Heneral Luna

Members

Aciling, Argiela Shane D.

Andaya Roselle

Buhisan, Joyce M.

Perea, Rona Mae S.

Vicente, Jash Ron C.

Section

BAAC1A
 PART I. INTRODUCTION

Genre: Historical

The historical genre includes stories that are written to portray a time period or convey
information about a specific time period or an historical event. Usually the event or time period is about
30 years in the past. The term historical refers to a work set in a past time period, usually used in the
context of film and television. It is an informal crossover term that can apply to several genres and is
often heard in the context of historical fiction and romances, and adventure films, A genre that is defined
by its cultural and historical usage, whose features and definition are formulated from the observation of
pre-existing literary knowledge (Feuer, 1987). Historical genre includes costume dramas, historical
dramas, war films, medieval romps, or 'period pictures' that often cover a large expanse of time set against
a vast, panoramic backdrop. Historical genre often shares elements of the elaborate adventure films genre.
Historical take an imagined event, mythic, legendary, or heroic figure, and add an extravagant setting or
period, lavish costumes, and accompany everything with grandeur and spectacle, dramatic scope, high
production values, and a sweeping musical score.

Director: Jerrold Viacrucis Tarog

A Filipino film director, screenwriter, producer, editor, and composer. Born on May 30, 1977. He
is best known for directing Heneral Luna (2015), Bliss (2017), Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018), and
the upcoming film Darna. His first feature film was the independently produced Confessional (2007),
followed by Mangatyanan (2009) and Sana Dati (2013). He has also directed segments in the twelfth,
thirteenth, and fifteenth installments of the Shake, Rattle & Roll horror anthology series.

The following are the recognitions/achievements of Jerrold Viacrucis Tarog:

1. Won, Best Director, Ruel Dahis Antipuesto and Jerrold Tarog for Confessional (2007), Cinema One
Originals Digital Film Festival 2007.

2. Won, Best Screenplay, Jerrold Tarog (as Ramon Ukit) for Confessional (2007), Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival 2007.

3. Won, Best Sound, Jerrold Tarog (as Roger 'TJ' Ladro) for Confessional (2007), Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival 2007.

4. Winner, Best Musical Score, Jerrold Tarog for Ang damgo ni Eleuteria (2010), 6th Cinema One
Originals Film Festival 2010.

5. Won, Best Editing, Jerrold Tarog (as Pats R. Ranyo) for Confessional (2007), Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival 2007.

6. Nominee, Best Music (Cinema One Currents), Jerrold Tarog for Bendor (2013), Cinema One Originals
Digital Film Festival 2013.

Producer: Fernando Ortigas and E.A. Rocha / Artikulo Uno Productions

Fernando Ortigas is a producer and actor, known for Birdshot (2016), #Walang Forever (2015)
and I'm Drunk, I Love You (2017). E.A. Rocha is a producer and actor, known for Heneral Luna (2015),
Ganito kami noon... Paano kayo ngayon? (1976) and Birdshot (2016). The Artikulo Uno Productions are
the following: Angelito (February 15, 2017) Bliss (May 10, 2017) I'm Drunk, I Love You (February 15,
2017) Allure (October 23, 2015)

Writer/Screenplay: Henry Francia, E.A. Rocha and Jerrold Tarog

Henry Francia: Winner FAP Award, Best Screenplay, Heneral Luna (2015) Nominee Gawad
Urian Award, Best Screenplay, (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula) Heneral Luna (2015) Nominee
Star Award Movie, Screenwriter of the Year, Heneral Luna (2015) E.A. Rocha: Winner FAP Award, Best
Screenplay, Heneral Luna (2015) Nominee Gawad Urian Award, Best Screenplay, (Pinakamahusay na
Dulang Pampelikula) Heneral Luna (2015) Jerrold Tarog: Winner Gawad Urian Award, Best Direction,
(Pinakamahusay na Direksyon) Heneral Luna (2015) Best Editing, (Pinakamahusay na Editing) Heneral
Luna (2015)

Starring:

• John Arcilla as Gen. Antonio Luna

• Mon Confiado as Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo
• Aaron Villaflor as Joven Hernando
• Joem Bascon as Col. Paco Roman
• Archie Alemania Capt. Eduardo Rusca Epi Quizon
• Nonie Buencamino as Felipe Buencamino

Supporting Cast:

• Paulo Avelino as Gen. Gregorio "Goyong" Del Pilar

• Mylene Dizon as Isabel
• Bing Pimentel as Doña Laureana Luna
• Epi Quizon as Apolinario Mabini
• Alvin Anson as Gen. Jose Alejandrino
• Alex Medina as Capt. Jose Bernal
• Ronnie Lazaro as Lt. Garcia
• Ketchup Eusebio as Capt. Janolino
• Art Acuña as Col. Manuel Bernal
• Leo Martinez as Pedro Paterno
• Lorenz Martinez as Gen. Tomas Mascardo
• Benjamin Alves as Maj. Manuel L. Quezon
• Romcel Musa as Gen. Arthur MacArthur Jr.

Music and Sound:

The music was composed and performed by Ebe Dancel: Hanggang wala nang bukas. The sound
was composed by Jerrold Tarog : Adelante Compatriotas/Manifest Destiny, Ang Heneral, Tatlong Araw,
Anak Ng Kalayaan, MacArthur, Sugod Mga Kababayan! Train Station, Whirlwinds of Dust, Spoliarium,
Aguinaldo and the Burning Flag and End Credits.

Cinematography/Direction of Photography: Pong Ignacio

Editor: Jerrold Tarog

Release date: September 9, 2015

Plot:

Set during the Philippine-American war, a short-tempered Filipino general faces an enemy more
formidable than the American army: his own treacherous countrymen. In 1898, General Antonio Luna (
JohnArcilla ), commander of the revolutionary army, is spoiling for a fight. The Philippines, after three
hundred years as a Spanish colony, has unwillingly come under American rule. General Luna wants to
fight for freedom but members of the elite would rather strike a deal with the United States. The
infighting is fierce in the new cabinet but General Luna and his loyal men forge ahead even as his military
decisions are met with resistance from soldiers who are loyal only to President Aguinaldo ( Mon
Confiado ). Ultimately, it is the general’s legendary temper and pride that bring him to his death when a
pack of presidential guards assassinate him in broad daylight. While American newspapers are quick to
point the blame to Aguinaldo, the mystery has never been completely solved and the General’s killers
were never put to justice.

PART II. REVIEW

Strengths:

The strengths of the movie are the genre, setting, details, actors’ portrayal, script, dialogues,
prosthetic, promising and moral. The genre is historical and a twist genre. The setting of the movie is in
the Philippines, our country, the setting is remarkable. The setting is absolutely magnificent. The details
are chronologically astounding and consistent. It is interesting to note that there are no abandoned details
on this film. The setting shows how beautiful, genuine and stunning our country is.
The actors’ portrayal is excellent. The actors who played the characters in the movie were not
popular in the mainstream movies but they were able to give justice to their portrayals. The script is well-
ordered. It is carefully organized and controlled. The rasping dialogues, the very typical Filipino
language, a language that the viewers can easily understand. The prosthetics are amazing and very
realistic. The mustache and the hair of John Arcilla is same as General Luna. The blood, sweat and tears
that every Filipino fought for our freedom shows the resiliency of our country. The moral of the movie is
absolutely mesmerizing.

Promising, the characters are so similar to the present that makes us, the viewers, to patronize it,
because it is relatable and scrutinize our soul. It is promising because it succeeded convincing our hearts
and perception as a human being to do what is right and just even no one sees.

In addition, the story is a fiction which is based on true story. It is quite amusing that almost all of
the veteran actors are included in the movie that results of a very impressive and undeniably good film. It
is very entertaining and attention grabbing for it relates to the story of the past and the controversy.

