Tarog’s film has generated a firestorm of interest and admiration, and it not only puts Luna on the pedestal he deserves but venerates him (and short of vilifies Emilio Aguinaldo who was indirectly or directly involved in the deaths of two strong-willed military leaders of that era - Luna and Andres Bonifacio). It was a war of independence from two colonial masters and this film pays honor and respect to Antonio Luna, one of the men who boldly stood against imperialism. And for $20 million, the country was sold by Spain to America.
How different is the Philippines' Declaration of Independence made in Kawit, Cavite?įrom the jaws of victory, independence was cruelly snatched away from the Filipinos who fought so hard for independence from Spain.
They formed their own Continental Congress and declared themselves free and independent states in July of 1776 (although the war ended in 1783). If we follow that train of thought then theirs too is an insurrection against British rule during their own war of independence. You see, the Philippine-American War has always been viewed as an insurrection by the American government than a genuine war. I am glad that Jerrold Tarog’s film, Heneral Luna was made because it “steals" back something precious from the way history is written by the victorious Americans. Right before the Irish band U2 performed “Helter Skelter” during their live concert recording for their Rattle and Hum album, lead singer Bono told the audience, “This is the song (murderer) Charles Manson stole from the Beatles.