Archive for September 2015

Home Archive for September 2015

It was a Saturday filled with fun and new learning. It was a great time watching different movies with your friends and at the same time learning different things which can actually affect us. These movies made me realized that there are a lot of unravelling stories out there that should be told to everyone. These stories may be different from each of our story, but these can perhaps help and enlighten us to the untold world we are living right now.

Source: https://theregularmoviegoer.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/ilo-ilo.jpg

One of the films screened on that day talks about family and the bond between a Filipina, Terry, who works as a nanny and a Singaporean child, Jia Le, who’s a brat. Ilo- Ilo is a story that is full of uncertainty but with love and affection. It was set during the Asian financial crisis back in 1997. Jia Le’s parents always put their attention to their work and money. His parents decided to hire Teresa (simply as Terry) to watch over Jia Le. She has a child back in her hometown but she decided to leave her son to work abroad to give him a better living of life. Jia Le learned how to obey Terry and in the end he shows and revealed his sweeter side towards his nanny. Terry shows how compassionate she is towards her job, not as a nanny but as a “mother” to Jia Le who’s in need of love and affection from his own parents. Teresa symbolizes the character of most Filipinos who are working abroad; one who can bear the sufferings and pain just to give their family a decent living back home. Jia Le’s family, on the other hand, shows that every family from all over the world can also have challenges in life, no matter what country you are living in. This simply shows that a family can get through a challenge when love and affection for each other will always be present in the relationship.

Correspondingly, Flor Contemplacion’s story is somewhat different from the story of Teresa. Flor was executed back in 1995 for allegedly killing a fellow domestic helper and the child she was taking care of. Terry, on the other hand, was treated like a family while working abroad.

Source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/K8wQzA8WB2k/maxresdefault.jpg

Pinoy Transkings, on the other hand, is an eye opener for me. I did not know before that there are a lot of transmen in the Philippines. These people have different stories to be told, but because of our society, they remained to be untold. Their life may be full of lies; hiding the truths running through their veins These transmen are also looking for happiness which everyone is also dreaming of. And for them, being true to who they really are, is the key to their joy. I salute them for being brave enough to face this society and finding the truth that will bring much happiness within them. It is somehow inspiring especially for those people who disguise in real world. I just hope many people will open their minds on this issue and accept them for who they truly are. May this film be also an eye opener for most people… that male and female are not just the two sexes exist. I also hope that one day, society will gladly accept them.

Source: http://gunghofilmsmanila.ph/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nawawala.jpg

Meanwhile, Ang Nawawala was the last film showed on that day. This film tells a story about family and the hipster lifestyle of the youth today. It was seen that the production design was vintage which was significant to the life of the characters. Gibson’s family were all dressed in retro in the film. This gave me a hint that their family was stuck in the past time; that they still can’t move on from the dark past that happened. Time somehow stopped after Gibson’s brother, Jaime, died in a tragic accident.

Overall, I enjoyed this Saturday movie marathon. It was a fun day with the class and at the same time, an educational weekend. It gave me awareness about certain things and new perspectives in life. I hope films like these will be much appreciated by many people because it teach different things that actually help and inspire us.

Who wouldn’t want to watch a movie with a half percent discount in price and at the same time a fun way of learning the history of our country? Heneral Luna may actually be what we need for us to understand the previous way of life. This movie is making noise from different people especially in the social media. History gives us another opportunity once again to look back and learn more from the past.

In the start of the film, it shows a Nipa Hut which is the Philippine national house, burning in fire. This is a symbol of our mother land who suffers in pain in hands of colonizers. There was also a bird soaring high in the blue sky which may also be a symbol of our land who’s in need of peace and freedom. The lighting in the beginning of the film is also kind of dim. Meanwhile, the camera work is excellent. I also noticed that they used bird’s eye angle in some of the scenes and camera panning used in the flashback. The color is grayish blue and sometimes yellowish.

In the scene where Luna tried to resign as a General, the background was white, indicating that he gives up his position. But when Emilio Aguinaldo comes out of the picture, the background turns into red. There was also a scene where Luna plays a guitar, facing the moon. Aguinaldo’s close up face was also seen. This indicates the tension rises between both of them. While playing the guitar, Luna’s mother knocked on his door. Luna sat down and closed his eyes and flashback began as his mother retold the story when he was still a child. I also noticed this woman dressed in retro style in the flashback scene wherein she sat down as the painter sketches her. This shows the painting of Antonio Luna’s brother, Juan Luna, The Parisian.

