a person thinks of themselves.

“Ang Nawawala”

This movie shows how one person’s emotions could be seen by the audience through his/her own way of communicating. Explaining it further that the character “Gibson” doesn’t speak but still has a way to communicate with his family. He doesn’t have any disability but he only decides not to speak ever since his twin brother’s accident that happened when he was a kid around 10 or 12 years old. He only had a camera with him and he films almost everything that is happening in his environment also around his family. He doesn’t have a good relationship with his mother since the accident and somehow there are scenes where we would see his dead twin brother and it’s always in his room. So it might also be the reason why the whole theme of the movie is retro even if it’s with some latest technology from this day you would just have the vibe of how old things was so beautiful and was focused more. They can’t escape the past that happened in their family that is why they’re stuck and still haven’t got any chance to actually love one another like before. Also it shows how the mother quits on her hobby that one that she truly loves which is photography she still cares for her cameras but she can’t touch it like before because of the painful memory that happened to her child. Also the scenes where the ghost or spirit of the dead twin of Gibson that is still hanging around his room and having conversations with Gibson and the only time that he actually speaks. It only shows that Gibson doesn’t want his twin brother to be gone by his side and expresses that he is only comfortable with him around to talk to and simply express what a teenage boy is actually doing. Until the ending everything changes like how Gibson’s relationship with his mother he finally talked to his mother saying that he was Gibson confirming it to her to finally accept the past and let go of what happened before.

-Palisoc, Chi

"May mas malaking kaaway tayo kaysa sa mga Americano, ang ating sarili" -HENERAL LUNA

Marami ako natutunan sa palabas na ito. Ang pinaka tumatak sa aking isipan ay kung paano ipinaglaban ni Heneral Antonio Luna ang kanyang paninindigan bilang Heneral sa ating bansa. Nakita ko sa palabas na ito na sa umpisa pa lamang ng constitusyon ng Pilipinas ay nagaganap na ang ka traidor'an ng mga Pilipino sa mga kapwa Pilipino. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung papaano ko uumpisahan ang repleksyon sa asignatirang ito dahil masyado akong nadala sa aking mga nasaksihan. 

"Hindi mga dayuhan ang kalaban ng ating lipunan kundi ang ating mga sarili", iyan ang pinaka tumatak sa aking isipan na sinabi ng makatang si Luna. Maaring may mga taong sumasakop sa ating bayan ngunit tayo mismo ang nagiging sanhi kung bakit hindi natin nakakayanan ipaglaban ang ating bayan. Maaring naging mayabang at naging abusado si Luna sa kanyang kapangyarihan ngunit naiintindihan ko kung ano ang pinanggagalingan nito, ang kanyang galit sa dibdib dahil sa mga nasasaksihan at nalalaman nya na katraydor'an ng kanyang mga kapwa na may kapangyarihan sa lipunan. Tila mga alipin tayo ng kung ano man ang natatamasa natin sa ating buhay na pwedeng magbigay satin ng kapangyarihan upang mag manipula ng mga tao. Nasa indibidwal na lamang ito kung siya ay magpapa impluwensya sa napaka mapaglinlang nating kapaligiran. Isa pa sa mga pinakapaborito ko na linya na binitawan ni Heneral Luna ay nang kausap nya ang isang americano "english english'in mo ako nasa sarili ko akong bayan, Punyeta!"

Natutunan ko sa palabas na ito na hindi lamang ang mga taong nananakop sa atin ang sakim at uhaw sa kapangyarihan at kayamanan kundi tayo rin mismo na nakatira sa ating inang bayan. Hindi man natin ito ginagawa sa paraan na marahas at madugo, kundi pailalim at sa paraan na makakasiguro tayong hindi tayo mabubuko sa kung ano man ang ating layunin. 

