Essay About Heneral Luna

While superhero movies are on the rise today, real life heroes are almost forgotten. Their superpowers leave their viewers exceptionally fascinated that the efforts of those heroes who fought for independence and democracy are now barely celebrated. However, Jerrold Tarog’s Heneral Luna awakens Filipinos from this momentary indifference. It is a riveting historical film that shows not only the godlike qualities Antonio Luna possesses, but even highlights his flaws as the story unravels.

The film begins by showing the possibly vulnerable state of the country. As the Spaniards leave, the Filipinos can either resist the American forces or gladly approve of their coming. While some of President Emilio Aguinaldo’s cabinet members insist that

He prioritised the nation and sacrificed his romantic yet concealed relationship with Isabel who was played by the award-winning actress, Mylene Dizon. Although they were outnumbered in terms of troops and weapons, his passion to fight against the colonisers did not falter at all. He was stern and persistent. Luna fought for every single thing he believed in even if it caused a division among the troops. This was proven as Luna challenged Heneral Mascardo, a character admirably played by Lorenz Martinez. Because Mascardo failed to provide reinforcements during Luna’s bloody and crucial battle against the Americans, tension has risen between the two. With Captain Eduardo Rusca (Archie Alemania) as their messenger, the two generals communicate with pride and anger. At this part of the film, the camera shifts from Luna to Mascardo and vice versa—creatively displaying the heated exchange of messages of the two enraged

I left the cinema with an enriched mind and a heavy heart. Heneral Luna was filled with historical facts which were intriguing and somehow daunting since it made me realize that nothing much has changed. Regionalism, betrayal to one’s own countrymen and colonialism still remain to be our country’s issues today. While efforts of uniting the nation are being made, certain groups in Mindanao insist that they should be allowed to separate from the Philippines and form their own country. Because of this, tension has risen and blood has been shed. Just eight months ago, the Special Action Forces of the Philippines fought against other Filipinos during a clash in Mamasapano. The outcome of the battle was indeed one of the most painful and distressing loss of the country. Many paid respect and offered their prayers but the sad truth continues to prevail—we are our own enemies. Even if Americans left our country centuries ago, we still stand as victims of their colonization. We have given much attention to their culture that we would often forget we have our own. Because of this movie, I am more driven to fight for unity and independence. I have seen its dangers through history and I wish for everyone to learn from it. I believe that we should take it from our heroes who have fought for our nation to reach this state.