BICOL COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

R/F Tabuena St. Sagpon, Daraga, Albay

CHARACTER
FORMATION,
NATIONALISM AND
PATRIOTISM

BIEN, RODEL G
BSCRIM2-G

MARIA MARGARITA DE ASIS, RCRIM

PROFESSOR
 BICOL COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
R/F Tabuena St. Sagpon, Daraga, Albay

STUDENT: BIEN, RODEL

YEAR & BLOCK: BSCRIM2 - G
SUBJECT: CHARACTER FORMATION, NATIONALISM & PATRIOTISM
PROFESSOR: MARIA MARGARITA DE ASIS, RCRIM

Reflection Paper: (The Heneral Luna Movie)

The movie General Luna doesn't open with the main event like many other movies do;
instead, it introduces an interviewer named Joven Hernando who works for a publication
that aspires to carry on the traditions of La Independencia and who writes the first
article about General Antonio Luna's life. Joven Hernando, a fictional character,
emerged as a compelling means of addressing the generation's inquiries about what
happened in the past. By actually being in the scenario, the character played by Joven
Hernando became the generation's spokesperson for more historical research. Heneral
Luna depicts the reality of the past, and based on what I have seen in the present, that
reality has persisted up to this point. The movie demonstrates how politicians and other
prominent figures abused their positions of authority to change the law to suit their own
ends. favor. General Luna once said, "Walang nakakaangat sa batas, kahit ang
presidente," but just like before, there are still many people abusing their positions of
authority and power since few people are prepared to fight for and love their nation.
"Mga kapatid, mayroon tayong mas malaking kaaway kaysa mga Amerikano. Ang ating
sarili.” This was the quote that really hit me hard during the film. This was said by
Antonio Luna during the meeting with the other political associates. Isn't it true? I mean
look at us even right now. This Election last 2022, the entire nation of the Philippines
voted again for a new leader. But look at our running candidates, instead of planning to
help one another to achieve the best for our country, they are bashing and destroying's
one's reputation. We don’t need those campaigns that are destroying one another. We
have to raise our concern and care for our country. Campaigning helps to demonstrate
that it is not just your organization that is concerned about the issue but also members
of the public, voters and consumers. A successful campaign is one that demonstrates
the concern of large numbers of the public. We have to help each other because we are
not the enemy. For the Filipino voters, let’s exercise our right to choose leaders like
Hen. Luna who can set aside anything for the good of the nation. The film did an
amazing job of putting these concepts into action; as it gets to the core of protecting the
country worth fighting for, it becomes larger-than-life without being improbable. The
entire purpose of the movie is to support their assertion that they are the real enemy in
this conflict. Although though the Filipino and American armies are assaulting one
another, this conflict is really only of secondary importance. The underlying story of this
conflict is how many soldiers chose to stay off the battlefield, while certain leaders
choose to cooperate with the Americans. But their true objective is independence, and
the movie uses those who aren't helping out, those who are simply fleeing, and those
who are just not fans of Luna's assertiveness as a punchline. The historical narrative
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COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
R/F Tabuena St. Sagpon, Daraga, Albay
had a modern graphic novel feel to it and was incredibly clear, interesting, and
fascinating throughout. The script's humor was

an unexpected but essential component, from Luna's off-color expletives to Lt. Rusca's
(Archie Alemania) sardonic asides, and many others in between of various colors. The
patriotic sentiments were expressed here in a manner that felt true despite the fact that
they were phrased extremely expressively. They didn't seem stale or smug like when
Robin Padilla or Jeorge E.R. Ejército said the same lines in "Bonifacio" or "El
Presidente," respectively. In my opinion it was one of the best Pinoy movies I had
watched so far. As a Filipino, Heneral Luna gave us a glimpse of what Filipino film
industry can offer worldwide. The movie "Heneral Luna" does a good job of capturing
the soldier's experiences as his country went through one of its worst crises and began
to emerge as a nation after centuries of colonial oppression. I immediately saw General
Luna's passion as he rallies the country to fight the Americans, his fury, contempt, and
temper. The consummate patriot, Luna was a man's man who was prepared to battle
and sacrifice his life for his nation. His adversaries, even those who were more powerful
than him, became uneasy as he waged a revolt against those who were attempting to
annex his nation. The people who did not share his values of patriotism became his
internal opponents, despite the fact that his army proudly followed him. The film is truly
a masterpiece. This relates to real life events and touch the audience’s hearts through
strong emotional appeal which also help create good movie standards. The truth is what
most enjoys me while watching this is it can be overwhelming, frightening, irrational,
tender or idiotic and I do love to watch a good parody. It isn't just a film that we could
watch and enjoy. It is about our past, our ancestors who fought for freedom, our
motherland! The film didn't just really focus about Antonio Luna but also some of the
events during the Philippine- American War. For example, it showed how the war started
when there was a misunderstanding between the American and Filipino soldiers.
Antonio Luna was really a good general but very conceited. General Antonio Luna's
existence will never be forgotten. He is renowned for being a bright, brave, and second-
phase Revolutionary War tactician as well as the typical hothead. In order to prepare for
battle in the Revolution, he used his skills of studying and researching military science,
tactics, field fortifications, battalion tactics, national defense, and organization. Despite
his extensive expertise, he fell victim to factionalism and was killed by Filipino soldiers in
Cabanatuan on June 5, 1899. He passed away at a young age of 32, but his words for
the independence of the Motherland shall live on. He really showed his love for his
country by risking his life in battle. He is the kind of leader who, if there is a problem with
his methods, will not ask his followers to fix it; rather, he will be the one to figure out how
to fix the problem because he is a guy who leads through pure acts rather than a man
who leads via too many demands. He is also a smart man due to the words of wisdom
he frequently imparts to his subordinates in an effort to increase their passion for our
nation.