Kung ibabase ko sa aking pagkakaintindi, ang tema ng pelikulang ito ay para iparating sa mga tao na hindi lamang ang mga dayuhan ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng mga naganap na pananakop sa ating bansa kundi binibigyan din mismo natin ng butas ang mga ito upang makapasok sa ating bansa at sa ating kultura. Maaring may mga naiwan sila na hanggang ngayon ay tinatangkilik nating mga pilipino, na hanggang sa panahon ngayon ay ginagawa natin, ngunit isipin rin natin na minsan nilang sinakop ang ating bansa, pinatay ang ating mga kapwa pilipino. Kung kaya't isipin natin na hindi sa lahat ng aspeto ay "In" o "Cool" ang pagtangkilik sa mga ito. 

Iilan sa nga Mise - en - scene na aking nakita ay noong naguusap ang Heneral at mga nakapailalim dito. Pinakita sa senaryong ito kung sino ang mas nakatataas ang posisyon at kung sino ang mas makapangyarihang magsalita. 

Ang paghalik ni Aguinaldo sa kanyang ina bago mamatay si Bonifacio ay naganap din bago namatay si Luna. Na nagbibigay sakin ng ideya na may kinalaman talaga si Aguinaldo sa pagkamatay ng Dalawang Bayani.

Ang mga puting tela, damit, at iba pa sa kapligiran ay nagsisimbolo ng ka inosentehan at kagustuhang maging malaya. 

Ipinakita rin dito ang likha ni Juan Luna na "Spolarium". Ito ay nang patayin ang kanyang kadikit na kapatid at ang kanyang kanang kamay. Nang sila ay pagtabihin pagtapos paslangin. 

Namulat ako sa pelikulang ito kung ano ang katotohanan na nangyari sa ating bansa noong unang panahon na tayo mismong pilipino ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit tayo naging alipin ng mga banyagang bansa. 

-Mendiola, Francis Mitchell

Heneral Artikulo Uno by Kristen Huang

Heneral Luna (2015) directed by Jerrold Tarog is a historical biopic about Dr. Antonio Luna who is quite an underrated hero in our history. We must remember that this actually happened, this is no work of fiction and it is as raw as it gets. In this film not only did I gain knowledge about the works of Antonio Luna, but gained so much more respect for him knowing what he has done for our country. I actually had to watch the movie twice, the reason being, when we tried to watch the first one, we were late for about 10 minutes and when we came, the people who were sat next to us were immensely loud and very insensitive to those who were watching the film. We could barely understand anything so we had to leave not even halfway through the movie, which was such a shame. As much as I’d love to talk more about the film, I want to discuss the cinematography, musical score, costumes and an absolutely astonishing mise-en-scene. Firstly though, I want to give props to the scriptwriters, Tarog, Francia and Rocha, for an exquisite and humorous script, it was brilliant. Secondly, John Arcilla, you are the man. It’s like he was born to play Antonio Luna, I can’t praise him enough. Anyways, on to the cinematography. The setting for the scenes were stunning, although it made me quite sad that some of the parts were filmed on a green screen, which I don’t blame them at all. It’s not like they could actually rebuild everything or go back in time. Nonetheless, it was still superb. Can we talk about the assassination scene? It was so intense, I could feel every gunshot. That scene was so moving and I can’t even put into words how much I look up to Antonio Luna now. Another scene, I should mention is the one take of Antonio Luna’s youth. It’s so seamless, such a visual spectacle. BUT there was one scene I absolutely loved, which was a breathtaking drone shot with Luna on the hill. I was awe-struck, I adore that shot. And with that, I realised how beautiful our country really is. We have got to give it to Tarog for not only directing the film, but also provided the musical score. The costumes, dare I say it, were on point. It was very noteworthy and accurate. And now to the immaculate mise-en-scene; the Spoliarium scene. I literally got chills when I saw it. It’s not subtle at all and I think it was slow motion for a purpose. When Antonio Luna’s body was being dragged across the courtyard, it was meant to mirror the Spoliarium, the famous painting of Antonio Luna’s brother, Juan Luna. Considering I cried twice during the movie, which I totally did not expect would happen, I can’t even put into words how impressed I am with everything. I’m not one to watch Filipino films, but this has got to be my favourite one, by far. Overall, the movie is a wake up call to us; it is meant to spark a conversation. We Filipinos are still the enemies of ourselves, lacking settlement, torn by selfishness. 

