The film has successfully avoided vilifying them (or at least, that’s how I perceived it). Unfortunately, the film portrays not only the humanity of General Luna but also the humanity of the villains. Because of our natural sense of righteousness, the horrific death of General Luna doesn’t sit well with us.īut then again, if we had another Luna in our midst, would we agree with his callous ways? Would we be comfortable with his way of discipline and control? Would we hate him for his guts? Would we avenge our bruised pride by executing the abusado? Would we, like Buencamino, justify his death by thinking he deserves it? When watching the film, many of us are bound to hate the villains (we know who they are). It is so much easier to stay quiet than fight. In times of desperation, such as war, it is a lot easier to favour our businesses, families, and personal interests rather than do what is right. What makes the film so unnerving for me is that, if you think about it, most of us are more similar to Paterno, Mascardo, Buencamino, and Janolino than we are to Luna. No, it’s not even about Luna’s heroism and tragedy. It’s not because of the cinematography and the actors’ brilliant acting. But it’s not because it has the makings of a classic.
It’s been hours since I saw the film (long overdue since I should have watched it during its first week but I never had the time), and I still can’t stop thinking about it. But more importantly, it also doesn’t fail to show the core of his humanity: his love for his country.Īs much as I would want this to be a formal review, I cannot reduce my thoughts to something so structured. It shows Luna as a ruthless leader, a loyal friend, a charming lover, and an obedient son. The movie doesn’t fail to show Luna’s humanity. General Luna can be cruel, vulgar, and controlled by pride. And in the most twisted way, despite the bitter taste of the general’s assassination, you couldn’t really disagree with Buencamino. This is what Felipe Buencamino says at the end of the movie, obviously referring to General Antonio Luna. What probably makes Heneral Luna a great movie is the fact that it does not attempt to make a saint out of the hero.