Meanwhile, there were some roofs of the house and the church which used galvanized iron sheets (yero) which are inappropriate knowing that this film was set in the late 1900’s.

On the other hand, in the scene where General Luna went to Aguinaldo’s office and instead Felipe Buencamino was there, the lighting was dim which may indicate something dark might happen. When Luna went out of the office, there were a number of presidential guards outside. Suddenly, the katipunero slashes Luna’s face using bolo which angered him. But then, the other katipuneros shot him using their guns many times leaving Luna helpless and weak. When he died, the picture turned into red which means bloody and justice. His killers dragged his dead body leaving a picture of the Spoliarium, a mise- en- scene, which also painted his brother, Juan. The people also wear black which symbolizes grief and sorrow.

The last scene was when Aguinaldo saying lies to the public saying he was not the mastermind of Luna’s killing. Aguinaldo and Buencamino sugarcoated themselves by telling the story in a 360 degree turn. The background for this scene was a Philippine flag in crumple that slowly burns in fire. In the beginning of the film, a Nipa hut burns while in the last part, our own Philippine flag burns. This means that we are still not free from all the pains and sufferings.

The movie tackles the themes that still haunt us in the present: betrayal and human rights violation. We are our worst enemies. Just like in this society we are living today, especially in the world of politics where public officials betray the Filipino people by means of stealing billions of money from the public that violates the rights of every people in this nation.

Overall, Heneral Luna helped us, millenials, to see world of the Philippine-American War. And perhaps, this film questions us and waits for us, the next heroes of this generation to take an action in this society where betrayal still exists. The unravelling truths from the past are the lessons that will help us in pursuing the dreams that Filipinos are still dreaming of – truth, peace and freedom.

Source: http://noeljose.com/entertainment/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/Heneral-Luna-Poster.jpg

Heneral Luna a film that bagged the social media; facebook and twitter. Directed by Jerrold Tarog who also directed Sana Dati shown in Cinemalaya last 2012 which, I’ve also seen, is one of the talented director this time. Heneral luna is fact based with a touch of fiction as the first few lines in the movie “history is a combination of real and imaginary”. It is a fact based history film helped the Filipino Cinema to be once again loved and appreciated by the market. I can say that this is appropriate today especially election is coming—people can think what’s the difference between being patriotic and those people who just love to be in power.

Antonio Luna is one of the ilustrados who had the chance to study in Europe, where liberalism idea was introduced. He also studied military tactics and eventually appointed as general. Truly, Luna is one the brilliant heroes of our country. During the late Spanish colony till American rule, Luna is one of the people who wanted to reclaim the freedom of the country. In the film there some foreshadowing happened prior to Luna’s death. First from the direct line of Aguinaldo regarding Bonifacio’s death “natatakot ako… na baka maulit muli”. Second, when Luna is playing the guitar at first it was in mellow tune, prospectively, there were hard and loud notes indicating danger. The cinematography is very well executed and the actors are veterans. The costumes and the characters were successfully established the era. The film is a history based but there is a very pinoy kick, some jokes and funny characters. Also in the film, the flag was seen at the first and last scene. A flag is a representation of a free and independent country, at the first scene when Luna was being interviewed the flag is clean and neat but at the last scene the flag was being burned and seemed to be stabbed with blood representing that the freedom, truth and independence is being stabbed and burned. The ‘Spolarium’ painted by Juan Luna was also seen in the film when Luna and his right hand soldier was being dragged by the opponents as seen in the painting.

Truly, history is the reflection of our country today. Some of the practices in government and politics are still seen nowadays. It is a reflection that there are people who are ready to kill their fellow Filipinos just to be in power. On the other hand, it is also an eye opener to a lot of Filipinos to be critical in what’s happening in the Philippine government and be aware of our history.

As Heneral Luna fought for the freedom of Philippine independence, giving hope to those strive to be not ruled by the Americans, the film itself I believe gives new hope for Philippine made movies to be watched again by many. The movie Heneral Luna shows a higher standard, a quality and significantly made movie showed in mainstream cinemas. Although it's marketing lacks in promoting the film, there are still movie goers who watched the film.

The way I observed these audiences, I am glad that young adults like me and not only adults watched the movie. Also the response that the movie is getting from social media sites are positive and showed that there are a lot people interested in the film even wanting for it to have a sequel.

"Heneral Luna" directed by Jerrold Tarog features the great general Antonio Luna, who is one of the important figures in the Philippine-American war and fought resistance from once again falling to the rule of another country. The film shows the leadership of this great figure in Philippine history and his tragic murder which is still unsolved, the truth of his death is still wrapped in the shadows of the past and here through this film sparks once more the mystery and the justice that still needs to be brought to this great man who gave his life for the independence of his mother land. It also showed the events which we knew to be true and the reality that really took place. The film unravels history straightforwardly with details the remind us once more the lessons in history we have come to know through our history books.

The actors of the movie truly gave an exemplary performance. John Arcilla's performance as the actor of Hen. Antonio Luna is something to be applaud and be recognized. He embodied the description of Antonio Luna as a hot tempered and prideful man and gave a performance worthy to be recognized as a great Filipino actor. John Arcilla portrayed Antonio Luna as an intense, egotistical, and pretentious man who prides himself of making the Philippines as an independent and strong country. His performance is the one that captivates the attention of the audience to know the Antonio Luna. The supporting roles' acting also need to be acknowledged. The characters that they embodied dialogued well with the main roles.

The cinematography and shots of the film have established well the period of the film and the places the important events in history took place. The establishing shots of the hills and mountains, he cinematic moment wherein Luna facing away from the audience looking over the fields where the American camp is set, these kind of shots gave the audience an "epic feel" of the places the story is set. Through the shots, direction and blocking of the characters it helped in making the film as a period film through it's fast paced editing and raw, in-your-face shots of scenes which realistically shows the action happening during war.Also, the construction of each scene give a deeper meaning than what meets the eye. Scenes such as the scene wherein Mabini and Aguinaldo talking to each other and Mabini is lighted more than Aguinaldo which seems to show that Mabini is the one who enlightens and advices Aguinaldo.There was also a scene wherein the letter being folded and stamped by the seal of the Philippine Republic wherein the lighting was red. The letter contained the order of Aguinaldo requesting the presence of Luna to the place where he met his end.

The soundtrack of the movie complements the feel of the scene. It did not overpower or distracted the audience from what is happening at that sequence. There was a montage wherein Luna plays the guitar facing the window with a full moon. At first he plays the guitar softly then as scenes wherein there was a plot against Luna being shown, the music changes in intensity giving the idea that there is something wrong going to happen.

The production design, from the set and the props, was appropriate and according to the period. There were flaws such as the construction of the bridge in one scene wherein they were about to cross. The bridge in the scene had cemented railing wherein during the 1800's the bridges didn't have any. But the overall set such as in the houses and rooms showed authentic Spanish-Filipino homes. The production design also helped in showing a deeper meaning of some scenes. When Luna once again met Buencamino in the room wherein he was supposed to meet Aguinaldo, the curtains in the room where red giving a hint that blood between the two will be spilled. After that scene was the slow murder of Luna outside by Aguinaldo's soldiers. The last scenes showed the Philippine flag all bloody, dirty, quite torn like it was hanged after the war. It is shown in the background when the Americans were drinking upon learning the death of Luna and occupation of Intramuros and when Emilio Aguinaldo and Felipe Buencamino were being interviewed.

When Antonio Luna's mother came to his room wherein a flashback unfolded of his childhood and his times in Spain, one of the paintings of Juan Luna, brother of Antonio, entitled "The Parisian Life" was showed. He created this painting during his times in Paris. Tragedy stroke at this time when his infant daughter died and his wife had an extra-marital affair. Because of his jealousy he killed his wife and mother-in-law. The French court originally charged him with "crime of passion" but was later freed. Maybe this subtle appearance of the painting in the film hints that the murder of Antonio Luna is a "crime of passion" of his enemies.

Another painting scene showed in the movie is Antonio Luna and Paco Roman's body being dragged by the soldiers. The painting scene were it is similar or inspired to was also Juan Luna's painting entitled "The Spoliarium". In the painting, two bloodied, dying gladiators were being dragged from the arena. In Rizal's toast he said that these "slave gladiators were being dragged away after entertaining their Roman oppressors with their lives...stripped to satisfy the lewd contempt of their Roman persecutors with their honor". Just as the scene in the movie, Luna and Roman are the gladiators, slaves in the eyes of those higher in position or in power at their time. They were men who were stripped down from their honor, dragged away like slaves, inhumanely slaughtered. The Roman persecutors in their case are those who condemned their death with such dishonor.

