Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

hyped garbage

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I've been waiting for years for a Filipino Film Director to create a world class hit. Worthy of the best top choices in the industry and this would be the firs time that I would praise someone within the contemporary list of local Pinoy Films. I mean, don't get me wrong. There are a lot of talented film makers in the country but, some of them would either shy away from the challenge, give up and fail at the end only to submit to the mainstream. This one however, made it to the best and has indeed conquered the challenge. The Film at some points may still not be historically accurate, in time will still have continues updates, however, this has proved to be one of the best researched, scenic based movie that you will ever find through recent years. Acting, Directing, Cinematography all way up to the top. Humor and Ambiance of the film were indeed almost close to perfection. I commend the scenes where they did not have to hide the brutality of how the mad general died, and the scenes where his men were blown to pieces for their ignorance in battle. A true Historical Film that was both TIMELY and well written. Kudos to this Film and I look forward to more projects to come.

Perfect. The kind of historical film people need and would want to see. Funny. Brutal. Oftentimes truthful. I doubt if someone can finish the film without feeling sympathy for Heneral Luna AND anger at those who claim to be nationalists but in reality are only concerned with their own affairs. The most important realization, in the end, should be that our country's current situation is no different from that it experienced during the era of the Philippine-American war. Consequently, we have the same responsibility as those who lived during those times. The revolution is (still) happening right now. A great introduction to anti-imperialism.

I walked out the theater proud that a Filipino team can produce a movie like this, yet at the same time, I walked out ashamed as I was made more aware of what is wrong in modern Filipino society.Immediately, I felt the passion of General Luna - the rage, disgust, and temper - as he rallies the nation to stand against the Americans.The character was well-played by John Arcilla, who, together with a strong supporting cast, was able to deliver a script that reflects the stresses of Luna with gravity, but with an injection of comic relief to ease the seriousness.The film itself was able to paint a reflection of modern society in the colors of the Filipino-American War. The movie tag-line "Bayan o Sarili" (nation or self) was evident in scenes depicting colonial mentality, favoritism, and abuse of chain of command.The movie also paints a human side of Luna - one of that of being a comrade, a son, of a talented man, and an eccentric one. It tries to connect you to the human side of a leader struggling to win a war.Ultimately, the portrayal of this tragedy has spurred so many emotions and so many questions. It brought me to an incredible low likened to the death of hope, and filled with a rage as to why this nation is the way it is. Perhaps this emotional effect is very much amplified by the excellence of the production.As opposed to mainstream cinema, this movie has many long continuous shots and creative takes. Computer graphics were also used meaningfully. The music (which was also composed by the director, Jerrold Tarog) ties together the movie very well. Costume and make- up was accomplished with a high degree of detail.The Philippines needs more movies like these, and perhaps more people to watch and learn from these. This type of film is one that tries to enlighten and change the viewer for the betterment of a nation.A classic.

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.