Another entry into the growing list of commendable historical films to emerge from the Philippines in recent times, "GomBurZa" is historical drama filmed in elegance and solemnity. The trial and execution of Mariano Gomes, José Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, Philippine Catholic priests unjustly accused of rebellion against Spain during the latter's colonial occupation of the Philippines was the trigger that led to the revolution that would oust the Spaniards from the country. Led by a solid cast including veteran actor Dante Rivero, film heartthrob Piolo Pascual and cinema mainstays Cedrick Juan and Enchong Dee the film depicts in tones of dark hue the abuse Filipinos underwent from the Spanish priesthood and the growing, simmering unrest that would ignite into full rebellion. The period piece offers a fine glimpse of 19th Century tropical colonial life.
While well-paced and well-acted the steady, gradual build-up of the movie leads to slow parts spotted throughout the film. While the film very much gets to the point from the get-go this is the kind of film that works best when it ditches the chaff and cuts to the chase all throughout zooming straight to the climax. Historical accuracy is also put into question in some instances. The Spanish friars in the film don't look much like Spaniards and they resemble more mixed-race locals and Filipinos. The local language used is questionable as many words used smack more of contemporary vernacular rather than mid-19th Century Tagalog.
A success in art and a call and reminder to patriotism, "GomBurZa" shows and highlights the importance of unity in culture, race and nationhood. A veritable reminder through art that a nation is it's own living, breathing unique self that has its own path to travel and no exterior, outside influence has the right to interfere with it's destiny and calling.
