VALMORES, KEVIN P. SEPT.

30, 2013
BS-CPE 5

JOSE RIZAL MOVIE
The movie Dr.Jose Rizal talks about the great explanation of our Philippine history, the
nationalism patriotism and heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal. He never back down to a fight but he
didnt want to shed blood, instead he use his pen to write rather than a sword or gun to kill the
enemy. He wanted to show to the Filipinos the injustice done by the friars, Spaniards and its
government. He wanted us to fight for what is right and to fight for freedom. We had already
suffered enough, and there is only one thing more to do, to fight back, and win our freedom.
That is what Rizal wanted say to his countrymen.
In the film, it shows how cruel the friars and Spanish government, they think that they
are superior because of their race and position, But Rizal proved to them that its the inside that
counts and not on how you look at others. The only difference between filipinos and mestizos is
that they have proper education while not all filipinos has the right to earn a proper education
because of racial behavior of the Spaniards that led filipinos to be inferior to them.
Its not about the physical appearance, rank or position, nor the skin color, but the
knowledge you have learned. Knowledge is very important in our lives, and for Rizal, it just
shows that, if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything. Rizal persevere his education to
help cure of his mothers eye problems, Rizal also wanted change, in our country, in our
government and most of all in ourselves, to boost our morale as a Filipino citizen in our country
and to help defend our own country from invaders.
The movie was good and informative, yet there is one part that I dont like: it is when the
Priest had sex with a woman. Though it was a given historical fact, it could have been better if it
was not shown, as the priest of today had already changed into better church leaders. It would
not be good if the children would see that part, because their minds are still too simple to
comprehend or understand the given time and culture difference of today compared to that of
the Spanish era.
I felt sorry for Rizal because Andres Bonifacio, who is the leader of Katipunan, really
wanted the himagsikan to start as soon as possible. Bonifacio has the same goal as rizal and
that is to attain freedom but they differ in personalities.
Andres Bonifacio wanted the revolution to turn out to be a bloody fight, while Rizal,
believing in the power of pen rather than sword, he chose a path different from any other hero
before him. Though both wanted what is good for the people, they fought a different kind of
battle, as Bonifacio waged war upfront, Rizal kept his stance and waged war in the hearts and
minds of the people.
As Rizals words came alive, the eyes of the people awoke, and the subtle oppression
was turned into a vivid cry for change. In my opinion, without Rizals novels and poetrys,
Bonifacios Himagsikan would turn out to be a big disaster, as failure would be certain.
Andres Bonifacio always said in the end of his speech Mabuhay and pilipinas,mabuhay
ang katipunan, mabuhay si Dr.Jose Rizal. Even though Rizal is not part in it. So its kind of a
funny story because Rizal keeps denying it and in the movie, Jose Rizal said to the Guardia civil
that his mothers thinks that Bonifacio used Rizals name so that it will be used to solicit
donations.
The Novels of Rizal brought about an uproar to Filipino citizens, giving them courage
and strength. That strength was badly needed during that time, as the Filipino people began to
blindly accept their ill fate in the hands of their oppressor. What is worse is that they even did
not realize the situation they are in, they needed more than just strength, they needed an eye
opener, and leader whom who will lead them to the reality, and all of those were generously
provided by our national hero.
Jose Rizal is indeed a man worthy of praise, as it was written, he was undoubtedly a
genius, an intellectual amongst the people who were labeled ignorant. Jose Rizal was the
mockery of the Spanish arrogance, as he has proven by his existence how great Filipinos are,
can be and would be if only given the freedom they never tasted. I bet the Spanish had
unbearable discomfort knowing a man like Jose Rizal exists. Those abusive people had their
share of sleepless nights as they know for certain, that this man will be the spark of the
revolution that will bring about a great change in the country, a change which requires no more
colonizers, and a change that will bring about freedom.
I am quite sad to know that most of the things we fight for comes with a price. To the
smallest arguments to the largest of wars, ones idea must be forced in order to take the much
needed action. And as for Rizal, the price to pay was too much for him to bear. He had lost so
much in his eager quest for justice, but all those were not enough, as fate required one final
sacrifice: his life. It was my favorite part of the movie when Jose Rizal was imprisoned and was
bound to face his execution the next day.
He was quite reluctant at first to accept his punishment, but as Simone, the character he
created appeared in his imagination, his mind was opened and realized the value of his
sacrifice. I like the part when he smiled, realizing his great contribution for the Filipino people. It
was a smile so brave and pure that makes it all the more inspiring.
For me, I admire Dr.Jose Rizal for his contribution to our country, he fight for freedom
and teach our fellow Filipinos to stand on our own two feet even though he didnt help support
any of the heavily armed Philippine revolutionaries like the KKK against Spain who liberated the
Philippines on their own without any real American military help.