The movie depicted the life of Jose Rizal, who is regarded as the national hero of the Philippines. It showcased his upbringing, challenges, and ultimate demise at the hands of Spanish authorities. By employing flashbacks, the film emphasized Rizal’s multifaceted abilities and accomplishments such as being a brilliant individual, writer, physician, artist, romantic partner, friend, sibling, and offspring. Moreover, it offered an understanding into the experiences of Filipino citizens under the dominion of Spanish friars.
During that time, the life of the people was challenging as they had to obey all laws and rules imposed by the Spanish friars and government, despite their leaders oppressing their rights. The colonizers exploited them in various manners, while even the Catholic Church leveraged its powers for personal gain. Spain believed they could deceive everyone. The movie showcased how Rizal motivated Filipinos to stand up for their rights.
Writing his novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, awakened many Filipinos to the reality of their country. This led to the establishment of Katipunan, a group that aimed to revolt against the Spaniards. The freedom we enjoy today is owed to our heroes who fought for our motherland, using both weapons and pens. This movie made me appreciate the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives with Philippine Independence in their hearts. I gained a deeper understanding of our history and its relevance to our present circumstances.
Although we are not currently under foreign rule, many of us Filipinos are disregarding our true identity and potential. We are neglecting our heritage. Personally, I hope that I am not the only one who feels a renewed love for my country and a revived commitment to its cause after watching the film. My prayer is that Rizal’s legacy will continue to motivate all of us to strive and pursue education, regardless of our financial situations. Acquiring knowledge is crucial as it empowers us to safeguard ourselves and potentially even our nation in the future.
