Hi! It's nice that you're here. I'm "Ji El E Yenin" not my real name, I write this reflection during my summer class. By the way, I'm taking up Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Samal Island City College.
ABOUT THE SUBJECT
Rizal's Life, Works and Writings is one of my subjects in college during summer class A.Y. 2023-2024 (June-July). Our college instructor named "Maria Theresa Kasuyo" instructed us to make a reflection paper on the movie: Jose Rizal.
SUMMARY OF JOSE RIZAL FILM (1998)
The "Jose Rizal" film (1998) directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya revealed the historical events during the Spanish Colonization. The acting skills of Cesar Montano who portrayed the role of Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed outstanding. The movie adaptation of Jose Rizal narrated his childhood life until the day of execution. He was a bright child who started informal education with his mother, Doña Teodora.
At an early age, Pepe, Jose Rizal's pen name, exhibit patriotism and courage to fight for Filipino rights. He became an outstanding student in his class and was able to study in a prestigious university with the aid of his family. He started his medical course at the University of Santo Tomas and pursued his profession abroad to cure the blindness of his mother.
He sacrificed a lot when he decided to fly to other countries including the love of his life, Leonor. He spent a long time living alone in another country. That was when he published his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These novels ignite the Philippine revolution. Andres Bonifacio, who established KKK or Katipunan was motivated to build an organization to fight back against the Spaniards.
Moreover, these books served as an eye-opener for ordinary Filipinos to end abuse and oppression. When he decided to go back in the Philippines, the Spaniards imprisoned him with lots of accusations. Taviel helped him to conquer his battle with the Spaniards but he did not win and end up dying for his beloved country.
The movie showcases the heroic characteristics of Dr. Jose Rizal. He didn't let anyone come along his way. Despite discrimination, bullying, and abusive and traumatic experiences, he kept on publishing books to educate Filipinos.
Dr. Jose Rizal demonstrates how much courage a Filipino can have to gain the freedom to end oppression. He did not fight using a sword or gun. No blood was shed during his battle with the Spaniards yet his words are keen enough to revenge and awaken Filipino minds. He stood still until the day of execution.
He experienced a lot of painful experiences together with his family. His brother, Paciano, was tortured. His father was executed and died in prison. His mother was accused of something she didn't do. He lost Leonor and met Josephine Bracken but their child died during the delivery.
In the end, Rizal succeeded to achieve his goal. His life was not wasted and Filipinos learned to embrace and protect their own country. Revolutionary organizations continued what Dr. Jose Rizal started. They saw how education is important in their lives. This movie demonstrates the power of combined courage, determination and intelligence to win a battle even without a sword or gun.
INTRODUCTION
This is my reflection concerning the movie "Jose Rizal," starring Cesar Montano. It is a powerful portrayal of the life and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.
José Rizal with his full name José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, he was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines and he is considered a national hero of the Philippines. Wikipedia.
This cinematic masterpiece, released in 1998, delves into Rizal's multifaceted character, highlighting his intellectual prowess, patriotic fervor, and unwavering commitment to social reform. As I watched the movie, I was deeply moved by Rizal's journey, his struggles, and his ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of his nation. This reflection paper aims to explore my personal response to the film, analyzing its impact on my understanding of Rizal's life and the significance of his contributions to Philippine history.
I really admire Dr. Jose Rizal because of his intellect, courage, and passion for our country. Despite the risks and challenges he faced, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and dedicated his life to advocating for reforms and inspiring his fellow Filipinos to fight for independence. His writings, such as "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," sparked a sense of nationalism and paved the way for the Philippine Revolution. His commitment to social justice and education continues to inspire generations of Filipinos.
BODY
The movie "Jose Rizal" resonated with me on multiple levels. It was not just a historical retelling but a deeply personal and emotional experience. The film's meticulous attention to detail, from Rizal's childhood in Calamba to his exile in Dapitan, transported me back in time, allowing me to witness firsthand the complexities of his life and the challenges he faced.
One of the most striking aspects of the movie was the portrayal of Rizal's intellectual brilliance. His passion for education, his pursuit of knowledge, and his ability to articulate his ideas with clarity and eloquence were truly inspiring. The film showcased his writings, particularly his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," as powerful tools for social critique and political awakening. Witnessing Rizal's intellectual prowess ignited a sense of admiration and respect for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
The movie also highlighted the profound impact of Rizal's experiences on his personal and political development. He encounters with the injustices of Spanish colonialism, the oppression of his people, and the corruption within the colonial administration fueled his desire for change. The film effectively depicted the emotional toll of these experiences on Rizal, showcasing his internal struggles, his moments of doubt, and his unwavering resolve to fight for a better future for his country.
Furthermore, the movie emphasized the importance of Rizal's unwavering patriotism. Despite facing threats, persecution, and exile, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Philippines. His love for his homeland, his belief in its potential, and his willingness to sacrifice his own life for its freedom were truly inspiring. The film's portrayal of Rizal's execution in Bagumbayan (now Luneta), a scene that resonated with deep sorrow and a sense of loss, emphasized the ultimate price he paid for his beliefs.
The movie served as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, critical thinking, and social justice. It highlighted the role of individuals in challenging oppressive systems and fighting for a better future. Rizal's dedication to education, his use of literature as a tool for social change, and his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge resonated deeply with me. The film served as a powerful reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about using it to create a more just and equitable society.
Jose Rizal's legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos, reminding us of the importance of courage, integrity, and the pursuit of freedom and justice. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to stand up for what we believe in and fight for a better future. The film made me reflect on the profound sacrifice that José Rizal made for our country. His execution in Bagumbayan, a scene that was both heartbreaking and inspiring, served as a powerful reminder of the ultimate price that he paid for his beliefs. His sacrifice is a testament to his unwavering commitment to freedom and justice, and it continues to inspire us to fight for a better future.
The movie also highlighted the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. Despite facing oppression and hardship, the Filipino people continued to fight for their freedom. Rizal's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.
CONCLUSION
Watching "Jose Rizal" was a profound and transformative experience. It not only deepened my understanding of Rizal's life and legacy but also ignited a renewed sense of patriotism and appreciation for the sacrifices made by our heroes. The film's powerful narrative, its nuanced portrayal of Rizal's character, and its exploration of the complexities of Philippine history left an enduring impact on me.
The movie served as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, critical thinking, and social justice. It highlighted the role of individuals in challenging oppressive systems and fighting for a better future. Rizal's legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos, reminding us of the importance of courage, integrity, and the pursuit of freedom and justice.
As I reflect on the movie, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for Rizal's contributions to our nation. His life and legacy serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education, the importance of social justice, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to stand up for what we believe in and fight for a better future.
The movie "Jose Rizal" is not just a historical film as it is a powerful call to action. It reminds us of the importance of fighting for what is right, of standing up for our beliefs, and of never giving up hope for a better future. It is a film that will stay with me for a long time, inspiring me to be a better citizen and to contribute to the betterment of my country which is the Philippines.
Reference(s)
"Jose Rizal" (Movie) 1998.