The moment at the train station where Heneral Luna tried to speak English but
eventually gave up and just arrested the conductor is one of the funniest parts. The
moment Henry Luna rode his horse and attacked the American camp alone was the
tensest for me. His bravery was enough to inspire his troops to fight on even if they
we’re losing heart. The murder of Henry Luna is the most shocking and violent, in my
 BICOL COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
R/F Tabuena St. Sagpon, Daraga, Albay
opinion. I felt weak and enraged with each gunfire and bolo hit. Hen's bodies, which are
dead. I had goosebumps when I saw Luna and Paco Roman being carried like the
gladiators in the well-known mural Spoliarium. I also have reaction about the reaction of
some of my block mates and

other people while watching the film or after watching it I already have watch Heneral
Luna before and it is my second time to watch it during class. With all due respect to
some of the people who are saying negative comments about Aguinaldo, Mabini,
Buencamino, and any other people who had a negative involvement with Luna, I think
it's brave for them to say negative things like "ang sama sama naman ni Aguinaldo,
G'go siyal" and many more. Do they think Luna is such a clean person? NO! He also
had deviant behaviors. That's what you'll think because well yeah, the movie focus on
Luna. But in my opinion, Luna, Aguinaldo, Buencamino, and many much more are all
the same. They are our heroes who think differently but still tried something for the sake
of the Philippines. Returning to the point that many artistic licenses were taken, the film
injects a tremendous amount of humor and violent panache into this history. Again, the
brutality is excessive. It does get quite symbolic at times, especially at the climax. The
humor is obviously directed just at the characters who aren't trying to help and those
who are scared of having to deal with Luna's wrath once more. And when it's not
attempting to be funny, we just get to see the plot develop more in the background
through its past and other characters. Films must be quotable, comprehensible, and
reveal the personalities and roles of every character. These may be something that
makes us laugh, challenges us, or terrifies us, or it entertains us. The movie was able to
depict contemporary life using the hues of the Filipino-American War. Scenes showing
colonial mindset, partiality, and misuse of the chain of command were consistent with
the movie's tagline, "Bayan o Sarili" (country or self). In the end, the way this tragedy
has been portrayed has raised a lot of feelings and queries. It brought me to a really low
point that I can only compare to the demise of hope, and it left me furious about why this
country is set up the way it is. Possibly the high caliber of the production really
magnifies this emotional effect.
Joven Hernando, the interviewer, leaves a remarkable question saying that why should
Filipinos kill fellow Filipinos, it is also the same as killing the freedom of the Philippines,
finally, he reminisces all the messages that General Luna taught him about how
Filipinos should fight for the country. Heneral Luna affirms that Filipino lacks of depth
and comprehension that's why his plans as a General failed to be delivered. There was
no one to understand him, not even the president. Heneral Luna begs us to look beyond
the stereotypes of both the man and the history that has been made around him. It begs
us to see everything with clearer eyes, with just enough skepticism, and more
importantly, without the influence of those who have greatest to gain for turning on
history into spectacle or brave and umblemished patriots, of those who hanged heroes
without owning up to their sins. Heneral Luna shows the reality of the past and as what i
have observed in the present times, the reality of the past has been carried out until the
present. The film shows have politicians and certain people with high positions used
their names, positions, and power to bend the rules in their favor. The truth is, we may
be in a position like anyone in the film, General Luna, Gen. Aguinaldo, the young Joven,
the military men, the rich men, or the ordinary Filipino at the time. But at the end of the
day, it does not really matter whoever and whatever we are. What matters is the role we
 BICOL COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
R/F Tabuena St. Sagpon, Daraga, Albay
have to play in loving about desirable change and how well we are able to play such
role. "Sayin' mo sa mga Pilipino na hindi nila makakamit ang kalayaan sa pag-aaruga
sa kanilang mahal sa buhay. Kailanan nilang magbayad! ... Ng dugo at pawis.
Kailangan nilang tumalon sa Kawalan!" There are many people shouting about how
they want the system to change. But allow me a chance to ask: Are you prepared to be
tormented by the change that you so much desire? As for me, I'll just say that I'm willing
because I know it's the right thing.to

do, and I'll defend my position just as Heneral Luna did up until the moment he died. In
the present day, we require a hegemonic Luna. A fierce Luna who will fight to the last
end. A patriotic Heneral Luna who is willing to serve the entire nation. Joven is a
modern-day youth emblem. We are not guilty of being aware of the truth. Many
questions are running through our minds. Furthermore, there are many aspects of the
past that we are genuinely ignorant of. The movie Heneral Luna serves as a wake-up
call to every Filipino, showing us that change and freedom should not be reserved for
ourselves alone, but rather for the entire nation. It also serves as a reminder that the
Philippine film industry deserves high recognition because it is capable of producing
films that can compete with those from other nations.

SUBMITTED BY:
BIEN, RODEL
BSCRIM2-G

SUBMITTED TO:
MARIA MARGARITA DE ASIS, RCRIM