"Heneral Luna" definitely broke away from the stigma that period films do not have a good market. Jerrold Targo along with the producers and crews of the film showed that it is possible that Filipino period films could be interesting and be watched. May "Heneral Luna" pave way to more films that show values, significance, and creativity with less regard of the huge profit that most companies want to achieve and be an inspiration to them to make films that would uplift the Filipino standard.

Ang Nawawala by Marie Jamora

Ang Nawawala is a film by a local director showcased in Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival last 2012. It is a story of a boy who was traumatized when his twin brother died in front of him since that day he did not speak again. After 10 years of travelling outside the country, Gibson Bonifacio who is now a 20-year-old and a charming boy find himself with his hometown and with his family. His family is still affected by the accident happened especially his mother who seems to be cold hearted when it comes to him. The relationship of his parents is also greatly affected they are not even sleeping together. Each of them is still broken by the dark past. Later on, music and love help Gibson to ease what he feels for a longest time. Until one New Year’s Eve, he finally had the courage to face his fears. As same scene when he was young, but this time at the last scene he had the guts to tell to his mother who he really is.

A notion of broken family is when parents are physically separated and not living in together but in this film a family could be identify as a broken family when most of the family members are internally damaged caused by different conflicts of life. It shows also that sometimes silence can be an escape from reality—suppressing your thoughts by not expressing it. In the film the resolution started when each challenged character learned to accept life challenges and move on. The film used iconic soundtrack like Minsan by Eraserheads that made it relatable with the young audience. Also the film used classic OPM songs too to establish the setting of the past that emerges with the present. Moreover, the appearance of Gibson’s twin could be interpreted in different ways. As I can see it, his brother is the way of a filmmaker to create other perspective with the matter or it could be Gibson is mentally ill that he developed schizophrenia. All over, the film is beautifully written and directed aided by great actors of generation today.

Ilo ilo by Anthony Chen

Ilo ilo was made by a Singaporean director last 2013 and won Camera d’or in Cannes Film Festival. This is a story of an OFW domestic helper forsaken her own family and tried her luck in different land to earn money. The film showcased the two values of two countries: Philippines and Singapore—family ties, courtesy and sacrificing for the sake of loved ones. It also represents the mundane living struggles of a family; when the father got bankrupt and had to find another job, the struggle of a pregnant mom to go to work and handling a naughty child, and adjusting in different day-to-day situations. Tere is a representation of all the domestic helper who also loves the child that she’s taking care of. As the ending song “ang pag-ibig mo sa kapwa ay tutularan ng bagong silang” If you show kindness, wherever you are, it will stay even if you left. Also the filmmaker was also successful representing the mothers all over the world that is kind and loving no matter what.

Meiji Cruz

By: Mary Ofelyn Datuin

How is it that in one Saturday I was able to look into the eyes of an Overseas Filipino Worker, several transgender men, and a boy would not dare speak crippled by his loss? An unexpected movie marathon awaited me as I walked through the doors of our classroom that day and the learning experience I had was more than just a story told.

For Teresa being away from your newborn child is a difficult thing for a mother to bear and being hundreds of miles away in a different country makes everything even worse. But as a mother, one does what a mother does even if it's not her own child she cares for. Her warmth was felt amidst the cold atmosphere that is evident in a constantly arguing household. Teresa was gentle yet stern towards a rowdy boy that eventually softened whenever it comes to her. Little Andrew was naughty even to the kindest of persons, but like most people they find comfort even in the most unexpected people and who would have thought it would be towards his own nanny who does not speak a word of his native lnguage? Just the sole reality of how the two characters developed was touching in its own.

In regards to Flor Contemplacion, we were able to see how not all families are alike. Because in Iloilo we could see that Teresa became a part of the family especially to Andrew and his father. They did not belittle her in fact they even questioned why she had to eat separately when they ate with the family of Andrew's mother. For Flor, she was accused and hanged and accepted the blame but for Teresa, Andrew's father came to explain what had happened when the mother saw the cigarette in the toilet. She had someone to defend her, someone who was not present with Flor's story. To them she was important, to the point that Andrew even sacrificed his own chicken for the hope that his prayers would be heard so that she would stay with them.

