HENERAL LUNA: THE HYPE AND THE SUCCESS

Historical film about the Philippine - American War? No one is interested about that! Surely, the director got some balls to risk it. But it's a bloody success! At least for me. And that's a break from all the typical love stories and films about mistresses (for goodness' sake - another post is coming up about this). So this is a change in our movie industry.

So what's the film?
Heneral Luna is an indie film from Jerrold Tarog which was released last September 9, 2015. It is a Filipino historic biopic film portraying Gen. Antonio Luna during the Philippine - American War.

I saw the trailer and it is interesting enough. But of course, I am slightly disappointed since it will not be released here in Dubai. Well, they showed it once. In the Philippine Consulate!!! Can you imagine that? So okay, the first thing that comes to my mind is to download it through torrent or to watch it online since there are no pirated DVD's here.

Yes, I admit I download movies from torrent. There are times that we want to watch a film but it is not showing in the cinema anymore but it doesn't mean I wasn't supporting the film. Right or right?

Then I saw this picture....

I got mixed opinion about it.

I felt happy and proud. Filipinos never pay attention to history! One controversy from this film's hype is the reason why Apolinario Mabini was seated all throughout the movie. Some are asking and some are making fun of it that it was considered now as a controversy. It's not that teachers didn't mentioned about the case of Apolinario Mabini. It's not because all youth in the Philippines are just a bunch of shit. It's just that Filipinos aren't fond of HISTORY. Let alone the Philippine History! So hearing that the movie was a success and that the Filipinos are still booking their tickets to see the film, was an overwhelming news for me.

At the same time, I was disturbed of the picture itself. The picture says the whole expenses for this film is about Php70 Million. However, Wikipedia and the world wide web says it costs Php200 Million. I am sure that if I were to ask people to do something, I will get the facts straight first right? Because it is misleading. If I am not a fan of this hype, I can say that, if it's just Php70 Million then why are you still grumpy if your team already earned a lot from it? I can say that but I am not. We can't please everybody of what they say, but please, let's tell them the real figure.

And since I am guilty of using torrent, I am disturbed from the last line.

"For once, do this country a favor."

Yes, I can do a favor by not downloading it from torrent. I respect copyrights and all. And I think I understand the effort and expenses of an independent film.

But, I've got one question: What is the deepest why of this film? Is it to earn money alone? Or is it for us to see the message of the film?

I heard this one principle but I forgot who said it and whoever that person might be, I will quote:
"Don't let our goals be mixed up with money issues (lack thereof or targets) because if we do, the goal is not a goal anymore but a mere wishful margin of numbers." - Anonymous

FILM REVIEW: THAT THING CALLED TADHANA

A Filipino Independent 'Romantic-Comedy' yet Minimalist Film starring Angelica Panganiban (Mace) and JM De Guzman (Anthony) directed by acclaimed rookie director Antoinette Jadaone.

The story rotates on finding an answer to the question "Where do broken hearts go?"and tells the story of Mace, struggling to meet the airline baggage requirement who meets a man, Anthony, who comes to her aid. Both in despair of love, where do broken hearts go to mend their hearts?

REVIEW:

Characters/Casting:
On Angelica Panganiban - She is not the girl next door type whom every girl can relate to. Her looks depicts different a different class, like the lady with a class type.Her script 'Am I ugly?' doesn't suit her. Though I believe that this film is a good learning platform for her. As I reviewed her journey during the film, she devoted her time to fit in Mace's shoes. I appreciate her effort for trying.
On JM De Guzman - He's the boy next door! The next big John Lloyd Cruz of the new generation. The one whom you think will not hurt you rather the one who will cry for you. I want more of his acting skills in this film! Bitin!

Setting:
I am not satisfied. There are lots of picturesque places in Baguio. From what I heard/see in the social media, a lot of people wants to go to Baguio and Sagada because of this film. So, I thought the views are stunning. But it was so short. They've just showed Mt. Kiltepan. Sagada has more to offer. I know it's just indie film so the budget is kinda tight, but we all know that travelling in North can not be not that expensive.

Plot:
Well since it's a minimalist plot, it's okay. Not more than that. I just hoped that the team behind this film can do something like the 'Before' Trilogy. Not a bad idea right?

Screen writing:
Mixed emotions. I love the ad-lib of the two. Though the 'hugot' lines, I want more. I crave for more. The lines seems so subtle for me. There are more painful words thrown in this world than these lines. There are more break-up scenes that will make your heart cringe in despair. You know that.

But we cannot disagree to the fact that some 'hugot' lines are relate-able.  Still, I see a lot of room for improvement.

Cinematography:
High Definition, yes. Average.

Sub-titles: 
What the fuck? Use more appropriate terms next time.

FINAL VERDICT: