Heneral Luna and Sakay a Film review

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila. Philippines A.Y. 2021-2022 A Film review in “Heneral Luna” And “Sakay” Submitted by; Yeddahmae S. Pinagayao Submitted to: Mr. Jacinto R. Valila Jr. Program & Section: Date Submitted: BAPE 1 – 2 December 24, 2021 Heneral Luna Heneral Luna is a 2015 historical movie tackling about the life and biography of Luna and his fight against the American troupes. It is directed by Jerrold Tarog. This film shows how Luna stand firm on his goal to become independent and proclaim liberation against the America. Summary Heneral Luna begins in a scene in which the Philippine cabinet is debating whether or not to accept the Americans’ proposal. Some argue that America has a hidden agenda against the Philippines, while others maintain that America will benefit their businesses and help to improve the economy. The discussion was cut short when a soldier arrived and handed Aguinaldo a letter stating that the Americans had shot the Filipino soldiers patrolling in Sta. Manila Mesa Luna and his soldiers began fighting the Americans in intramuros, but many Filipino soldiers began to die and retreat because the America have more materials and well-equipped, so he decided to seek assistance from Kawit, which was led by Janolino, but because of Luna’s tone and arrogance, Cap. Janolino refuses the order. Luna decided to go to Kawit after hearing this, and when he arrives, he drags Janolino and humiliates him in front of his comrades. As a result, he reports Luna’s behavior to President Aguinaldo, but Mabini, who was Prime Minister at the time, persuades Aguinaldo to give Luna another chance. Because of Luna’s attitude and behavior, many high-ranking officials became enraged and demanded that he must be removed from his position. They conspire to bring Luna down, including Filipe Buencamino, Pedro Paterno, and Gen. Tomás Mascardo, by telling lies to Aguinaldo, which he believes. He began to plan on how to assassinate Luna. Aguinaldo sent a letter to Luna instructing him to go to Cabanatuan and attend a meeting to elect new cabinet members. When he was traveling alongside his soldier, one carriage broke in the middle of the river, and some were unable to cross it. So he suggested going first with Paco and Cap. Rusca. When they arrived in Cabanatuan, they were greeted by silence. Luna tells Paco and Rusca to wait for him outside while he enters the church alone. As Luna enters, there are only a few men guarding the area. He goes upstairs, but instead of meeting Aguinaldo, he is greeted by Felipe Buencamino, whom he had ordered arrested in the previous event. Buencamino informed Luna that Aguinaldo had already left long after his arrival. They exchange words but later turn into a heated argument. Luna heard a gunshot and go outside. As he goes outside, he meets Captain Janolino and he began to stabs Luna with his bolo. Then it was followed by multiple gunshots, which resulted in Luna’s tragic and brutal death at the hands of his fellow Filipino soldiers. When his two companies heard the commotion, they went inside, but they were met with soldiers who shot Paco in the head, causing him to die, while Rusca surrendered wounded. Review I felt a variety of emotions while watching the film. Heneral Antonio Luna’s historical story is such a legacy in terms of his ability to lead the war against America. It is a mustsee film for history buffs. The film’s production and cinematography are fantastic; the event is depicted in a realistic manner. Also, the suspense music that plays if the scene is suspenseful and exciting is well-matched and adds feelings to the viewer. The actor and actress, particularly John Arcilla, who played the character of Heneral Luna, bring justice to their character as if it is truly them, and the way they portrayed their character is a chef kiss. This film enlightens both the viewer and Filipinos on how the Philippines attained independence. How many Filipinos have given their lives fighting for the Philippines until their last breath? This also demonstrates that the leaders at the time, who were supposed to lead the people for the better, were only concerned with restoring power and securing their businesses. They keep saying they’re fighting for the Philippines, but their actions don’t reflect that. Aguinaldo has once again proven to me that he is one of the most cowardly and worthless leaders or presidents of all time. He assassinated Luna, his greatest General, to secure his position because he was afraid Luna would usurp it. And this makes me wonder if Aguinaldo doesn’t order to kill Luna will the independence of the Philippines will achieve early? Does the faith of the Philippines will become different? “The greatest enemy of a Filipino is himself”. Which kind of true because Luna was killed in the hands of his fellow Filipino. Overall, the movie gives so much lesson. Sakay Sakay is a 1993 True to life Historical film tackling about the life of Macario Sakay a Filipino General that continue to resist the Americas