Lorido Princess Pauline L.

BSA 1D

1. Discuss the short background of Jose Rizal in the Movie, the film, director, cast, and award received,
etc.

The movie "José Rizal" is a 1998 Philippine historical drama film that portrays the life and works of José
Rizal, a Filipino patriot who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence from
Spanish colonial rule. The film was directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and starred Cesar Montano in the
titular role of José Rizal. The film was based on the true story of José Rizal, who was imprisoned under
the Spanish colonization. It tells Rizal's story until the final day of his execution. The screenplay was
written by Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, and Peter Ong Lim. The cast of the movie included other prominent
Filipino actors such as Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Gloria Diaz, Gardo Versoza, Monique Wilson, and Chin
Chin Gutierrez, among others. Upon its release, it was the most expensive film in the history of Filipino
cinema with a budget of over ₱80 million. The film was an official entry to the 1998 Metro Manila Film
Festival and received numerous awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Cesar Montano, Best
Director for Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Best Supporting Actor for Jaime Fabregas, and Best Supporting Actress
for Gloria Diaz.

2. Describe the life of Rizal as represented in the movie

The life of Jose Rizal, as represented in the movie, is a vivid portrayal of his struggles and sacrifices for
the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The film shows Rizal's exposure to the mistreatment
and oppression of the Spaniards, particularly the friars, from an early age. His brother, Paciano Rizal,
played a significant role in awakening and introducing him to the tyranny the country was experiencing.
Paciano also convinced Jose Rizal to study in Spain and start writing his two novels, "Noli Mi Tangere"
and "El Filibusterismo", there. These novels depicted the maltreatment of Filipinos by the Spaniards. The
life of Jose Rizal was in the hands of abusive friars and mirrors a very tragic history. The movie also
includes flashbacks to Rizal's life, showing his middle-class family, his childhood joys, his life at school,
and his time studying ophthalmology in Spain. It also highlights his life abroad, including the struggles
he faced in writing his famous novels and the hardships of living in a foreign country without financial
stability. The film emphasizes Rizal's eagerness to write novels to awaken Filipinos from the
maltreatment of friars, despite the Spaniards doing everything to prevent him from achieving his
objective. It shows how every copy of his novels circulating in the Philippines was torn and burned, and
how injustice and maltreatment were very present, with no freedom at all. The film's representation of
Rizal's life is considered justifiable and reliable, as it presents all the happenings in his life, especially the
writing of his two novels and his goal to awaken the Filipinos. The movie's depiction of Rizal's life is a
combination of actual events and interpretations of his case against the Spanish government and church.
Although the film primarily focuses on his time in prison, it includes relevant flashbacks to his life. It
shows his family's middle-class status, his childhood joys, and the nurturing environment of the
Mercado family. His life in schools, his studies in ophthalmology in Spain, and his life abroad are also
depicted, albeit with minor details omitted to emphasize his perseverance.

3. Based on your own reading and class discussion, what can you say about the film?

"José Rizal" is a significant historical drama that portrays the life and struggles of José Rizal, a national
hero of the Philippines. The film effectively captures the historical context of Spanish colonial rule and
the oppressive conditions faced by the Filipino people during that time.One notable aspect of the film is
its attention to detail and historical accuracy. It presents key events and milestones in Rizal's life,
including his education, travels, and his writing of influential novels that exposed the injustices of the
Spanish regime. The film also explores Rizal's relationships with his family, friends, and fellow
revolutionaries, providing a well-rounded portrayal of his character and motivations.
4. What is the main question that the film seeks to answer?

The main question that the film "José Rizal" seeks to answer is the question of how one man's life and
actions can inspire and ignite a revolution. The film explores the life of José Rizal, a national hero of the
Philippines, and delves into the motivations behind his writings, activism, and ultimate
sacrifice.Through Rizal's journey, the film raises questions about the role of intellectualism, nationalism,
and patriotism in the face of colonial oppression. It examines the power of ideas and the impact of
literature in shaping public consciousness and inspiring social change.Furthermore, the film explores
the question of identity and the struggle to reconcile one's personal aspirations with the collective
struggle for independence. It delves into the complexities of Rizal's character, his internal conflicts, and
the choices he made in his pursuit of justice and freedom.Overall, the film seeks to answer how the life
and legacy of José Rizal continue to resonate and inspire generations of Filipinos, highlighting the
enduring significance of his ideals and the ongoing pursuit of national identity and liberation.

5. What is your reflection based on the film and your understanding?

Based on the film "José Rizal" and the historical context it represents, it is evident that José Rizal played
a crucial role in the fight for Philippine independence. The film highlights the importance of Rizal's
writings, particularly his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," in exposing the injustices
and abuses committed by the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church.The film also
emphasizes Rizal's commitment to peaceful reform and his belief in the power of education and
enlightenment to bring about change. It showcases his determination to awaken the Filipino people to
their rights and to inspire them to stand up against oppression.Furthermore, the film underscores the
sacrifices made by Rizal and other revolutionaries in their pursuit of freedom. It showcases the
challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the ultimate price they paid for their ideals.Overall, the
film serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. It highlights
the significance of historical figures like José Rizal in shaping a nation's identity and inspiring future
generations to fight for their rights and liberties.

6. Attach at least two pictures as your proofs that you have watched the film.