Jose Rizal Movie (Ceasar Montano) Reaction and Reflection Paper

1. 1. SOCSCI_105 Republic of the Philippines Life and Works of Rizal A Reaction Paper of the movie:
Jose Rizal (ver.1998) Vanessa Anne Z. Oliva September 26, 2014 BSEd 4-2 (English) TFri 2:30 – 4:00
PM Movie Title: José Rizal Main Cast: Cesar Montano José Rizal Joel Torre Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun
Jaime Fabregas Luis Taviel de Andrade Gloria Diaz Teodora Alonzo Gardo Versoza Andres Bonifacio
Monique Wilson Maria Clara Chin Chin Gutierrez Josephine Bracken Mickey Ferriols Leonor Rivera
Pen Medina Young Paciano Peque Gallaga Archbishop Bernardo Nozaleda, OP Bon Vibar Ramon
Blanco Subas Herrero Alcocer Tony Mabesa Camilo de Polavieja Alexis Santaren Olive Chiqui Xerxes-
Burgos Father Villaclara, SJ Movie Summary: In the19th century Chile, Peru and Cuba rose against
Spain and achieved their independence. Philippine Spain faced a revolution due to mounting social
unrest among the natives. Thirty-five year old José Rizal was the greatest enemy of Spain in the
Philippines. With his exceptional linguistic ability (speaking twenty-two languages) and interest in the
sciences and the arts, Rizal was most effective in his campaign for freedom as a writer. He wrote two
novels: Noli Me Tangere and El
2. 2. Filibusterismo. These were scathing indictments of Spanish tyranny and of the church which came to
acquire immense political power. 1891. Ghent, Belgium. José Rizal writes that he is writing a book
about the Philippines to reveal the truth. There are scenes of a priest having sex with a Philippine
woman and beating a Philippine child. He writes of "our sad country" and "our grievances and
frustrations". We meet one of his characters named Crisostomo Ibarra, who took another name
Simoun. 1895. The Philippines. The Katipunan "sons of the people" shout "Long live Dr. José Rizal."
1896. MalacaZang Palace. Governor-General Blanco presents the Spanish plan to advance on the
province of Bulacan. He says: "We will crush the rebellion." Monsignor Nozaleda arrives. He virtually
demands the elimination of the rabble-rouser José Rizal. Guerrilla leader Bonifacio tells his Katipunan
to tear up their cedulas. The Spanish torture José Rizal's brother Paciano. They want to know what is
the role of his brother in the rebellion. 1896. Rizal Residence, Tondo, Manila. The family is packing to
leave. Paciano arrives home after his torture sessions. November 1896. Fort Santiago, Manila. The
order is given to bring in José Rizal. His interrogator tells Rizal that he knows that Rizal knows
Bonifacio, founder of the
3. 3. Katipunan. They know he met Bonifacio at a secret assembly at Doroteo Ongjunco's place. Rizal is
accused of being a traitor like Padre Burgos. After all, Rizal had dedicated his last book to him: "For the
priests Francisco Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora." Flashback. José Rizal says that his
brother Paciano was the one to open his eyes to the injustices in the Philippines. Paciano had known
Father Burgos and had witnessed his execution as well as those of the others. 1869. Calamba, Laguna.
As a youngster, José Rizal is called Pepe. His mom is falsely arrested for attempting to poison her
sister-in-law. She is jailed for two years. The Rizal family had disputes with the friars for years and the
clergy got their revenge by teaching the family a lesson. Pepe is sent to school. His brother tells him not
to use the family named of Mercado since the friars might hold it against him. 1872. Ateneo Municipal.
Pepe is praised at school for his work. Back to 1896. Luis Taviel de Andrade of the Spanish army
arrives to be José Rizal's defense council. He does not seem too pleased with his assignment.
Flashback. 1878. The University of Saint Thomas. The teacher has a Spanish student and a Philippine
student stand before the class next to each other. He notes the height difference between the superior
Spanish and the inferior Philippine. José Rizal rises to say that if height is of so much importance then
why are so many of Spain's colonies gaining their independence from Spain. The teacher responds:
"Impertinent!"
4. 4. Back to 1896. Rizal's novels are banned in the Philippines. With a knife, the character Crisostomo
threatens to kill the local priest for turning on his father and persecuting him. His father died in prison
and then the priest had his body dug up and thrown into the river. Crisostomo says that he has lost his
wife, child and family. Flashback. Rizal speaks with his fellow students about Philippine independence.
The Spanish students call them monkeys and a fight breaks out. Rizal is hit in the head with a thrown
rock. His Uncle Antonio bandages his wound. Cousin Leonor then sits with him. It is obvious that Rizal
likes his cousin. Back to 1896. The defense counsel asks why he would leave his beloved Leonor to
travel to Europe. His brother send him to Spain to study medicine, but also to be free to write about the
Philippines. 1884. Central University of Madrid. A group of Philippine students meet together to discuss
the situation in their country. A man named Agueller is there. José Rizal speaks for independence.
June 25, 1884. Hotel Ingles, Madrid. Two Philippine students Luna and Hidalgo, who were born in the
 Philipppines, won the university painting contest and are being honored. The authorities search the
mayor's house. He is arrested for having a Rizal book. The friars have a book burning for copies of
Rizal's books. The novel character Ibarra is called a traitor because officials implicated him in a violent
revolt. He was discredited in the public's eye.
5. 5. January 1891. Madrid. In the Philippine group of students, a call goes out for Del Pilar for President.
José Rizal is disgusted with the choice since they have almost opposite positions on independence. He
decides to return to the Philippines and walks out of the meeting. July 1892. Manila. Formation of the
La Liga Filipina. The young Andres Bonifacio enthusiastically responds to the speech given by José
Rizal. Rizal says that the friars planted banned pamphlets in his luggage; he was arrested; and he was
deported to the far-off island of Dapitan. One saving grace, however, was that he met Josephine.
Monsignor Nozaleda is still cursing the name of José Rizal. He still demands that Governor-General
Blanco eliminate the rebel. The Governor-General pays a visit to the cell of Rizal. Rizal scolds him:
"You made me believe I could go to Cuba only to be captured and imprisoned again." August 1896. A
Philippine revolt against the Spanish occurs. Rizal takes the position that it is useless to revolt at this
time because it is like suicide to face the overwhelming military might of the Spanish in the Philippines.
Christmas. At a formal dinner, Monsignor Nozaleda tells his fellow diners that Blanco is too friendly with
Rizal. Later Blanco is absolutely shocked when he is introduced to the new Governor-General of the
Philippines, Polavieja.
6. 6. Ghent, Belgium. Rizal receives a letter from the Philippines. He is told of what happened in his home
town of Calamba. Because the town dared to protest against the friars' misuse of their land, the
Spanish descended on the town and forced all the residents to evacuate. Rizal is extremely mad and
upset over the news. Later he receives a letter from Leonor saying that her mother arranged a marriage
for her to an Englishman against her wishes. She does not even like the Englishman, much less want
to marry him. Back to the present. The defense counsel tells Rizal that he thought the second novel to
be very sad. The character of Ibarra was o.k., but in the character Simoun there is no light -- his soul
has been corrupted. Simoun turns to violence against the Spanish imperialists. He puts a bomb within a
lantern with a flickering light that will be detonated when a diner guest tries to adjust the flame. Simoun
believes that reforms are useless and that blood must be shed. (Violence is prevented when a young
filippino throws the lantern out of the window where it explodes outside. The defense counsel asks if
Rizal is becoming Simoun: "You are using your novel to avenge yourself." In the novel Simoun is shot
in the back while running to escape the soldiers trying to capture him. The defense counsel is so
adamant and opinionated that it appears as if he is "tripping". The defense counsel attends a big formal
ball at Malacanyang Palace. Monsignor Nozaleda scolds him for working so hard for the traitor Rizal.
The defense counsel defends himself and the principal that everyman should have an effective defense
in
7. 7. court, but another clergyman accuses him of being a traitor himself. Excusing himself, the defense
counsel leaves the ball. December 26, 1896. The trial of Rizal begins. The point is made that since
1892 Rizal has deliberately made it known to one and all that he will not longer discuss politics. He was
on the desolated island of Diapan for four years. The prosecution claims that the rebel leader Bonifacio
needed Rizal for an uprising. The defense counters with the fact that when Dr. Valenzuela came to
Diapan to get his support for the uprising, Rizal told him that it would only be suicide and that he would
not support any uprising at this time. Flashback. Diapan. Josephine was a big help in Rizal's clinic on
the island. Josephine becomes pregnant with Rizal's child, but the baby boy dies shortly after birth and
Rizal buries his son all alone. December 1896. Rizal is given the death sentence. His counsel tells him
that it was a mock trial. Rizal's mother begs the new Governor-General for mercy, but he only says: "I'm
sorry." December 29, 1896. Bonifacio wants to try to save Rizal, but Rizal's brother Paciano argues
against it because it would be useless. In his jail cell, Rizal has an inner debate with the character
Simoun, who tells him that he wants Rizal to rewrite the ending of the novel: "Let the lamp explode"
among the Spanish diners.
8. 8. December 30, 1986. It is the day of execution. Rizal is able to sneak out a final poem to his family. At
the execution he has to turn his back to the firing squad. His lasts words were the shout: "It is done!"
Bonifacio and his Katipunan ambush some Spanish soldiers killing most of them. They also kill a
Spanish priest. The rebellion went ahead! June 12, 1898. General Emilio Aguinaldo raised the
Philippine flag for the first time and declared independence. A few years later, Dr. José Rizal was
declared the National Hero of the Republic of the Philippines.
9. 9. Reaction: I think that Cesar Montano’s interpretation of our hero Rizal is better than todays’ Rizal
thespians. I guess, his acting became the springboard of all Rizal-to-be actors. Overall, the movie’s
great – with a bit of flaws but still great. My reaction would be based on these three ideas: Cesar’s
performance, the movie’s flaws, and lastly, its good sides. Firstly, Cesar Montano is a man worthy of
praises for his excellent performance in his portrayal of Dr. Rizal. His actions embodied and convinced
the audience that he is Rizal; he is not the contemporary Montano but instead, he is the personification
of our national hero. Rizal’s hesitations, his daydreams, his anger, and happiness – these were all seen
within Cesar’s eyes. You’d almost say he was born as the reincarnation of Rizal because his acting was
almost natural. The way he walked, talked, and acted out his feelings were neither too dramatic nor too
somber – it was the right mixture of both and it turned out splendidly. Now, how am I sure that that is
how the real Rizal works? That that is how the actual Rizal acts, speaks, and behaves? Well, I’m not.
Like most people who lived out of Rizal’s time frame, I am only assuming things according to how I see
Rizal through various exposures to his works, biographies, subjects, topics, ideas, trivia, and generally
on what had been taught in school. Every individual, being unique in nature, has his or her own unique
mind that works in different ways. That is why, I view Rizal as to how Cesar played it and
10. 10. whatever view you may have, that does not generally apply to me. This is my reaction to Cesar’s
acting and if some people do not agree with that, I’m fine with that. But don’t have misconceptions that I
like Cesar Montano as an artist and that I’m an avid fan of him, which I’m not. I am simply stating my
opinions on his performance without any biases of the sort. The second part of my reaction is about the
movie’s flaws. If you are not very familiar with Philippine history; the Spanish Colonial Era; Jose Rizal
and the other propagandists; and or you are simply not good with time frames, then this movie will
confuse you. Why? For the reason that, the movie’s structure is of the conversational type – every
instances that a certain conversation triggers something, the influx in time is imminent – from the
present, the screen plays a narration of either the past; an episode from Dr. Rizal’s works; or the past in
yet, another past. It flows like a dream within a dream. It shows Dr. Rizal’s life in bits – like a puzzle that
works out its way to assemble its lost pieces. Eventhough this certain type of movie structure has its
own charm and beauty, certain audiences might get confuse. Thus, it becomes highly recommendable
for viewers to have even a bit of background to fully capture the intent of the film. Furthermore, I do not
know if this is included but, my copy is like the film’s structure – shown in bits and pieces plus a certain
file does not have an audio when you reach its middle part. But then, maybe it was just that this film is
old enough to be considered as vintage for those who live in the 21st century like me so its quality is
not of the highest quality.
11. 11. Lastly, of course I will not focus myself and waste my time until the end of my paper, criticizing this
movie and pointing out its flaws. I will also give out its good points. One of it I think is the way the movie
was presented. I know that I had just criticized it on my previous reaction but it could also be its natural
charm. The novelty of the presentation – of its structure – is what made it most interesting. Instead of
the plain and clichéd story telling type, it invoked the audience’s mind to stitch up the memories
presented – giving them the opportunity to see inside Rizal’s mind. It is a stimulating activity wherein
the audience sees the events just as how Rizal remembers it – not on a storyteller’s point of view
rather, on the POV of Rizal and how his fate unfolded before him towards his self-induced death. This
movie may be an older version and of the medium quality but it still gives its audience a great view on
the events during Rizal’s time. It still gives off that nationalistic spirit and feeling at the end when the
guns were triggered and the awful thud of Rizal’s lifeless body finally fell back on the earth of his
homeland. “It is done.” Reflection: While watching the movie, I felt good and I felt bad. Good for the
times when Rizal was enjoying the joys of the world, the glory of living, and the thrill of experiences.
And then I felt bad for the worst times: the brutality; the inhumane acts towards our ancestors; and the
permanent scar it left on our people – ignorant love for the foreign world and its glittering gifts.
12. 12. These gifts are chains in disguise but we embrace them, regardless of our history; regardless of
their previous brutalities: we are slaves to our own desires. We are blinded with the idea of foreign
superiority and wanted to be one. It’s like the temptation of Eve all over again and we have been the
ignorants who ate the forbidden fruit. It was then that I realized of what we’ve been doing ever since.
We’ve been exploiting our natural wealth for the benefit of other people. Yes, that is good – helping
other people and such but it depends on the purpose of those “other people”. They have been
poisoning our mind and we are ignorant enough to believe that what we’ve all been doing is good for
us. Latently, it is good for them. I’m not all out anti-foreign-ideology or something but, my point is, I’ve
realized that all our heroes’ hardwork have been worthless overtime. It now serves only as a picture of
 what had been. Over the years, even without the colonizers’ help, we’ve lost and thrown away our
identities – replacing it with an alien self. Now, what do I have to do to stop Filipinos from repeating
mistakes and succumbing to the dreadful temptation to be something else? What things am I going to
do and to what lengths? Well, for at the moment, I’ll finish my studies first. When the time comes where
I’d be able to stand for myself and see the world for what it truly is, then I guess, “The time is ripe. I will
do what I must do.”