I cannot say I am someone who knows much about transgender people besides the fact that I
know they exist and are citizens of our country, but I guess that is why I have learned so much about them watching the documentary Transkings. We learn so much watching movies or reading about them in social media but we never get to really know what they had to go through in order to feel comfortable in their own skin. This documentary alone gave me answers to questions I knew no one to ask. Along with the forum that followed I could say I have learned about transgenders and have come to admire them, in a respectful manner, especially now that I have come to understand their emotions going through such a difficult part of their life. But what this documentary taught me the most is that of course you cannot please everybody so better yet, we should please ourselves wherein we would feel proud and have confidence in our own skin and live the life we wish to have.

Ang Nawawala was a film that captured me as a viewer when it came to its setting. The retro vibe of being stuck in the past when everyone was still happy, when the family was still together, when they were complete. That was evident alone with how the setting was designed. With Gibs, his clothes resembled those of what he wore when he was a kid; bowties, patterned shirts and the vests. From the smallest details we could see the state of the family still clinging onto the distant past more so that when Gibs' mother asked him during the flashback of who was he? "Sino ka?" that was only later answered at the very end of the film with the last words of: "It's me, ma. I'm Gibs. "

A broadened thinking and an inspired mind- that's what I felt as the day movie marathon ended. Waking up early, lacking sleep on a weekend was nothing when in exchange my mind was filled with understanding, inspiration, and feelings that make me check reality once more. The films I watched made me realize that the world is filled with stories that are yet to be told, waiting to be shared, and there is so much more than what I believe is cliche' storytelling.

One of the factors that made each film I watched feel real and are really inspirations in reality are the characters each film presented. In Iloilo, Teresa, an OFW who works for a Singaporean family, is someone who in each Filipino family has: an overseas Filipino worker going out of the country to find a better living for the sake of family. She represents the Filipinos in the film by her character of being someone who endures as much as she can, shows compassion and love even for someone else's family. Jiale and his parents represent families all over the world who are struggling in their own. In the film, the struggles of a family are showed which made each character relatable regardless of nationality or culture. Both Teresa and Jiale's family showed how different families around the world have the same or similar situations and yet made the viewers that amidst these problems love, trust, and hope for everything will be okay still exists. The way Anthony Chen shared a part of his life in this film through the various shots about the life of each character and the color schemes and color grading of the film drawn the viewers to the feel about each character's situation.

Another factor why the films I watched broadened my thinking is because where the story of each films are taken from. Pinoy Transkings, an advocacy documentary about Filipino women transitioning to men, is a great example. Before I watched the film, I did not have an awareness or prior knowledge of the women here in the Philippines transitioning to men. The documentary showed the process these Transkings have gone through to achieve the feeling of being whole, the happiness they think that they have longed for, and be who they think they really are. Although the technical aspects in the film like camera work, audio, lighting and shots are lacking, the story that they want people to be aware of still prevails. Nevertheless, the message is sent: women transitioning to men exist and not only men wanting to be women. The Transkings shared how they prepared in so many aspects, not only their body but also their mind and soul. It is inspiring how one would do everything, sacrificing and enter a labyrinth of challenges and struggles to achieve the happiness they have long yearned and to be who they are. Many still are not aware of them and so I hope that many more would be able to watch this film and have an awareness and be open minded about them. May this documentary open many doors for them to be accepted by society.

Last yet definitely not the least the factor of production design in each film. In Ang Nawawala, this movie showed as if it was stuck in a certain period. Like it is stuck in the past wherein the world of the characters in the story stopped because of the tragic death of Gibson's twin. The retro, vintage production design in contrast to the modern technology and millennial youth of the main character bring together the past and the present earning the taste of the viewers. The design of the house which showcased a lot of stuff from the 50's to the 80's and the fashion of the clothes the characters wore showed the time period were they were lost in time. From the indie songs which are really catchy to the simple ambient music, the soundtrack also made an impact in making this film what I think as a must watch. Gibson would only talk whenever he was with a guy in the washroom or within his personal space such as his bedroom. Later in the movie, the guy he's with is realized to be his dead twin. The mise-en-scene of these scenes of Gibson and his dead twin Jaime show that he only reveals his thoughts whenever he is on the influence of drugs or he is alone. The only time wherein Gibson and Jaime are showed outside is in Jaime's grave wherein they share on last smoke before Jaime vanishes which means to symbolize Gibson letting go of the past and his conscience on the tragic death of Jaime.

