A Marxist Film Theory Analysis: Heneral Luna

Описание: The film Heneral Luna is based form a true-to-life story of the history of the Philippine revolution during the Philippine-American war. Antonio Luna is the most brilliant soldier who aims to lead his people in a revolution against American colonization. This film highlights the sacrifices¬ and boldness of Heneral Luna in fighting for the rights and freedom of his countrymen and his homeland yet they treated him unjustly. The belittling and degrading of the higher class from the lower class is being portrayed in the film wherein Luna himself also degrades the normal people but he himself as well experienced being dishonored and bad-mouthed by his co-generals and the high-ranking official, Emilio Aguinaldo even used his power as a president to held back his orders and later on, one of the culprits in the assassination of the most clever general we have. The scriptwriter of the film, Ed Rocha is a proletariat who follows the orders of the bourgeoisie in re-writing the script several times to get the right it deserves where even lasting for 18 years for the film to be flashed on the big screen. By going deeper into this film, it serves as a reminder that we should be mindful in choosing a leader, a leader who has the characteristics of Antonio Luna, a patriotic general who struggles to fight for our rights and freedom, choosing to defend our country than personal interests and from foreign manipulation. “Bayan o Sarili? Pumili ka”

Heneral Luna - The movie depicts the struggle of Antonio Luna in uniting the country against the american colonization. This portray the conflict of Filipinos within themselves as they have different ambitions and goals for themselves and for the country. The movie depicts the natural society v.s society scene, which two forms of marxism present. First is the The term Artikulo Uno was familiarized by the film, where Heneral Luna states that whoever does not follow orders and violates the article one will be punished to death. This signifies the ruling class Heneral Luna as the bourgeoisie while those who are being degraded are the normal people are the proletariat. Second, Heneral Luna was acting under the orders of higher positioned officers wherein he experienced conflict. This also signifies higher ranking officials are the bourgeoisie while Heneral Luna became the proletariat. In result, heneral luna was assassinated by fellow filipino officials and soldiers. This the result of unresolved issues and also other officials wanted power and fame in the society.

Heneral Luna has been an empowering and eye-opener to the truths and happenings during the Philippine-American War. It reinforces the values of cooperation, peace, and fighting for your beliefs, but do not overwhelm yourself with selfish reasons. With people driven by their selfish intent, it will be hard for us, like how hard it is for Heneral Luna. Our improvement is hampered by individuals blinded by the greed of money, fame, position, or superiority, to the point that they become abusive of their power. That's why we must not let our selfishness gets ahold of us. Patriotism is also one thing in this film. However, Heneral subverted this as he noted that their love for the country was not enough to die for the country. As he had stated in the film, we have a bigger enemy other than the Americans, which is ourselves. Some are shown to be more loyal to their families, and tribes, than the whole nation. The film intentionally highlighted the aspects of our local culture and politics that are also relatable until this day.

We, the young, have a role to play in society. We are the voice and the future. This movie encourages us to seek and be aware of our potential in nation-building. We must open our eyes, and stop putting greedy leaders, who only secure their future generation with our money, to the top. We need to open our minds and be wise in choosing altruistic leaders, as they are the ones who will lead us, as a whole nation.

We need our society to change, drastically. Many problems we are facing, are the same problems that Heneral Luna faced during his days. The corruption, the social clash, disunity-- questions on integrity and service. We deserve to be assured about the future that we are stepping into. We have to change our way of perceiving and responding to issues, and we need to be ready to play whatever role we have in store for us, for the people, and our country.