Apart from the meticulous conceptualization of historical films’ cinematography, writing, and acting; the revival of history through its plot awakens historical awareness among Filipinos. Through events inspired by the Philippines’ rich history, Filipino filmmakers of historical films invite their audience to revisit the past.
Over the years, historical films have contributed greatly to our culture and arts. From the revolutionary steps of our national hero in José Rizal (1998), brutality faced during Martial Law in Dekada '70 (2002), the riveting written works in Dahling Nick (2015), the hard-hitting reality of treachery among Filipinos in Heneral Luna (2015), to the continuous desire for freedom in Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018); these films vividly revive the scenes of our written past.
Capturing the fire of patriotism
The multi-awarded historical film Heneral Luna (2015), directed by Jerrold Tarog, is a stirring film that unfolds the struggles of military commander Gen. Antonio Luna on waging the fight for independence from America. His command of Filipino troops ended after the betrayal of the people in his own ranks.
“Nakakagising ng dugo bilang isang Pilipino,” Luis Cruda said about the film in INQUIRER.net, who was a second-year college student at the time of the film’s release. Third-year college student Minette Zabalo shared in an interview that the film made her feel “enlightened,” saying it helped her learn more about Philippine history. Moreover, she applauds the casting of the film, sharing “I felt like I knew Antonio Luna.”
A writer in Rappler, Serge Gabriel, said that he felt both Filipino pride and shame after watching the film. He shared, as he described as a “very true and shaming reality,” that the “things in our country have not changed since 1898,” relating it to the scene where leaders Emilio Aguinaldo and Felipe Buencamino Sr. were being denial on the murder of Luna. Not only did Tarog feature history, according to Gabriel, but he also reminded the people that our actions determine our country’s next stories, our future history.
The Filipino youth, through recalling Philippine history in detail, was able to get ahold of the struggles and hopes of their leaders back then.
Replaying accounts of our history
Noting the bravery of our Filipino ancestors to wage war against its oppressors, the youth is now called to take these realizations into action.
A former professor at Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College Nash Tysmans explained in INQUIRER.net that the success of Heneral Luna is drawn from its capacity to make Filipinos discern what is valuable to them, particularly on the people they look up to and favor in elections.
Understanding history can make us socially conscious in selecting national leaders and protecting the freedom our ancestors fought for. As professor Mr. Joey Dela Cruz stated in the National Campus Press Olympiad press conference, “Kasaysayan ang bumubuo sa perspektiba at kamalayan ng isang lipunan.”
According to Tarog, his other directed film Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018) was for the youth. “In many ways, 'yung kwento ni Goyo, para siyang, a call to critical thinking,” Tarog stated in the Manila Standard. Moreover, he said that he wanted the audience to question Goyo, and heroes in general, “Bayani ba talaga 'tong pinapanood natin?”
Gen. Gregorio del Pilar was commanded to lead the Philippine army at the age of 23. The film captured the reality of our leaders, that there are flaws attached to their bravery.
Selecting qualified and right leaders isn't enough for us to flourish as a nation. Nationwide development requires unity and courage to stand for the reality we want, and we must learn to be welcoming and appreciative of our diverse culture.
"Heneral Luna is an attempt to identify the disease of our culture... It is up to the audience to find out what steps to take towards that healing," Tarog said on CNN.
While we reminisce on the stories that shaped our society, now is the time to write our own.
