Sakay (1993) & Heneral Luna (2015) Film Review

Sakay (1993) & Heneral Luna (2015) Film Review Roman Christoper A. Esteban The Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Science Films play an important role in shaping societal consciousness because they are frequently representations of the real world. Often, our favorite films are those that had a profound emotional or mental impact on us. Indeed, the portrayal of history in popular culture made it more easily digestible for the general public. As a result, the films Heneral Luna (Tarog, 2015) and Sakay (Red, 1993) are important in raising awareness and preserving Filipino history. Heneral Luna and Macario Sakay are both patriotic national figures who have been mocked in the past and praised in the present for the same reason. Their stories are told in films because their sacrifice of death represents their great love for the Philippines and the price, they must pay for it. After watching both films, Filipinos can learn a thing or two about these men's patriotic traits and how they can apply them today. We will discuss Luna and Sakay's resistance to American imperialism, Aguinaldo's betrayal of the Katipunan revolution and the Philippines, and Aguinaldo's assassination of Filipino leaders who threatened his position in this paper. Set during the height of the war between America and the Philippine Republic, Heneral Luna (Tarog, 2015) portrayed the latter's flaws, as well as the fact that it was led by entrepreneurs, bourgeoisies, and ilustrados. It is unsurprising that the majority of them would prefer to satisfy their hunger for power and selfish interest in the Philippines' freedom. They regard Americans as the lesser of two evils when compared to Spaniards, and even consider America to be a friend of the country. Members of the Philippine Republic cabinet are unable to agree on a goal or a resolution because they all have self-interested interests. However, this would reflect the cabinet member's inability to empathize with the struggles of the Filipino masses, as American imperialism had little, if any, impact on them. Heneral Luna (Tarog, 2015) highlighted the disunity among Filipinos. The cabinet members, who are elites and entrepreneurs, were easily swayed by America's sweet promises and believed that the Philippines could not survive without foreign intervention. As discord among Filipinos persisted, the Americans saw this as an opportunity to further their agenda. The Spaniards sold the Philippines to the Americans in the Treaty of Paris, unbeknownst to Aguinaldo and his men. Following this, America attacked Manila, prompting Aguinaldo to give Heneral Luna command of the war against the Americans. While Heneral Luna was busy gathering military forces and formulating a strategy, the elites were busy asserting their power. Luna's efforts to oppose American imperialism were hampered by a lack of cooperation and support from the Philippine Republic and other militaries. The Americans are gaining power, while Filipinos are fighting amongst themselves. As a result, he stated that the Philippines face a greater foe—themselves. Luna stated that the country requires a radical change and that we will never be ready to lead our own country unless our countrymen exercise their nationalism (Tarog, 2015). Luna's arrogant demeanor, temperament, and outbursts cast him in a negative light. This is also the source of his disagreements with Aguinaldo's cabinet and fellow military generals. Aguinaldo was intimidated by Luna's demeanor, despite the fact that he was a respectable military general. As a true dictator, Aguinaldo eliminated anyone who grazed the stable facade of his leadership. Those who held opposing beliefs, such as Bonifacio and Procorpio, were assassinated. Those who refused to submit to his authority, like Jocson, were imprisoned and executed. Fearing that another Bonifacio, a man seemingly more competent and nationalistic than him, would seize power and potentially overthrow him, he ordered Heneral Luna's assassination. Luna's blood will always be in Aguinaldo's hands, as will the bloods of Bonifacio, Procorpio, and Jocson. With Luna gone, Aguinaldo later on surrendered the Philippines to the hands of the American imperialism. This leads us to Sakay (Red, 1993), a film set after Aguinaldo's betrayal of the Philippine Republic. When Aguinaldo surrendered to the Americans, the Filipinos were forced to swear allegiance to the American flag. Those who refused would be labeled as bandits and outlaws. Macario Sakay, a member of the Katipunan, was among those arrested. During an