Janolino (LEFT), played in the movie by actor Ketchup Eusebio, and Gen. In the original script, Janolino and Mascardo were merged into one character named “Mascolino.” Capt. Two books built the foundation of the script: Vivencio José’s “The Rise and Fall of Antonio Luna” and Nickģ. He also revised it to make it more appealing for the millennials. With the help of Alvin Yapan, Tarog translated the English script into Tagalog. Rocha agreed and would later become a co-writer and producer for Heneral Luna. After hearing about Rocha’s script, Tarog asked the latter if he could work on it instead of starting from scratch. Several years later, Jerrold Tarog thought of writing a script on Antonio Luna.
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The said TV show never materialized, but the script was revised several times for a full-length film that didn’t push through either.Īlso Read: The One Terrible Mistake That Changed Antonio Luna’s Life Forever
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It was supposedly for a TV series that would be released just in time for the centennial celebration of the Philippine independence. Rocha and Hilarion “Henry” Francia were commissioned by Cirio Santiago to write a script. It’s based on a script written almost two decades ago. Antonio Luna died at the age of 32 while John Arcilla was already in his late 40’s at the time of filming.Ģ. It’s the second time that John Arcilla appears in a historical movie that has Antonio Luna as a character. All the ships on the port scene were added digitally. Tomas Mascardo’s mustache has a hidden meaning.
Artikulo Uno Productions was named after a decree issued by Gen. John Arcilla had to grow a Luna-style mustache for the movie. Executive producer Fernando Ortigas made a cameo appearance in the film. The train station scene was based on real events. The real Paco Roman was a rich businessman who sided with the Spaniards during the Revolution. Antonio Luna was a good guitarist in real life. The “flashback” scene was done in a single shot and without much help of computer graphics. His name means “young” or “youthful” in Spanish. Joven Hernando (Aaron Villaflor) is a fictional character. The trenches were based on many photographs of the Philippine-American War. Actor John Lloyd Cruz was shortlisted for the role of Heneral Luna. Director Jerrold Tarog is the drummer in Heneral Luna‘s music video.
In the original script, Janolino and Mascardo were merged into one character named “Mascolino.” Antonio Luna died at the age of 32 while John Arcilla was already in his late 40’s at the time of filming. Each question a stimuli to deeper dialogue and analysis about the condition of the Filipino society.Ī wonderful addition to Filipino cinema, Heneral Luna is a work of art that one could hope will be the benchmark for future local films to come. Heneral Luna leaves the audience with uncomfortable questions. The true triumph of the film is not in its slick production or the strong performance from its cast, but the ability of the film to spark a deep and meaningful conversation. The depth and symbolism is such that a second viewing of the film is bound to reveal even more. The result is a wonderfully detailed and substantial piece of cinema that provokes conversation about contemporary Philippines.
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Though largely being faithful to historical accounts of the people and events Luna was involved in, Tarog admittedly exercised his creative license to introduce fictional elements in order to properly tell the story. The frustration of Luna as he maneuvers through the assortment of characters in the political battlefield is both palpable and infectious, giving the audience a peek into the almost comic situation the general found himself in.Īll this is brought together by Tarog - director, editor, co-writer, and musical scorer - whose very hands-on approach weaved together a visual and audial feast that complemented the tragic tale. Portrayed by the very capable John Arcilla, we meet the brash, brutally honest, and fiercely passionate General Luna, who is desperately struggling to bring a people together to fight for their motherland.Īround Arcilla are talented performers who bring the Philippines during Luna’s time to life, showcasing the politics and misplaced loyalties that hampered progress at the time. Yet through the smiles, the film’s heavier messages still find a way to leave an indelible impression on those who watch it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) - Film director Jerrold Tarog brings the famed Filipino leader General Antonio Luna back to life, and the story he shares is bound to stick.ĭespite being a historical epic set during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, the film embodies the very Filipino habit of drawing laughs and smiles no matter how tough the times.