John Arcilla as the titular character Antonio Luna

By Alex Amansec

This Monday, June 12, marks the 125th year of Philippine independence. As we celebrate our freedom, it’s always important to honor the valiant Filipino spirit that got us to where we are today. From national heroes to superheroes to ordinary citizens, here are seven films you can watch to immerse yourself in the stories of our people’s timeless grit and ignite a sense of nationalism on this momentous occasion.

Heneral Luna (2015)
First on the list is a film that everyone has surely heard of, but has never failed to stir the emotions of its viewers. Heneral Luna (2015) does justice to the story of a hero we’ve only heard in passing from our grade school history books. Starring internationally-acclaimed actor John Arcilla as the titular character, it follows the journey of Antonio Luna, a Filipino general who commanded in the early phases of the Philippine-American war and led the revolutionary army in a devoted fight for freedom. Besides the facts of history, the biopic even features a dissection into the characters’ raw humanity, reminding us of how the sins of pride, greed, rage, and betrayal can lead to the downfall of not just one man, but a whole nation.

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)

Considered to be the sequel of the previous 2015 film on General Antonio Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral chronicles the latter events of the Philippine revolution that happened directly after Luna’s assassination. This time, it centers around the trials and tribulations of General Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar, who was one of the youngest generals in the Philippine Revolutionary Army. Goyo’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless young Filipinos who fought bravely for their country’s independence, giving us a deeper understanding of the inner conflicts and unwavering dedication of those who fought for our freedom.

Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio (2010)

Andres Bonifacio represents the ultimate idea of “what could have been” in Philippine history. Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio (2010) is thus a good way to relive the hero’s story, detailing the establishment of the revolutionary government while providing the viewer with thought-provoking historical insight on these events with far more clarity. Director Mario O’Hara also showcases the creative use of color, ever-amplifying the stakes inside and outside the courtroom where the Filipino-versus-Filipino battle that altered the course of history took place.

Heneral Rizal (2020)

This short film by Cinemalaya features a different face who isn’t typically in the spotlight in Philippine history. Portrayed by veteran actor and Tanghalang Pilipino artistic director Nanding Josef, Heneral Rizal (2020) talks about the events of the Philippine Revolution from the perspective of Paciano Rizal, a Filipino general, revolutionary, and José Rizal’s older brother, who stood as the younger’s main support system while studying in Spain to carry on the fight for the motherland. Directed by Chuck Gutierrez and adapted from Floro C. Quibuyen’s stage play, the short film is a 22-minute open letter expressed by Paciano addressed to his executed younger brother that illustrates what it means to be a Filipino.

Dekada ’70 (2002)

Based on the 1983 novel by writer and activist Lualhati Bautista, Dekada ‘70 is a powerful historical drama that details the experiences and struggles of the Bartolome family set against the backdrop of the Martial Law. The film features Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon as Amanda Bartolome and Julian Bartolome Sr. respectively, the parents who are raising five sons in the context of social and political unrest. The film remains poignant and relevant to this day, offering a reflection of the politically turbulent landscape of the time. More important, it shows the audience what it looks like to go from an apathetic citizen to a loving patriot who fights for the rights of her family and fellow Filipinos.

Darna! Ang Pagbabalik (1994)

We wrap up this list on a sentimental note that tugs on the heartstrings of many: Darna! Ang Pagbabalik (1994) is a Filipino superhero film based on the well-loved Pilipino Komiks superhero Darna created by Mars Ravelo more than half a century ago. Directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes with a screenplay by Floy Quintos, the film presents a delightful blend of action and nostalgia through the character of Darna, a cultural icon who came about amid the struggles of the nation in post-World War II. Starring Anjanette Abayari who plays Narda (and her alter-ego, Darna), the superheroine serves as the people’s champion, embodying and empowering the Filipino through her characteristics of empathy and compassion.

Lakambini (2015)

The heroism of Andres Bonifacio must be honored along with that of his wife, Gregoria de Jesus, who was coined the “lakambini” or  muse of the Katipunan. With the little attention given to her in our history textbooks, Lakambini (2015) brings to light the contributions of the mother of the Philippine revolution and the lengths she went to keep her fellow countrymen safe from danger. Lovi Poe, who played the younger Gregoria in the film, expressed how moved she was by the screenplay written by Rody Vera, which received first prize in the 2014 Palanca Awards.