Movie Critique Paper of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral

By: Rasheline Divine R. Edenan - ITS

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is a 2018 Philippine epic war drama film, a continuation of
the movie Heneral Luna where Philippine is still battling against the United States. Paulo
Avelino played the role of “Batang Heneral”, named after the young and innocent Gregorio del
Pilar, who fought valiantly for his loyalty to President Emilio Aguinaldo and died during the
historic Battle of Tirad Pass. Many Filipinos appreciated this groundbreaking successful movie
that is directed by one of our Filipinos best director Jerrold Tarog, whose films withstand the
quality of the Philippine mainstream, where it actually cancel the mistake of honoring the heroes
of the Philippine-American War.

This movie was a story of how Gregorio Del Pilar fight alongside the Filipinos and led
the Philippine Revolutionary Army to the Philippine-American war in 1899. President Aguinaldo
chooses Goyo to lead the Army to fight in the war because of his good leadership, even if he is
still young after the death of General Luna. Goyo’s unconditional loyalty to President Aguinaldo
made him blind to the reality. Amidst Goyo’s leadership in the army, he found the person that he
wants to share his life with, Remedios. Due to the Americans strong number of army, the war
started unexpectedly in the middle of Goyo and Remedios’ courtship. Before the fight for
freedom of the Filipinos, Remedios wrote a letter for Goyo telling that she wants to marry a man
that will always be there by her side for the rest of her life and not a soldier above the sky, which
motivated him to do his best in order to win the war. Goyo come up with a plan that he thinks
that will help them win, but, unluckily, he’s strategy was countered by the Americans which led
to the Filipinos lose the fight. The Filipino army retrieved when one of the American army shot
Goyo in the back of his head. After Goyo’s death, the Philippine Revolutionary falls apart and
President Aguinaldo surrender in the war between the Filipinos and Americans.

Even if his Goyo’s love for Remedios had distracted him from the challenges ahead, he
eventually learned to truly love the ideals of honor, duty, and sacrifice. While he might have
conflated loyalty to his country, he ultimately surrendered his life in defending his country. This
movie also shows us that not all the heroes that we look up since we are little are strong enough
to handle the burden of fighting for the sake of our country.

To conclude this movie critique I would step into something personal and opinionated.
When I decided to start the Goyo movie, I am somewhat feeling upbeat, optimistic, and eager to
enjoy it. Yet, an aspect of me felt worn out, depressed, and disappointed after watching. The
message for me derived from this is that, if you want to affect meaningful change in this society,
don't wait for a hero's demise or one really bold act of bravery that will make people admire you.
It might never exist. Instead, strive to perform simple, beneficial deeds every day that add up to a
decade of achievement. The majority of true acts of heroism performed in modern times may go
unnoticed, according to the truth of heroism. Consider the anonymous physicians, nurses,
researchers, legislators, and entrepreneurs who have influenced people's lives, built communities,
and sparked a wave of change. Although he was a good soldier, his age of 23 might have been a
factor. He lacked maturity and leadership experience. To sum, don't watch Goyo if you're hoping
to witness the storied bravery of one of the country's youngest generals. You should watch it to
discover the truth that hides beneath the surface. They are heroes because they act and do, not
because they aspire to be heroes.