subjugation in the Philippines and lead his soldier to claim independence against the Americans rule. Summary After a long battle with the Spanish colonizers and the downfall of the propaganda movement KKK, Macario Sakay is a former president of the Democratic movement KKK, they seek independence and liberation against the Spaniards, but due to the deaths of Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, they began to surrender to America, and the Philippines’ independence is once again in the hands of the new colonizers. When the guards apprehend Sakay, he is forced to swear to America’s plea. Then Sakay began to establish a new movement, which is the birth of the Tagalog Republic, whose goal is to oppose the American government and fight for the Philippines’ independence. Sakay made the decision to establish his base in the mountains and recruit help from the provinces of Bulacan, Batangas, Pampanga, Cavite, Morong, and Laguna. When the generals of each province met, they decided to strengthen their armed forces by stealing weapons from an American base, which they successfully accomplished. However, as they began to gain popularity among villages and the Americas became aware of their existence, a band of bandits claiming to be affiliated with Sakay’s group began stealing foods from the villages and injuring people. When the Americans learned of the banditry, they became concerned about how they could put a stop to it, so they decided to ambush Sakay’s group, killing some of their soldiers on the spot. However, because of Sakay’s contributions, he has gained popularity among some people, so America employs deception to lure Sakay and his people to their downfall. Dr. Gomez begins to deliver false information to Sakay under America’s command, with the goal of establishing a national assembly comprised of Filipinos who will assist them in learning how to lead a country in exchange for Sakay’s surrender. Sakay agreed to surrender when his conditions were approved by America, and he also considered his people’s welfare. However, he was later deceived by America, who accused him of banditry and sentenced him to death alongside his fellow mate Lucio De Vega. They were both executed on September 13, 1907. Review The movie is fantastic, and the actors, particularly Julio Diaz, who plays Heroin Macario Sakay, do an excellent job with the film. He able to show Sakay’s dedication to become independent to the America and his attitude on establishing his Tagalog Republic. The video quality is a little dull, but that’s understandable given that it’s from a long time ago, and the video quality also adds affects or sentiments to the audience witnessing the atmosphere of the period. The film depicts the various sacrifices made by our Filipino soldiers in the fight for our country’s independence. Sakay exemplifies what a leader should be like. His commitment to sticking up for his people and considering what is best for them is extremely inspiring. He possesses an attitude that none of our present leaders posses. It’s a pity he died in such a manner. I suddenly wonder if Sakay did not surrender to the America will he be able to accomplish his goal? Does the Independence will be in the hands of the Filipino’s? Overall, the film is eye-opening in terms of how a leader should be viewed. The movie taught me several valuable lessons, such as not trusting anyone, even if you know them, because he may be the one to betray you or bring you to your demise. Overall Review on both Films Both the films Sakay and Heneral Luna portrayed true leaders who prioritized the welfare of their people over their own. A leader who genuinely loves his country and is willing to give his life to achieve independence and liberation for its people. Both Macario Sakay and Heneral Antonio Luna wish to live in a country free of colonial harassment and abuse; they wish to live in a free country where people can live in peace without fear of being discriminated, a country who is free from war and chaos. Both demonstrate to me that, even if the majority of the officials and leaders at the time were puppets of America, there are still people who will fight for the people and the country. That regardless of the circumstances, their goal is clear. The films also depict how Sakay and Luna died in the same circumstances. They died not at the hands of Americans, but at the hands of their fellow Filipinos. The betrayal they endure teaches me a valuable lesson to not trust anyone easily. Overall, the two films show me a side of history that many of us are unaware of, such as Sakay. This gives me an idea of how the Filipinos acted at the time to achieve Philippine independence and what method they used. It demonstrates to me how leaders should be viewed in a proper way while not interfering or disturbing the true history of the Philippines. Reference: Pinoymediapedia. (1993, January 01). Sakay (1993). Retrieved from https://pinoymoviepedia.ru/movies/sakay-full-movie/ TBA Studio. (2020, August https://youtu.be/SYWo6FoVacY 28). Heneral Luna (2015) full movie.