Reader’s Response Criticism: Heneral Luna

Heneral luna is a powerful and eye-opening historical film directed by Jerrold Tarog
depicting the life and leadership of General Antonio Luna in the Philippines Revolutionary
Army during the Philippine-American War. It is based on the facts and information
gathered by Heneral Luna and his team and is engrossing due to its graphics and emotions.
Heneral Luna displays his bravery and aggression for cowards and traitors, as well as his
devotion to the country he adores. The message of the movie is that we need to save
ourselves from our own selves. In other words, we must not put our trust easily to the people
around us. This is because we can not make sure if the people around us are good or bad.
The director of the film was not able to show just Heneral Luna’s true tale but also the
lives of the Filipinos. Many Filipinos, particularly the youth, are drawn to it because it offers
them the power of bravery and cooperation. The fight between Luna and his men and the
Americans is a function of art, as it depicts various forms of art during a battle conveys
emotion via the actor’s movements.
The film demonstrates how difficult it is to battle for freedom between Filipinos and
Americans. It also reveals gaps in our past such as killings of General Luna and Andres
Bonifacio. President Emilio Aguinaldo interprets authority in both positive ways. The film
emphasizes that there are hidden stories behind every story and that we should consider
those little matters.
There are scenes and lines from the movie that really got our attentions, just like what
General Antonio Luna said “Negosyo o Kalayaan, Bayan o Sarili pumili ka!” This shows
that there are some people who will choose their personal interest over something big that
will benefits others.
Overall, the film was totally engaging from its visual effects up to the characterization
and emotions shows that the movie is worth to watch. The movie is highly recommended to
the youth to give them awareness and knowledge regarding on what the hero did and how it
contributed inspiration to our fellowmen. This part of our history will emphasize that there
are things that we don’t already know and there are hidden stories behind every story which
is untold. We should consider those little matters because they’re more that what we expect.