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.