Saturdays by Kristen Huang

Ilo Ilo (2013) which is director Anthony Chen’s first feature film, is astonishingly intimate since it is actually Chen’s own childhood experience, being raised by his maid from the Philippines since his parents were too busy working. The setting of the film is at the age of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 wherein unemployment rates and suicide rates were rising. Nine-year-old Jiale, a willful brat, was used to getting his own way, a rambunctious little child, especially in school. He’s not a bad child because of this attitude, nor is it because his parents don’t care for him, it’s that they are too absorbed in their workplaces that they don’t even have time or make time for him. This all changes when Terry, played amazingly by Angela Bayani, a Filipino maid is hired. Not happy about any of this, Jiale treats Terry as an enemy and tricks her into loads of humiliating situations. Because only Terry has the time for Jiale, they grow closer to each other. But as the two form a compact bond, unlikely circumstances will tear them apart. The performances of the actors are brilliant and authentic, the cinematography, writing, and direction were amazing as well, and all of which makes the movie even more touching and tear-jerking. 

Ang Nawawala (2012) by Marie Jamora is mostly a film that speaks about our generation and for our generation. It’s for us. It’s for us who have access to the internet 24/7, the “conyo” generation, people who are addicted to Instagram and taking pictures to achieve “feed goals”. For us who dare to dream and consume and appreciate art on a daily basis whether it may be aural or visual. This movie is no love story nor a commercial rom-com. It’s definitely different to the stories or movies we usually see. Standoffish “mute” boy falls in love with misfit hipster girl, and she “falls” for him too? See? Not your typical “love story”. The movie also pays close attention and explores the Philippine music scene and how music acts as a drug to forget the past and transmit messages that matter, breaking the barriers of language and communication. It features songs and bands that are out of the mainstream such as Sandwich, Flying Ipis, Pedicab, Ang Bandang Shirley and etc. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and you have to go give it a watch yourself. It’s like a reblog-and-Tumblr-worthy picture come to life. I’m definitely going to be watching that tons of times until I memorise the lines of each character, no regrets. Beautifully painful, yet real. 

Pinoy Transkings: An Advocacy Documentary is an honest-to-god inspiring documentary about transmen. A transman, if you’re not familiar, is a transgendered person who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is that of a man. Some transgendered people undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy also known as “transitioning” to conform one’s physical sexual characteristics to that of their gender identity. This documentary goes into the lives of Filipino transmen, Popoy, Nil, Sid, Prince Eagle Le Andre and Aiza wherein they share their individual stories; discovery, doubt, coming out, and transitioning. I can say that I’m honestly lucky to live in a world where being yourself, or being transgendered per se, is more accepted by the people than it used to be. I hope people continue expressing themselves, and not be afraid of being who they really want to be.

Bea, Kamusta ang sabado mo? By Beanca Navarro

Ilo-Ilo (2013) included in the Director’s Fornight of the Cannes International Film festival, a film by Singaporean director Anthony Chen. A movie that paid tribute to the Ilongga nanny who raised Director Chen during his childhood. The Filipino nanny is being played by theater and indie film actress Angeli Bayani. The film’s set is in the mid 1990’s in Singapore, the Asian financial crisis(1997) to be exact; unemployment rates and suicide rates were high. Jiale a 9 year old boy, son of Hwee Leng and Teck, who is a brat and very stubborn was always in trouble especially in school gave his parents mostly his mom a hard time so they hired a maid. The arrival of Teresa, the new Filipino maid presented a new situation for the family and especially to Jiale, he wasn’t a bad kid or anything he was just acting like that because his parents don’t have time for their kid, they were too caught with their work. So when Aunty Terry, as they called her in the film, arrived in their household, Jiale treated Teresa as the enemy and did nasty things to her; for example the scene where they were at the store and Jiale placed an item in Aunty Terry’s bag in order for her to be caught stealing. But because Aunty Terry was always left with Jiale, the two grew closer to each other and formed a bond; A bond that made the mom of Jiale in a way jealous. Then the worst happened, the family cannot pay Aunty Terry anymore so they had to let her go, this it broke Jiale’s heart and he didn’t want Aunty Terry to go. What a beautiful and touching story indeed, the fact that one person walks into your life makes a huge amount of difference. Although, I can’t relate with the yaya story, but I did have people come and go that made me realize things, bad and good. I commend Director Chen for producing such a heart-warming film and the Ilongga maid who made a difference in a young boy’s life. I wish that when a person enters another person’s life they will strive to make a good difference to that individual’s life. 

