Heneral Luna

I don't usually patronize historical movies/dramas as they could be biased depending on how the directors/writers/producers would like to portray the "heroes" in it, but HENERAL LUNA is different!

Hen. Antonio Luna wasn't portrayed as a mere hero without imperfections, but instead a human being who wasn't afraid to gain naysayers for the sake of Inang Bayan's "real" independence. You will admire him, hate him, disagree with him, sympathize with him...surely, these emotions are not enough to describe I how felt while watching the movie. John Arcilla, without a doubt gave life to Hen. Luna's character (all actors/actresses in the movie, actually).

Kudos to the director, Mr. Jerrold Tarog and everyone who made this masterpiece possible.

Watching this was worth every penny spent!!!

My review is about my personal view and belief about my understanding in history of my own country I believe Aguinaldo is hypocrite and those shrine they built in kawit are useless what for as a reminder of him being hypocrite.

He is also responsible for Anders Bonifacio death it was clear and until now this way is clearly happening in our country the love of the politicians to serve their self ,their own interest is the main reason why most of Pilipino people are poor.

It might sound personal but this movie might be serve as one of the eye opener that history repeatedly reveals the truth and I wish 🤞 we could learn and wake up this kind of nightmare.

Antonio Luna was a man of turbulent complexity. Honorable, patriotic, dignified and principled he was at the same time arrogant and hot-tempered who did not hesitate to resort to violence. "Heneral Luna" is a well-done cinematic depiction of the man's life as a soldier as his country faced its greatest crisis yet witnessing the birth pains of its genesis as a nation after centuries of colonial rule. Veteran actor John Arcilla does a solid portrayal as the nationalistic and combative general who treads the murky and complicated paths of war and politics. Fine battle scenes and period uniforms add color and pageantry in this well-acted melodrama. Although Luna's youth could have been featured to give the film more fullness and completion what is shown is satisfactory. Watchable and entertaining, this is a showcase in the ongoing progress of Philippine cinema and a good tribute to one of its greatest and most compelling heroes.

Heneral Luna shares with its audience, a portrait of the historical character that is General Antonio Luna, the brilliant and hot-tempered patriot, who fought against the US during the Phil-American war. The film examines, without filter, how political in-fightings led to his assassination and the demise of Philippine independence.

General Luna was played by all time actor, John Arcilla and this film was ultimately his. His zesty & energetic portrayal is compelling, that I was eager to digest his every exposition. He delivers his scenes with ferocity and charisma, embodying Luna's straight-talking, no compromise brand of leadership. As a result, we find in full display, the icon's brilliance as a general & as a patriot through winning tactics, inspirational speeches & engaging arguments on how nations are built and preserved. On the other hand, weaknesses are revealed, weaknesses labelling Luna as a fanatic due to his crass nature, devoid of sympathy. Happily, Arcilla's fine acting is met head on by a strong supporting cast led by Mon Confiado as Pres. Aguinaldo, Nonie Buencamino as Felipe Buencamino, and Leo Martinez as Pedro Paterno, among others.

Under the helm of Director Jerrold Tarog, the film uses the above solid performances to create lively conversations that depict Luna's main adversaries: bureaucrats, cowards and homegrown skeptics who prefer compromise over conflict. This for me, is the film's most moving piece as we witness the frailty of patriotism.

Now, despite Tarog's success in storytelling, the film falls victim to the usual shortcomings of Philippine cinema, the B-movie distinction. The momentum of Arcilla's speeches noticeably drops off when war and battle takes center frame. They felt very staged and unconvincing. The actors (and lines) of the American characters were awkward, clumsy and unbelievable. There were glaring inconveniences in production design as well, such as Luna's ultra shiny nails during war and well dyed hair by its actors. Don't fret however, as Gen Luna remains the focal point here.

Overall, this is a deeply moving picture that gives us valuable insights into the general's personality. It also successfully reaches out to its audience and forces us to draw parallels between current political events vs those in Luna's time. Fine piece of work by both Tarog and Arcilla.

If you are unable to watch this movie in cinemas the best thing you can do is to purchase an original copy of the movie.

The movie, character, plot, setting, climax are perfect. The movie is not trying hard and it is very entertaining to watch.

There isn't much effects and most of the shots are done manually with a little aid of cgi, their characters are balanced and performed well throughout the movie. It shows the humane side of Heneral Luna (Gen.Luna) how his passion and love for the country evolved during his time.

I have nothing much to say as this is indeed a great movie to watch and very regretful to miss.