Weaknesses:

The weaknesses of the movie are the genre, dialogues, graphics, moral, details, released date, and
angles. The socio political nature of the epic historical movie is quite controversial. . Furthermore, it is a
historical film which can't capture the interest of some millennial to watch the film. Some dialogues are
quite harsh that it is not suitable for young audiences. The graphics shows exaggeration brutal scene that
did not gloss the real violence of war which also causes of not suitable for children. The moral can be
misunderstood like betrayal in the movie, showing that power and money are more important than any
other things even brotherhood, it simply shows that Filipino is not very patriotic after all. It also shows
that the law can make or break a person. The details like the unintended effect of martial rule over
democratic and libertarian ideals and authoritarian leadership. The released date was September 9, 2015,
it is September, and there are a lot of things to do in class and requirements to pass, it will result to unable
to watch by many students. We, prefer that at least it should be December, a month of happiness and
prosperous where the students have money and time to watch movie, specifically our Filipino movies.
The movie’s angles feels a bit dictatorial as an experience viewers are told what to look at and can’t
invent any visuals for themselves. Sometimes, be hamstrung due to special effects requirements.

Artist/s portrayal:

John Arcilla the one who portrayed as General Antonio Luna has a very splendid work indeed.
The role is very well played and the angst that he has that makes us believes that he is a true General even
in the reality of life. The way he spoke in a very authoritative way makes us shiver thinking that a general
like him is quite scary but with a very clear goal in life. Captain Eduardo Rusca portrayed by Archie
Alemania is quite entertaining he can light up the movie and make a punch line that can be funny at times.
Ketchup Eusebio’s acting makes us hate him forever. Aaron Villaflor and Bing Pimentel will squeeze our,
heart, your heart out. How does Archie Alemania makes us cry and laugh all at the same time?

Characters:

Struggle is real, as what our new generation always say. General Antonio Luna is a very short-
tempered, brashness, very big pride and impatience for the unruly comrades. Being short-tempered results
of a reckless decision and gaining more opponents anytime. General Luna have a very strict regulation
about his own goals and principles in life and he doesn't have the word patience in his vocabulary ones he
decided to do something he would want to do it immediately without further ado and uses his power if
someone gets in his way. General Luna always expresses uncontrollable feelings and emotions even
though it will hurt someone.

Story:

The story has significant symbols and meaning to the youth, a new generation. The story is
helpful in our studies and also the messages and information that the movie lends to us. The knowledge,
principles and wisdom of the movie passed to us will always guide us to the inevitable future. The story is
entertaining the main factor is because of the socio political influence of the story that even nowadays is
still happening. It is quite reliable and relatable, because this was based from a true story that we as a
Filipino would be curious upon to the happenings of our country when the American soldiers came into
our territory. To be honest we are not really expecting of the curses words being said by the characters,
but that is very a Filipino expression be like. General Luna is quite impressive especially on the first
scene of the movie but some of us got irritated by his short temper and his one sided perception.

Cinematography:

Angle framing or the shots capture in every intense scene is one of the assets, it shows the
intensity of the movie. The cinematography of the movie was splendid. The movement of the characters
can be seen and it adds the intense of their emotions to the role they are playing. The movement is almost
perfect and genuinely polished. The timing of voice and the opening of mouth is perfect. The quality of
the movie scene is in the high definition. The way General Luna’s backstory was presented brilliantly, too
– instead of usual flashbacks, we get a beautiful one-shot sequence where we are toured through his life.
The music is Hanggang wala nang bukas a song of farewell, the song is really suitable to the story. The
soundtracks are Adelante Compatriotas/Manifest Destiny, Ang Heneral, Tatlong Araw, Anak Ng
Kalayaan, MacArthur, Sugod Mga Kababayan! Train Station, Whirlwinds of Dust, Spoliarium,
Aguinaldo and the Burning Flag and End Credits, the soundtracks are really appropriate to the scene, the
soundtrack shows the connection of the scene and the sound that should be background of the scene and it
is perfectly suited and that results to make the movie brighter, fresher and more blest. The theme is
historical and the movie shows historical scene that persuades everyone that they are also in the scene as a
comrades of General Luna. The movie uses film blocking technique. The cinematography is modest yet
skillful. Stunning visuals, beautiful costumes and set designs in the absence of green screen, giant city
size sets and CGI supplementation is already a feat worth celebrating. The diegetic sounds are gunshots
and war sound. The Non-Diegetic are the Hanggang wala nang bukas, Adelante Compatriotas/Manifest
Destiny, Ang Heneral, Tatlong Araw, Anak Ng Kalayaan, MacArthur, Sugod Mga Kababayan! Train
Station, Whirlwinds of Dust, Spoliarium, Aguinaldo and the Burning Flag and End Credits. The distance
of the camera is appropriate. The movement of the camera while filming is not shaky and stable. In some
stances, where Luna shows his poeticism the staff performed long steadicam shots. Everything was
shotlisted. The angles are specific. The position of actors in framing is appropriate. Everything was pre-
planned.