Ang nawawala (2012) by Marietta Jamora a film about our generation and is dedicated for our generation. Though this film is about our generation it’s not the “typical” love story we all are used to, “mute” falls in love with a hipster girl and kind of falls in love with him too but they didn’t end up so it was kind of a messed up love story that also happens in our generation so yeah it’s a twisted story but beautiful. It also tackles how music plays a role in our life, in the film Gibson used music to give out messages and to forget or erase the past and the noise around him; it gives importance to antique music enriched with a savoury of good quality music, features a few of non-mainstream bands or songs wherein it proves that good music can be discovered in non-mainstream or old songs. I will definitely go and watch this again, maybe even promote it to my friends and cousins; this is an incredible film, how in one film it can tackle a lot of situations in our life. 

Pinoy Transkings: An advocacy documentary is one of the most educational and inspiring documentary I have ever seen in my lifetime to be honest. A Transman, is a transgendered person who was born a female but whose heart or gender identity is a man. This documentary tackles the lives of Filipino Transmen who openly shared their stories, Popoy, Sid, Aiza, Nil, Le Andre and Prince Eagle about coming out, transitioning, their struggles, and doubts and how they discovered their true identity. When I got to watch this, my life flashed before my eyes, no pun intended, I asked myself did I live my life being true to myself? Am I happy with my life? Although I did not relate to the topic of gender identity, I did relate to their story of finding who you are, how you'll fit in this world, the hinders of being happy and more; this movie may be about the story of transmen but I can relate it to the lives of the bullied people, or even our daily life, where we often think of what our life SHOULD BE not what we WANT our life to be. That maybe the biggest mise-en-scene I have ever analysed. I just wanna say to the others who feel, what they call “different”, EMBRACE IT because you are unique, you are beautiful, you are happy and you’re YOU.

These 3 films made a difference in my life, indeed. It changed the way I viewed my life. My eyes, mind and heart were filled with wisdom and gifts of perception. What a full and awesome day Saturday was.

3 IN 1: Movie Marathon on a Saturday morning

For Iloilo film, comparing it to one of Nora Aunor’s film, Flor Contemplacion, both films are about a Filipina OFW who went to other country to fulfill their family’s needs. In Iloilo, with the help of the Terry’s (Filipina OFW) change of clothes— from rugged clothes to the given clothes by her female boss’, it showed a transition of her better life in Singapore and her better relationship with her female boss’ son. The transitioning of her clothes, also showed that when started using it, the son of her boss started being good to her and they became closer. Like, the kid treats and follows his nanny like his mother that made her real mom, Terry’s female boss, to feel jealous. The Flor Contemplacion ended as Flor has been put to a death sentence—she was hanged. Compared to Iloilo, the end of the story was Terry left the family and goes back to the Philippines and after that, it ended right there—it left us hanging. 

For Pinoy TransKings, the film was made for us to fully understand LGBT Community especially the ‘Transmen'— women who decided to change their ‘inside and outs’ into men. The film started showing a contest which is the first ever King of Trans pageant, and each contestants shared their own stories and experiences in a way we could understand them and their (LGBT) community. With their stories, they also want us to put in mind that, although they are “self-made” men, they should not be discriminated or be cast out, because they’re still humans who have feelings and in the film, they showed that being dressed up and coming out as a ‘guy’ should not always be the only thing to be readied, but also, because you are now entering a new life and should have a good start, you should know that your heart and mind are ready. Honestly, I am really thankful for the team who made this advocacy documentary because it helped the people who are afraid to come out, who are confused, and especially the people who already came out, but is still experiencing discriminations. 

