Goyo: Ang batang heneral

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral was not a conventional historical movie. More often than not, movies of this kind show "heroes" as exactly that-- fearless, determined, and ready to sacrifice for the greater good. What I liked most about this movie, then, is that it strays from this way of storytelling and tells us that our heroes are still painfully human.

Gregorio del Pilar was heralded as one of the bravest men in Philippine history, but this film makes the statement that, behind all the glory and revere, Goyo is still what the title suggests: isa syang bata. I appreciated how the film highlighted the mischievous parts about him, his lack of foresight in battle, his obsession with love. All of this shows the audience that he was just 23, behind the grandeur of it all, and that maybe he was carrying a burden heavier than he pretended he could handle.

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral cleverly portrayed Del Pilar in a light that stripped him of all the accolades and praises removing him from the pedestal of blind idolatry.

This movie humanizes Del Pilar of his struggles as one of the youngest generals that our history portrays as "The Hero of Tirad Pass." Later did we know that his aspirations and ideologies were persuaded by Aguinaldo, blindly adhering to his command. This mirrors the present society in which people blindly follow a person and unknowingly throw away their principles.

Reading Gregorio del Pilar's life in my history books has always painted this image of a brave young hero who selflessly died for our country - leading his short life of 24 with nobility and grace. Almost a perfect young man that deserves all the praises. However, the movie, Goyo; Ang Batang Heneral, painted a different picture of the young hero.

In this narration, Goyo is painted far from his image of being a celebrated hero. He has been stripped of all the praises afforded him throughout Philippine history. Instead, Goyo is depicted as the flawed gullible young man. He blindly follows the instructions of his president, Emilio Aguinaldo, which then leads to the question of whether he really had the burning passion of fighting for our country. Perhaps he was just a young man forced to be a part of a war he knew nothing about? The movie even begs the question whether Goyo's failures and eventual demise were due to his ego that people around him have meticulously reared.

This movie ultimately made me question my assumptions. It urged me to think and be critical. Not to mention, the movie likewise treats its viewers with aesthetic brilliance - from the topnotch cinematography, production design, and a moving music score. For that, I would have to say that the movie has catapulted to the ranks of great classics and a must watch for everyone. Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is definitely a different kind of treat that prompts the viewers to be critical while pleasing them with creative prowess.

My favorite thing about Goyo is how it handled the small story of the native guides. It didn't say much out loud, but the inherent folly resonated.

My least favorite thing: mango shopping.

Do not confuse production quality to overall film quality.

Reasons: It was basically narrated. I don't see why this wasn't released as a book instead.

There was no directing involved just some fancy angles and color editing (which was really good for a Filipino film)

Scoring was too good not to get noticed

Some of the actors were good

A bit pretentious especially when the narration comes back in.

There was no climax whatsover.

So yeah, 4 stars