Heneral Luna: The Movie

They murdered an incredible hero who can save them from their colonizers. A treacherous act that is worth regretting. An act of betrayal instead of fighting hand and hand and uniting as one. They killed a legendary man who can give them the freedom that they were longing for. How ironic it was to be betrayed by the ones whom you thought would be your greatest buddies. How sarcastic life can be as it offers friends and colleagues who can, at the same time, be your worst enemy. The world is filled with traitors; you have to be very vigilant and extra careful with whom you trust because you might be the next pitiful victim of the “crocodile’s treason”.

            The movie entitled “Heneral Luna” is not just a film but a wake-up call that reminds us that some things never change. We, Filipinos, are our own worst enemies, lacking in resolve, and torn by self-interests. If only we try to dig deeper into the message that the movie wants to convey, we would be surprised to discover that its main aim was to teach us to value nation over oneself. Selflessness is what makes humility powerful. No doubt, John Arcilla who portrayed the role of Heneral Luna did his part well. He owned the character, especially that he was the lead role. His role being Heneral Antonio Luna is very human; I mean he is very light and natural. He is crazy, passionate, temperamental, responsible, and even funny and humorous. Honestly, as a viewer, what makes the movie exciting was the fact that it was full of humor. I mean this was indeed based on historical events, but it could also make you smile and laugh through its random scenes. Moreover, I was able to learn more about the legendary general through, of course, the portrayal of Arcilla. I was amused to discover that Luna was also an artist. He was a talented musician and he wrote poetry and essays as well. Aside from being a skilled strategist and a relentless commander during the American colonization, he was also a staunch nationalist who is determined in everything he does, for his principles in life, and his beliefs as well. However, I was just a little bit shocked and alarmed on how he was set to death. The end of his temporary life here on Earth was a brutal action. At the end of the movie, my heart was saddened as I read on the big screen that the unmerciful killers of Heneral Luna were not found. It breaks my heart knowing that the leader of the military forces didn’t even taste the sweetness of justice in the country which he fought for. Personally, the ending made me sad and angry as well. It made me feel this way not only because of the tragedy that befell General Luna but for the greater tragedies that continue to haunt every Filipino until this very day.

            The life of Heneral Luna was a life worth living. He stood up for what he believes is right and he did full of conviction and bravery. His principles in life were the reasons why he was famously known as Heneral Antonio Luna. He was indeed an extraordinary leader who could make battleships easy for his countrymen. We cannot deny the fact that he left us a mark of the legacy that we would always treasure all the time… his kind of leadership.

            As the youth of today, we should be inspired by this kind of an eye-opener. May this movie spark more interest for us to read and study more about the Philippine revolution and the heroes who fought for the country’s independence. As Filipinos, we should always bear in mind that Philippine history builds our identity. It shapes our self-awareness and self-knowledge. The past teaches us what humanity has accomplished and what humans are capable of doing whether it is good or detrimental. History helps us understand the role we play in society as well as examine who we are.