Editing:

The editing for the movie is great. Although there are some instances where there are some cut on
the scene that makes it a little bit confusing. The framing was on point, no necessary fuss. The effects and
transition is very specific. The transition of every scene is consistent and connected to each other. The
music is appropriate in the scene, no lapses and no errors. The filter of the movie is appropriate to the
theme. The overlays are great. The elements are impressive. The split screen is splendid. The crop
technique is very good. The power tool was used spectacular. Exporting of video to a high standard
movie.

Music and Sound:

The music and sound is perfectly suitable for each scene. The diegetic sounds are gunshots and
war sound. The Non-Diegetic are the Hanggang wala nang bukas, Adelante Compatriotas/Manifest
Destiny, Ang Heneral, Tatlong Araw, Anak Ng Kalayaan, MacArthur, Sugod Mga Kababayan! Train
Station, Whirlwinds of Dust, Spoliarium, Aguinaldo and the Burning Flag and End Credits. The music is
really suitable for the film that it adds a delightful sensation to ear and rhythm is consistent and relaxing,
and also there is a sound that shows that they are in the field of battle mid the frenzy of fight, wow! The
soundtrack is very cool. Sacrificing, lives without a doubt or heed.

Commercial (Public) Appeal:

A budget of ₱80 million and a box office of ₱256 million. It was an entry for the Best Foreign
Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards but it was not nominated. Award winning film, that is worth
watching for. It shows the unpleasant truth of reality, the true skin of a Filipino, the strength and also their
flaws as a human being. To the public appeal, it greatly affects their perceptions as a Filipino. The movie
arise the nationalism of every individual who patronize the movie. The success of the film “Heneral
Luna” implies that Filipino audiences are not “mababaw” (low in intelligence). Given a good film, they
would devour it but not always, because there had been good Filipino films that were not blockbusters.
Perhaps what helped this historical film click is that its story and characters are so similar to the present.
First, there is Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the Republic, who seemed indecisive but treacherous.
According to Inquirer, The one thing that may be misunderstood in the film is Luna’s dialogue, “Ang
kaaway ay ang ating sarili (The enemy is ourselves).” This may be construed that Luna was referring to
personal weaknesses. Although this may be true, it could be only up to a certain point. In all probability,
Luna was referring to society and social classes and class interest. Because it was very clear to Luna that
the main enemy was the American invaders. Perhaps, the most positive outcome that “Heneral Luna”
brought about is that interest in history has been spurred, specifically on the Philippine-American War. It
is a blockbuster!

PART III. DOCUMENTATION

"We have a bigger opponent rather than Americans-ourselves."

("May mas malaki tayong kalaban sa mga Amerikano–ang ating sarili.")

“Assignment now, Speech Choir later.”
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." – Michael Jordan
 PART IV. RATING

5/5 points (stars); because it is an educational film and a very promising movie. It tackles the
essence of being formidable and how it can make or break a person, aside from, it is political controversy.
The concept of fighting for what you wanted to achieve and being resilient in every hardship that comes
in our way is the best key of having our dignity and pride as a Filipino. The movie really affects us,
viewers, even we are not included in the scenario happened during that time of General Luna. It shows
how dedicated General Luna to fight for the right of us Filipino. It is hard to imagine all the pain, torture
and agony during General Luna time.

