Heneral Luna (2015)

Fyeah anti-imperialism baddie

I really wanted to like this movie more than I did. The messaging was great. The characterisation was great. The politics was great. But despite Heneral Luna definitely engaging my brain, it just never quite hooked my emotion.

The story follow General Luna as he wages a war of resistance against Americans who are conquering the Phillipines, after Spain sold them the country. It's not just the Americans he's up against. The headstrong, patriotic General Luna must also contend with Filipino in-fighting that comes with disastrous consequences.

The movie grapples with history and politics, dwelling on the tragedy that was internal Filipino betrayal. I can't really discuss the substance of it as I'm not really familiar with this chapter of history. However, it was this part of the film that I found intellectually engaging.

What I found lacking was the pull at the heartstrings. General Luna is portrayed as a rambunctious straight-shooter (with a soft spot for women) who powers his way through obstacles. But I didn't feel a particular emotional connection with his character, beyond his general frustration at the cowardice of his fellow countrymen. This may have been because of how the film is so consumed with him as a figure. There's little room for other characters to be properly fleshed out.

All in all, great film on Filipino history.

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