Iloilo, Pinoy Transkings, and Ang Nawawala are examples of movies that would show a person the capability of people to make films with impact and significance with creativity and eye for details. They showed how life experiences, the stories one possess can inspire and give awareness to those who are still in the shade of shelter from the bigger world. May films like them be marketed more in order to uplift the lowering standards of most Filipinos in mediocre and solely commercial purposed and for profit movies.

*Photo not mine

Heneral Antonio Luna the movie, I must say, is the movie of the year. Not just because, it is all about our history, but because it shows the current state of our motherland, the Philippines, by reminding us of the past.

The movie opens with Heneral Antonio Luna talking about his uniform that was designed by his brother, Juan Luna. According to him, he distributed the same type of uniforms to the other Filipino soldiers. His reason? Because he does not want the Americans to underestimate us. He wants to show to them that we are organized and ’kagalang-glang’. Unfortunately, his co-general does not want to wear the new uniform. The uniform in this scene is used as a metaphor with the relationship of the Filipinos to each other as not unified especially in the scene where one of his co-generals reacted on the way he maltreated a Caviteno for being irresponsible. They are thinking not as a nation, but as a region- one of the reasons of their downfall. ( Also, the sinag tala of the sun on his uniform shows the eight provinces who fought against the Spaniards. I think, it is a metaphor to our Filipino saying " Pasan na krus")

During the cabinet meeting, you will notice that Heneral Anotonio Luna and Emilio Aguinaldo are at both ends of the table. This shows the two desires or wants of the people within the cabinet- the people whose intention is more on a political side, like Buencamino and Paterno and those people who desire for freedom. Also, this scene shows equality between Luna and Aguinaldo. But this will change at the end of the movie.

The burning nipa hut and the American soldiers walking pass through the nipa hut symbolizes/ shows that we are being conquered. That our motherland, our home, was being taken away from us. This scene will be repeated at the end part of the movie.

This movie also shows that the early Filipinos value gender equality. This can be seen during the war where a soldier shouted, “ hoy! Bumalik nga kayo dito! Daig pa kayo ng mga babae oh!”. It proves that gender is not a hindrance in fighting in a war, if your intention is pure and for the freedom of your countrymen. Also, there are others scenes that show how Filipino value the importance of women.

If you will take a closer look, the color of the flag behind Antonio Luna’s (blue and red) and Emilio Aguinaldo’s office (red and blue) are not the same. The colors are switched for some reason. Maybe because, Aguinaldo is hiding his anger or jealousy to Luna, while Luna, has no idea and even thought that he and Aguinaldo are in good terms.

The Parisian painting of Juan Luna was also showed in the part where Antonio’s mother asked him to close his eyes. And at the last part of the movie, another Juan Luna work will be seen.

The train scene and the gathering of 2,000 men that became 4,000 symbolize the progress of our nation during that time- slow. But it also showed how Filipinos think of a way in order to fulfill the task. Just like what Luna did. He asked for three days and went back with 4,000 men. Sometimes, determination is the key.

Since, Mabini is the so called ´Utak ng Katipunan’ , it kind of reminds me of Odysseus- the smartest among the Greeks. Luna’s attitude (hot headed and boastful) reminds of Achilles, while Aguinaldo (crab mentality) slightly reminds me of King Agamemnon. This is kind of parallel to the Greek mythology.

The part where Luna was strumming his guitar and the tension between him and Aguinaldo arose; there was a moon that can be seen. And as we all know Luna in mythology is moon. And during night time, the moon is being surrounded by darkness, which is parallel to the dark aura between him and Aguinaldo.

And as I was saying earlier, the equality between Aguinaldo and Luna will soon disappear. It can be seen in the part where Aguinaldo was at the balcony, giving orders. It showed how powerful he is as the president of the Republic of the Philippines.

But there were also foreshadowing of events. Take a look at how the camera panned to Gregorio del Pilar, and how his uniform ‘s color similar to Luna’s at the end of the film. Coincidence? Maybe not. J

The last scene. The most breathtaking part of the movie. The Spoliarium painted by Heneral Antonio Luna’s brother, Juan Luna, can be seen.

The last scene before credits role on was a burning flag that symbolizes our nation’s downfall (until today).

And as for the camera technique, most of the scenes used panning as a way of telling story. It has the same technique used in the commercial of Prada. Is it effective? Well, of course yes! Most especially the choice of words and the acting of the character. And as for the production design, it is quite obvious that it is indeed such a beauty and well prepared design. However, there is a ‘yero’ during the war scene. And during those days, ‘yero’ still does not exist. But as for the cellphone, I was not really able to see it. Though according to my professor it is quite big to notice.

This movie, as what I have said earlier reminds us, Filipinos, of our crappy values such as crab mentality (most especially because of the upcoming elections) and our regional mentality. We are all Filipinos, and Philippines is our motherland. We should all think of each other for we are brothers and sisters, and this is our nation. Also, this movie uses a satire kind of language. Sarcastic, comedy, yet serious and dark.

In today’s politics, since the upcoming election for president is getting closer, I should say that this movie came out just in time! Why you ask? Simply because it also shows how the politicians of the early times abused their power and their connections to be excused of the crimes that they are guilty of. Just like what Buencamino and Paterno did. This movie also showed what can a powerful government or a person can do.

Since I am huge fan of the Philippine history, I really did enjoy the movie. Especially the last scenes wherein the characters where saying their feelings as if they were confessing. Also, it kind of reminds me of the present As for learnings, I learned that we teamwork is what really needed while working with a group. And of course, trust. Let us prove to Heneral Luna that we are united. Let us not bring him down.

By: Mary Ofelyn Datuin

For years Filipino students were taught in their history class or Araling Panlipunanabout the courageousness and sacrifice our heroes have gone through in order to defend and promote our country’s independence and democracy. We’ve heard and read about the written works of our national hero Jose Rizaland how he has come to fight for liberation against the Spaniards without having to wield neither a sword nor a gun. How Andres Bonifacio led the KKK into battle in order to free us from the Spanish chains of oppression and tyranny. We’ve come to learn of other significant people that helped in fighting for our country such as Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini and Marcelo del Pilar. Now we look into the life of one more Filipino who fought for our country this time, against the Americans who just as the Spaniards, colonized our motherland and not as a side character but as a lead role of his own that embodies the spirit of a Filipino hero – with courage, determination and nationalism.

Watching Heneral Luna opened my eyes to the dark history of our country; the betrayal of our leaders, the pride and individualism that tarnished our flag of bloodshed and the loss of a great hero. But besides the anger that boiled in me after watching the film, what captured my attention were the technical elements that highlighted the film’s enticing and quite humorous story.

One element that was striking was the lighting. During the several meetings that took place throughout the film, we could see the brightness of the lighting whenever Heneral Luna spoke. However, as the camera moved towards the president at the time (unfortunately) – Emilio Aguinaldo, it seemed as though it was dim and quite dark, leading me to believe that while Heneral Luna was a person with a clear incentive of fighting for the Filipinos, Aguinaldo however had a dark and hidden motives for the Philippines.

One of my favorite scenes throughout the film was when Heneral Luna’s mother reminisced the time when Luna was not yet a general. The paneling alone is one that I have not yet gotten over. The way the camera moved from one character to the other highlighting each one with his/her own shot was something I have not yet seen before and one I gladly appreciate today. It followed the past of Luna from the time he was a little boy, to when he was in Paris and met our national hero, Rizal and then was brought back to his room where his mother caressed him ever so gently. It moved me so much as I was able to learn about him in less than a few minutes that gave me goose bumps as I watched. Another scene that amazed me was when Luna sat on one side of the bed while Isabel sat on the other. The way the camera moved as they lifted out of bed separately following to a shot that showed them together with the use of the bed’s drapes as a cover was one I noticed with great awe.

Heneral Luna, although spoke about a very serious event that happened in our country, did not leave its viewers more than just anger, hatred and confusion throughout the film, rather the movie was still rich in humor and wit. I could quote the amusing words of our not-so-serious general; “mierde!” or “punyeta!” and let’s not forget the meme that was made after viewers watched the film: “bigyan niyo ako ng tatlong araw”, “Heneral Artikulo Uno”, and my personal favorite: “nauubusan na ako ng English!” and of course his contagious laugh. But humor was not the only thing the film was rich in, instead it was full of eye-catching mise-en-scene. They were those that I anticipated for the most coming in the theater, and the cell phone sir spoke about, to the point I would dare not blink in fear of missing one.