The movie reminds us that because we were ruled and oppressed for more than three hundred
years by the Spaniards, we had no concept of being a ‘nation’. Filipinos were divided at that time
because the idea of being free and being one as a nation was rather new to us. Thus, the leadership of
General Luna was needed. His brand of leadership may have encountered much resistance because he
demanded a lot from his soldiers. Of course, the cost of freedom is very expensive. However, he demands
what he could not offer himself. The people heeded his call and followed him because he led by example.
He was not only trying to win a war. He was trying to build a free nation and in the process, taught his
countrymen how to achieve that.

The moral of the movie is the main factor why we gave 5 stars. It makes us notice loyalty in its
highest forms. It makes us notice the demons behind every power and fame. It makes us notice that there
are people who will die for our country. It makes us also notice that there are people who won’t. It makes
us notice what is truly an educated man and how laziness affects men, women, and child. It makes us
notice that a Filipino family can both be a strength and a weakness and with of all that, we must know if
we’re ready to make one. It makes us aware to our Filipino language, culture, people and everything
about it are worth dying for and must be something that every Filipino must look at highly. It makes us
realized if we’re doing something to heighten & to strengthen the cost and value of every Filipino men
and women who died so that each and every Filipino can experience freedom. It makes as reflect
ourselves if we’ve been really a Filipino all along.

Furthermore, we gave 5 stars because the movie was able to encourage us, the new generation
seek and find a sense of nationalism. This was clearly depicted in the scene where General Luna reacted
to protect the journalist Joven Hernando when he was shot in the hand and ear (Ante, 2015). Another
powerful scene was the one where General Luna was reciting a poem and it segued to Joven finishing the
delivery of the poem. These were prevailing scenes because the character of Joven represents the new
generation – our generation – and our need to learn our country’s history. We need to value it so that we,
as the future of our country, may know what it is that we should truly fight for.

The movie tends to show the struggle of the Filipinos to gain our independence and it was also
illustrated in the meeting scene attended by General Luna, President Emilio Aguinaldo, as well as the
other cabinet members. General Luna was outraged that he that he was in that meeting, instead of
collecting weapons and gather troops for the fight against the Americans. It was in this scene that the
character said one of the most iconic lines in the Philippine industry — “Malaking trabaho ang
pagkaisahin ang bansang watak-watak… Mas madali mo pang pagkasunduin ang langit at lupa kaysa
dalawang pilipino sa alinmang bagay” (Click the City, 2015). He was outraged that some Filipinos could
not see that the country was going into peril because they had so much vested interest with the
Americans. They could not see past these interests that they fail to see the sufferings of their countrymen.
Another significant aspect of the film was the main character’s relationship with his fictional lover,
Isabel. Although the character was fictitious, the portrayal was important because she symbolized strength
and composure in the revolutionary struggle (Jimenez-David, 2015). Isabel had accepted that the two of
them could never really have a normal life because the general had already devoted his life to the
revolution. This was depicted in the scene when Isabel told General Luna that the revolution was his wife
and that she was the other woman (Vila, 2015). It is said that freedom cannot be achieved by taking care
of your loved ones; one needs to shed blood and even sacrifice his life in order to attain this. The scene
gave the audience another indication of Luna’s great love for his country. To him, everyone should make
a supreme sacrifice in this revolution even at the expense of families.

The movie’s depiction of General Antonio Luna as fierce and courageous would make one
ponders if the ones leading our country now are also capable of giving up their lives of comfort and truly
fight for our nation; for our freedom. One of the things that attracted the audience to the film was its
ability to give importance to history without compromising the human aspects of emotions. It was a
simple portrayal of historical events that epitomized bravery and treachery in a country at war. Our
country is very rich in culture and history. There are many more stories similar to Heneral Luna that
remains to be told and the Filipino audiences are just waiting for someone to tell these stories to them.

The schools should encourage its students to patronize more of these movies, and do critical
analysis because it is an effective tool to remind us of the struggle and sacrifice of those who came before
us who lived and died for the freedom of this country.

Ultimately, after watching Heneral Luna, we left, reminded, disturbed, stirred and shaken by the
truths of our history. It made us think, it made us reflect and finally urged us to write again the history.