The movie Jose Rizal which was excellently played by Cesar Montano as the lead role was a heartwarming one that
shows how Rizal runs his life.

While watching the movie, I felt mixed emotions given the fact that it was made to help us, Filipinos, understand what our
national hero had done for the country. It shows how Rizal really love his mother country for him to sacrificed his own life.

The film also works through a series of flashback showing Rizal as a genius, a write, a doctor, an artist, a lover, a friend, a
brother, a son that gives texture to his character.

It shows the great explanation of the Philippine history, the nationalism and heroism in a non-violent manner, though,
there were times that the characters speak in Spanish language and I couldn’t understand it unless I will read the
subtitles. I could also say that the other characters weren’t having any difficulties in reciting their Spanish lines.
The actors’ dedication for the film is inevitable especially Cesar Montano who is very perfect for the role of Rizal. His
values and great performance as the lead actor is impeccable and has a great impact on me as the audience of the said
film.

Also, the supporting casts like Jhong Hilario who played as Rizal’s servant, Jaime Fabregas as Rizal’s attorney did a great
job on portraying their role fluently. They made it easy for me to understand the flow of the story.

However, there are also negative comments that I must say about the movie. The plot was full of twists and turns. It is
confusing to watch because of too many flashbacks and you couldn’t guess whether it is still in flashback or not. Also,
some scenes are brutal, and some are not suitable for young kids such as the bed scene wherein the Spanish priest with
the used of his power tried to rape a Filipino woman.

They should’ve cut that scene knowing that this film is not only for old-aged viewers but also to the students who are
studying the life of Rizal, particularly those who have the subject El Filibusterismo and Noli me Tangere.

All in all, the movie is superbly great. It was epic, melodrama and historian. There are funny, tearful, griefs; hatred scenes
that would surely make you appreciate it. The characters are unforgettable.

I particularly love the last scene when Rizal fell in the ground facing the sky, having his last breath look at a beautiful
surprise – it only shows that Rizal did not die in vain. His death was just the beginning of everything we aim to face the
Spaniards who made us suffer.

After watching the film, I couldn’t help but feel the sense of pride being him as the Philippine National Hero. There is no
one like Rizal. He is a legacy of what a real Filipino is.