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!!!

Words cannot describe my satisfaction with this film and the only way to review it is through personal experience. There are pacing problems and disappointments in terms of the props such as the weaponry used by both sides, but given the film's tight budget, it has managed to portray these battle scenes with epic proportions combined with the score being obviously inspired by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. The atmosphere of the entire film is portrayed beautifully, it shows the political machinations and political infighting when the battle scenes are not present, for the entire point of view is based upon Luna and his allies. Still, if you are either a history buff or just an average movie goer, this film is spectacular and it deserves to be one the best films of the year if there are any formal awards as such.

The notorious, bad-ass, and famous Gen. Antonio Luna was portrayed in the big screen that will make each Pilipino proud. This was one of the most outstanding performance for all of the actors involving in this film, well directed by Jerrold Tarog, and the cinematography and set pieces were jaw-dropping. The creativity and style in the part of the film where Gen. Luna closed his eyes while talking with his mother and reminisced the past days with their family and the past events that occurred in their lives and the people around them was astonishing.

BOTTOM LINE: Are you tired of watching Pinoy Movies (mostly) with lazy writing and predictable plot that focuses majority in Romance, Comedy, Romance (did I say Romance twice?)? Here is the movie that we can all be proud to say, this is how the movie should be done and treated (with CREATIVITY, WELL THOUGHT, WELL DIRECTED).

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.

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.