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A Movie Review: Ang Unang Pangulo

James Verceles Rabor

Senior High School, San Juan National High School

English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Mr. Oliver June S. Vallejo

March 20, 2024

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A Movie Review on Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo was a historical film about the life of Andres

Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary who founded “Katipunan”. The movie was directed by

Enzo Williams and was released on December 25, 2014.

The movie known for being a historical and dramatic cinema. This movie is a great

representation of how Filipino`s and country`s national heroes fought for the freedom of

many Filipino`s against Spanish colonizer.

The purpose of the film is to highlight the importance of Philippine historical events

during the oppression of Spanish rulers. Valuing the heroic actions, decisions, and sacrifices

of Andres Bonifacio during his journey to be the first President of the Philippines till his

honorable death. One of its purpose is to recognize the unity of the different country`s

national heroes. Jose Rizal (Jericho Rosales) one of the companions of Bonifacio during the

Spanish colonial rule, they put up an cooperation in planning how to freed Filipino`s from

Spaniards through raising “Katipunan” a Filipino nationalist organization founded in 1892 to

oppose Spanish rule. The aim of the film is to show cased the experiences of Bonifacio when

he still alive. He ruled rebellion to get freedom from Spanish that they been dreaming for

long time.

The movie starts with a young Bonifacio (Robin Padilla) he witnessed the brutal

execution of the three priests (GomBurZa) in Bagumbayan. Bonifacio and one of its

companion Jose Rizal (Jericho Rosales) and others raised “La Liga Filipina” to show to all

Filipino`s how Filipino`s are oppressed by Spanish. Due to the death of Rizal, Bonifacio

raised “Katipunan” to stop and fight for the freedom of many Filipino`s. Bonifacio with

numerous Filipino`s torn all of their community tax certificates to show rebellion. Andres

Bonifacio led the Filipino`s to fight to achieve freedom. Due to the actions of Bonifacio, he
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was convicted traitor by the Spanish and arrested. He was condemned for execution or death

penalty because of the betrayal of Emilio Aguinaldo.

The film was been praised for its outstanding representation of the life and struggles

of Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in Philippine history. The movie effectively captures the

spirit of patriotism and the passion of the Philippine revolution, providing audiences with a

deeper understanding of the country`s historical context. The acting performances and visual

depiction of the era have been commended for their authentically and emotive power. The

film showed the greatness of a true hero and a leader. Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo is an

amazing film that educate people to be grateful of what we experienced today.

This movie have a great contribution to Philippine cinema. The film brings to life a

crucial moment in the country`s history, offering a glimpse into the sacrifice and struggle that

paved the way for independence. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the legacy of Andres

Bonifacio and the heroes of the Philippine revolution.

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo was a great movie indeed. It was purely amazing

cinema to watch especially when you have interest about Philippine history. Robin Padilla

played as Andres Bonifacio, he was an amazing actor the acting skills were superb. I would

suggest this film for younger generation to watch because there is so much lessons you can

learn from it. It was purely heartwarming knowing that a lot of Filipino ancestors have the

courage and determination to stand against colonizer`s. The historical scenes are well staged

and acted especially by Robin Padilla, who makes a handsome and intense Bonifacio. The

film provide enough combat action and moments of harsh Spanish oppression to maintain

interest.

At times, the pacing feels uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag

on. Additionally, some of the characters are simple, leaving viewers wanting more depth and
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expressive feeling. Some scenes in the movie were sensitive especially in scenes like killing,

execution and combat.

In conclusion “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” is an amazing film about Philippine

history. The movie provides great lessons about the importance of unity. The film presents

unforgettable heroic sacrifices of Andres Bonifacio. The movie shows a brave and strong-

willed man with his virtues and humanity to its people. He fight for the freedom of his

beloved country in exchange of his life.

Through its outstanding storytelling, great acting skills, and amazing cinematography

the film were indeed successful. The flow of the movie were amazingly executed which make

it clear to the audience. All this aspects grouped to make an outstanding Philippine cinematic

movie.

This film wants to tell that we should value Bonifacio`s sacrifices because Bonifacio

once said “Tayo ay hindi basta papaapi” means that’s we should not let anyone oppressed or

control our life once again. Valuing Bonifacio`s story means of gratitude towards the national

hero.
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