Krisha Mae M.

Vitto 2CMT
JOSE RIZAL
I. Development of the Life Story of Rizal
a. Discuss the style or approach used to unfold the life story of Rizal. How
did the style or approach help you understand and appreciate his life story? What
areas caused in you confusion if any.
The events in Rizal’s life did not appear in the movie on its chronological
order. Instead of using the natural sequence, flashbacks were used to unfold the
life story of Rizal. The flash back created suspense in the movie and developed
Jose Rizal’s character and it also structured the narration of the story. It also
helped me understand him more because of the flashback of his formative years
and his years as a student in Manila. Everything that he experienced from his
childhood to his adolescence has greatly affected the person he became. Some
of the flashbacks confused me. It is mainly because some of the flashbacks were
indistinguishable from the reality.

b. What aspects of Rizal’s life do you consider most and least significant?
Give your reasons.
I consider Rizal’s life in Dapitan the most significant because it was there
when he really showed his love for his countrymen by putting up a school and a
clinic, which is open for the rich and the poor. Also, it was also there where in he
met his significant other, who is no other than Josephine Bracken. Aside from
that, I also consider his death as the most significant aspect of his life. Through
his bravery and nationalism, many Filipinos were stirred and chose to fight for our
country. On the other hand, the aspect of Rizal’s life, which I consider least
significant, is his physical aspect. Even though he is short and not that
noticeable, he exhibits the characteristics that most of us don’t have – courage,
bravery, wisdom, love for our country, and especially his brilliance. Rizal's
brilliance is comparable with the greatest men that have ever walked the face of
the earth. No one can ever compare to his love for our country and his bravery.
That makes him a true hero for me.
 c. How has Rizal, the movie, affected your regard for him as the foremost
hero? Explain.
The movie made me know him more as a person. It kind of gave clarity to
me on how he really was as a citizen of our country. It also gave life to my
imaginations as I read them on books. Before, when Rizal’s name was
mentioned, I regarded him as our national hero without any feelings because it is
a known fact. Now, I appreciated everything he has done for our country. I admire
him more because of his willingness to die for his own country even if our country
has not done anything good to him. The movie gave more depth to him as a
person and not only the fact that he’s our hero. It feels like I’ve known him
through the movie.

II. Characterization of the Movie

a. Discuss the choice of actors/actresses. How have they played their
roles? How did they role-play contribute to the better understanding and
appreciation of the story.

The director made a good choice of the main roles. Cesar Montano was
really fit for his role as Dr. Jose Rizal as well as the others. The actors and
actresses played their roles as if they were the real characters. The role-play
made me understand Rizal’s life more because the right emotions were delivered
to me. They portrayed it excellently. They were also acting it out just as I
imagined it.

b. Who are your choice of the best and the worst actors/actresses in the
film. Why?
Cesar Montano is my choice as the best actor because the emotions he
showed seemed real. He did a good job in expressing the character of Jose
Rizal. Aside from that, he spoke Spanish really well; it is as if he was a real fluent
speaker of Spanish. The worst actor for me was Gardo Versoza in his portrayal
as Andres Bonifacio. His acting seemed weird to me. I did not expected Andres
Bonifacio to be like that. There was something missing in his acting. Maybe it
was the delivery of the proper emotions.

III. Discuss the emotions that were stirred in you when you viewed the following:
a. Rizal’s family’s sufferings
The suffering of his family made me angry with the evil friars who do
things only for their own benefit. Also, it made me understand why Rizal became
nationalistic. He wants to save the Filipinos from the oppression of the
Spaniards.

b. Rizal’s mock trial

I felt injustice with Rizal’s mock trial. It was simply unfair. Taviel de
Andrade said nothing but the truth but then the Spanish judges can turn the
situation in their own benefit in just the wink of an eye. After all, the decision is in
their hands. They did not even considered though it was the truth. I was totally
enraged.

c. Rizal’s execution
I was amazed by the bravery of Rizal. He was very calm at that time. It is
as if he was walking on a beautiful day. At the same time, I feel sorry for him. I
feel sad that he has to die to awaken the nationalism in the Filipinos. It was truly
wonderful to witness his execution even if it was only role-played.

d. Rizal’s love struck time

I find his love struck time “corny” and fast. I guess he falls in love fast. But,
I feel happy for Rizal. Finding someone to love is really wonderful. It is those
times you’d smile all the time and simply be happy. I can compare it to finding a
beautiful flower in the midst of wilderness.

e. Revolution
 I felt happy that finally, they found the courage to fight against the
Spaniards. At the same time, I felt fear for them because their lives were at risk.
Many were sacrificed to achieve the independence, but I guess it is worth it. I am
sure that those who died for our country did not regret it. It is a huge
accomplishment and honor to serve our country in such a way.