For Ang Nawawala, it is a 'hippie-indie’ film about a boy who stopped talking for years and when he came back in the Philippines, he reformed himself once again by being with his family again and by falling in love. In his brother’s grave, in the last scene, they shared a smoke and their stories that made me realize that he talks with his deceased brother all throughout the film with the help or whenever he takes his drugs. I loved how the Cinematography really worked well like it showed a retro-ish colors and the music fitted well in each scenes. With the production design, unlike Iloilo’s change of clothes, the film showed a hippie and a retro-ish style of clothes even though they are already in the present time. For me, it is because of the tragedy that happened years back then when Gibson’s brother, Jamie, is still alive and all the members of his family, especially his mother, haven’t moved on from the past and is still recovering until the present time. Although my professor in Film App said that most professors in UPD does not approve what the movie showed, it did not really change the fact that it has really touched the hearts of their viewers. 

-Orge, Xandra

AKALA MO ALAM MO NA LAHAT…AKALA LANG PALA: Heneral Luna

*CTO*

After watching Heneral Luna last Wednesday, September 16, 2015, I realized how underrated Heneral Antonio Luna was, and now people are talking about it and how successful it became and how the movie also made me feel foreign in my own country. I’d say the theme of the film would have to be, “Your worst enemies are your own countrymen.” Reflecting on this, I have realized that our Philippine hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, has also been killed by his fellow Filipinos from the commands of the Spaniards and how Heneral Antonio Luna and Dr. Jose Rizal both fought and showed their full dedication for our country over any other things. Yet, one question stuck in my head, why was Heneral Luna was not talked about and famous like Rizal, knowing that they have numerous similarities? I have learnt new things after watching the movie: First is that Heneral Luna really helped me in giving more information (added facts) and in reconnecting the things I knew or learnt in my grade school and high school years and what really happened during the Philippine Revolution, especially about the life of Heneral Antonio Luna. In this movie, it even showed the other side of Heneral Luna, his funny side, also his co-officers, so it wasn’t the typical Heneral Luna we knew in years. This is, surely, one of the reasons why this movie went viral because the way people talk, even Heneral Luna, is related on how people talk nowadays. 

I have found two mise-en-scenes in the movie: First is the destroyed/damaged Philippine flag with bloodstains, that represented we are attacked by the Americans or foreign people and how we are enslaved by them, the Americans, in our own country. Second mise-en-scene is when the Spoliarium, by Juan Luna, was revived in the film. The Spoliairum showed fallen gladiators being dragged by Roman soldiers. In the film, when the katipuneros who have been told 'traitors' were pulling the killed Heneral Luna and his right hand, Paco. The use of Spoliarium made a very big impact in the film. In just one mise-en-scene, it summarized how we, the Filipinos were being treated before. Also, because it was shown in a slow motion effect, it added a more dramatic scenery of what the film wants to say. My favorite scene in this film is not just the Spoliarium, but also when Heneral Luna’s mother shared a story to him, the film also showed the events what the mother’s been saying. Like, it helped us to visualize them and it’s like, we are also traveling through time. 

The cinematography of Heneral Luna: the special effects, the lighting, perfect music for the scene, is undeniably the bomb! Also, the use of the locations is perfectly chosen so, really, kudos to the Heneral Luna team. Also, a friend of mine told me that the movie is low-budgeted, but I am amazed because the costumes and the props looked like the team produced a lot of money for this movie. Other people say there are some mistakes in the movie, but all throughout, it was a very good film. I guess that is one of the reasons why it went trending for days and up until now, netizens still talk about how great and must-see this movie is. I am also very happy that after the film, we, the viewers, applauded at the end and many people, including me, did not go right away, we really waited for the credits and (spoiler alert) the next teaser to end. 

I consider Heneral Luna as one of my favorite Filipino films not just because of the Cinematography and the Mise en Scenes, but the fact that I have really listed a few quotes from the film! Since I really loved it, I’d share my two favorite quotes: For the most intense: “Para kayong mga birhen na naniniwala sa pag-ibig ng isang puta.” and for the funniest quote: “Ingles-inglesin mo ko sa bayan ko?! Punyeta.”

-Orge, Xandra