interrogation, he was asked why he continued to fight Americans after Aguinaldo surrendered, to which he replied, "Hindi si Aguinaldo ang pinaglalaban ko, kundi ang kalayaan" (Red, 1993). Macario Sakay used to be a tailor, a theater actor, and a Katipunan member (GMA Public Affairs, 2018). Following his release from prison, Sakay mulls over whether to continue the revolution or live in peace. He realized what needed to be done through the ghost of a memory he had of his father. Soon after, he organized a movement and was elected president of the Republika ng Katagalugan. In Sakay, traces of disunity among Filipinos and the selfish interests of the elites were highlighted further (Red, 1993). Some Filipinos wear the uniform of Americans and answer to them while ignoring the struggles of other Filipinos. Some Filipinos do not see the significance of Sakay's revolution and consider it to be pointless, if not worsening the situation. These Filipinos' actions, however, were manifestations of the Philippines' long colonial rule. Filipinos had been subjected to constant manipulation, violence, and wars, so when peace was finally offered (albeit phony and sugar-coated), they accepted it. Perhaps the assassination of true nationalistic figures took its toll on the nation, and, bit by bit, hope for a Philippine country for the Filipino people appears to be fading. The bourgeoisie's behavior is another constant in both films. Elites simply shift their allegiances based on where they stand to benefit the most—in this case, the Americans. These upper-class men are willing to sell their own land and kind in order to save their own skins. As a result of which Sakay became a victim. After being imprisoned, Sakay continued to fight for Philippine independence, infuriating Americans and fellow Filipinos. The ilustrados who were supporting him turned against him and sold him to the Americans, thereby saving their own skins. Soon after, Sakay was apprehended and executed for being a bandit. His death was tragic and heroic, unjust and moving all at the same time. Sakay (Red, 1993) depicted the violence of war and the ruthlessness of American imperialism against the Filipinos effectively. Because of America's manipulation, Sakay's efforts were frequently misunderstood, and he was frequently portrayed in films as a savage. In Red's (1993) Sakay, the president of Republika ng Katagalugan’s story was finally corrected. Luna and Sakay both recognize the importance of a similarly violent approach to America's colonization. They were strong-willed leaders who dared to do things that most people would question. The difference was that, whereas Sakay was a commoner, Luna was an ilustrado. Heneral Luna's heightened sense of self-righteousness was somehow obscured by his heroic deeds in the film. Another point of contrast in the films was the mood they conveyed to the audience. Sakay (Red, 1993) was unsettling, depicting the ugliness of war and the agony of death. Heneral Luna (Tarrog, 2015) was an action film with comedic undertones that depicted war while romanticizing the hero. Both films are essential in influencing the Filipino people's consciousness. That is why historical films must be done critically, staying true to historical facts while refusing to succumb to idolatry. Three elements are consistent in these two films. One thing is certain: Americans will never be the Philippines' friend. They will use the Philippines to their advantage, exploiting the Filipinos. Second, the Philippines will never be free as long as Filipinos do not recognize the importance of nationalism. We must be true to our country, with our principles aligned with the needs of the Filipino people and an unyielding disposition. Third, mere peace talks will not suffice to combat violence. Both Heneral Luna (Tarrog, 2015) and Sakay (Red, 1993) see the need for an armed struggle (Red, 1993). The cost of our freedom is greater than the cost of our peace, and even that peace is a pipe dream because there will always be unrest as long as we are at the mercy of American imperialism and power-hungry leaders. REFERENCES Tarog, J (Director). (2015). Heneral Luna [Film]. Artikulo Uno Productions. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/SYWo6FoVacY Red, R. (Director). (1993). Sakay [Film]. Alpha Omega Productions. Retrieved from https://pinoymoviepedia.ru/movies/sakay-full-movie/ GMA Public Affairs. (2018, July 30). I-Witness: ‘Ang Huling Katipunero: Macario Sakay,’ dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (Full Episode) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU0oWiqf84s.