I got a chance to see La Parisienne during the story telling of Heneral Luna’s mother painted by none other than his brother, Juan. I saw the flag that whenever Luna stood in front of it the blue color was in its ride side symbolizing peace. However, whenever Aguinaldo was in front of it, the blue shifted to the left and the red was on its right symbolizing that the country was at war, another symbolism that in the hands of Aguinaldo, the country was in danger. Among those I have noticed, the Spolarium that I waited for in the film that dragged the hero I have come to love in his most gruesome state. Whose blood drenched his uniform symbolizing the stronghold of the Philippines as a proud general along with his loyal companion, Paco was another scene that caught my attention – the tattered and bood stained flag of our country. At the end of the film we could see how tarnished it was with blood and was filled with wounds that were similar to those of Heneral Luna’s, with gun shots and slashes from the swords that struck our brave hero. His death indeed was a scar to the Philippines that even his fellowmen were so willing to cause. During the scene when Luna’s coffin was carried by the soldiers whose clothes were all red, just as so as the color of blood, it symbolizes that those in red were those responsible for his death. All except for Emilio Jacinto who was the only one who wore white. By the end of the film, Emilio Aguinaldo, Felipe Buencamino and Eduardo Rusca spoke in front of the camera as if they were being interrogated of the death of Luna. It was as if they were speaking to us, and as viewers were responsible of the death of Luna because we saw it with our very own eyes because at the very end we were told that the killers of Luna were never caught and yet we knew. Although the film did tell us also, that some scenes were work of fiction I can’t help but be swayed by it and I find this as a personal mise-en-scene to notice. Finally, the flag burned along with the words that informed us of what had happened after Luna’s death wherein I understood from it that as justice was not brought to Luna, the flag was also given an injustice that consumed it altogether. The loss of a hero was a blow that brought our country into perish and thereby we were consumed by the Americans just as the fire did with our beloved flag.

I admit that this film moved me more than I expected it to do so, but more than that, I was able to realize how much my colonial mentality was brought about by a dark history in our county. I used to dislike watching Filipino films because they were cliché and I dislike the actors we have today, but what film appreciation has taught me is that not all Filipino films are corny although most of those we have in the cinemas are commercialized and are still cliché we do have ones that are a special treat to watch. Heneral Luna was one of them, it taught me to be proud of my country and to appreciate the heroes we have because they were the ones who fought the battle a person like me would dare to face.

ILO ILO

*Photo not mine

In relation to Flor Contemplacion’s story, IloIlo is quite the opposite of it. Why? Because it showed how the Singaporean Family value the maid in the movie IloIlo. However, I noticed some resemblance to the Flor Contemplacion story. The part where the kid tried to smoke and just throw the cigarette at the toilet, is similar to Flor Contemplacion’s story where she was blames for allegedly killing her fellow Filipina domestic helper and drowning it’s alaga at the toilet. The other scene was when she (maid in IloIlo) was being forced to say the truth that she was the one who was smoking. The same thing happened to Flor Contemplacion. She was forced to accept the bintang to her. But at the end (Flor being allegedly bintang that she killed her fellow Filipina domestic helper) they figured out that it was impossible that a female would kill or break a someone’s neck. The same thing happened when the father admitted that he was the one who was smoking cigarette the whole time.

Some of the scenes where the maid was valued:

· During the dinner where they allowed the maid to pray and when they eat together with the maid.

· During the family dinner where the kid wants to let her yaya stay and he gave her food.

· The moment when the mother gave the maid a lipstick and some old clothes.

PINOY TRANSKINGS

*Photo not mine

This is really a good documentary. It brought me somewhere that I’ve never been before. It brought me to the world of the transmen. It enlightened me and gave me an idea about how or what these people feel about themselves and the society’s outlook to them. Pinoy Transkings gave me the opportunity to see the struggles of these people. Though, I am really still confused about how they are different from the third sex. But it gave me an idea, that there are people out there who are like them. And that they exist and needs to be respected. To be honest, it made me curious about the other sexes. Because growing up, we are taught in schools that there are only two sexes-male and female. But in reality, there is no such thing as two sexes. They need to be known and recognized by the public. Hopefully, as years will pass by, society will be open, like fully open minded and accept these people.

ANG NAWAWALA

*Photo not mine

The production design plays a huge part in the movie. If you will notice Gibson’s family are wearing retro clothes. It gave me an idea that they are like trapped in the past and that they could not move on. To be honest, I really did not get the theme of this movie. But what I like about this movie is the connection of the past story where Don Zuleata was asking the young Gibson, “who are you? Tell me! Who are you?” and the last scene where Gibson said, “Ma, It’s Gibson”.

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