A FILM REVIEW:

JOSE RIZAL
by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Capilitan, Marinell P.
Delos Santos, Gabriel B.
Magnaye, Katrine Shane G.
Magpantay, Kurt Lance R.
Narvaez, Lei Margaret R.
Regidor, Princess C.
INTRODUCTION

Jose Rizal (1998) is a historical movie directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya. An almost

three-hour movie that shows a summary and highlights of Rizal’s life during the

Spanish colonization here in the Philippines. Cesar Montano accurately portrayed the

character of Jose Rizal, composed, well-manned, and well-spoken with a good body

posture. The movie highlighted the most relevant events and happenings in the life of

our national hero. From his childhood until his last breath. Set in the late 19th century,

the film follows Rizal’s journey as an intellectual, writer, and revolutionary who

dreams of freedom and justice for the Filipino people. A life that he dedicated to his

fellow Filipino people, that he even sacrificed his own wishes and personal matters.

At a young age, he was given a great responsibility that comes with pressure and a

threat to his life, but despite everything, he still accepted the opportunity to help the

Filipino people with all his heart and gave his best to not waste their support, trust and

the opportunity given.

The movie also shows some of the significant parts of his two novels, Noli Me

Tangere and El Filibusterismo through flashbacks. Wherein we can witness visually

how the Spaniards treated the Filipino people way back then and how the characters of

the novel suffer from it—a love story that ended tragically, an optimist character that

became hopeless and revolutionary. It also shows the inner conflicts of Rizal himself

and how it impacted the way he wrote the fate of the characters of the novel, which

somehow reflects his feelings and inner thoughts.

PLOT SUMMARY

The Jose Rizal film that was made in 1998 by Marilou Diaz-Abaya showed and

expressed the historical events during the time of the Spanish colonization. The movie

is an adaptation of Rizal’s childhood to his execution. He was an excellent and

brilliant child who started like the other Filipinos, his first teacher was his mother ,

Doña Teodora. At an early age Jose Rizal’s patriotism and the will to fight for Filipino

rights against the spaniards. As he entered school he was an amazing child that made

him stand out from the others and became the highest in class. As he proceeded his

studies he was able to study in a well known university and started a medical course in

the University of Sto.Tomas and go after abroad to continue his profession for better

knowledge and help his mother to cure her blindness. When he went abroad, he

sacrificed a lot, like living alone and leaving his family behind and of course his lover,

Leonor Rivera. He spent a long time abroad and managed to finish his novels which

are the famous novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. His novels pursued and

helped us Filipinos to be free from colonialism. Also the novels helped Rizal to meet

Andres Bonifacio, who is the leader of the KKK or Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangan

na Katipunan and motivated to build an organization against the spaniards.

The novels became an eye-opener for some ordinary Filipinos to stop the abuse

and prosecution. Despite other Filipinos making him feel small, bullied and having

traumatic experiences, he kept on writing and publishing books to educate and inspire
Filipinos. A lot of accusations went by when he came back to the philippines. Jose

Rizal died without winning the battles but he died fighting for his beloved country.

His novels were his weapons and no one was harmed during his battle that were made

are his words for revenge and arouse Filipino eyes. Rizal’s sacrifice was not put in

vain because Filipinos learned to embrace, love and protect their own country. The

movie dedicates the power of education, determination, courage and intelligence to

fight battles without any weapons and getting no one hurt.

Doña Teodora was accused of something she didn’t do. Don Francisno was executed

and died in prison Paciano was tortured. His lover Leonor Rivera married an english

man He met Josephine bracken but they lost their child during delivery.

ANALYSIS

The movie is released twenty-six (26) years ago but somehow it still projected the

story well. Even though this film is very old, it still holds up well, with good camera

angles and positioning. The only issue is the clarity of the film's quality, which may

not be as sharp as modern standards. However, the story, direction, and emotional

depth make it timeless, drawing viewers in despite the limitations of its visuals. The

actors give justice to the story, each actor and actress successfully give life to the

characters.

The movie Jose Rizal delivers powerful performances, led by Cesar Montano’s

portrayal of the national hero, capturing Rizal’s intellect, emotions, and inner
struggles with impressive depth. Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya skillfully balances

historical accuracy with emotional resonance, drawing audiences into Rizal’s life and

the larger colonial conflict. The cinematography by Rody Lacap complements this

vision, using light and shadow to illustrate the oppressive colonial atmosphere and

create intimacy in scenes focused on Rizal’s reflections. The thoughtful script,

interwoven with scenes from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, provides context

for Rizal’s ideals and personal challenges, while the supporting cast brings depth to

characters representing the ideological divide of the era.

Additionally, the film’s score, composed by Nonong Buencamino, enhances its

emotional impact, adding a haunting quality to scenes of reflection and despair. Sound

design further immerses viewers in 19th-century Philippines, effectively establishing

the setting and tone. This combination of strong performances, insightful directing,

impactful visuals, and evocative sound makes Jose Rizal a compelling portrayal of the

national hero’s life and sacrifices. Through these elements, the film transcends its

limitations in visual clarity, remaining a timeless work that educates and moves its

audience.

THEMES AND MESSAGE

This historical movie overflows with meaningful messages that will touch your

heart once you watch it, even though you already know story or how will it end up,

you can still feel the thrill, anxiousness and pain through the actors and actresses’

words and expressions. The primary theme of Jose Rizal revolves around the struggle
for freedom and justice, highlighting the sacrifices needed to challenge oppression. It

explores Rizal's journey as a writer and revolutionary, using the power of ideas and

peaceful resistance in sparking change. The film contrasts the paths of reform and

armed revolt, represented by Rizal and Bonifacio, illustrating the diverse approaches

within the independence movement and the difficult choices that arise when seeking

justice. Rizal represents a careful revolutionary, using his talent his skills to silently

awaken the sleeping patriotic hearts of the Filipino people, believing in the idea of

moving slowly but surely and more safe. On the other hand, Bonifacio represents the

Filipinos who wants immediate results, those who acts with emotion rather that mind,

they are willing to sacrifice their lives but lack on proper plans and doesn’t consider

the consequences.

The message of the film resonates as a call to courage, resilience, and commitment

to one's ideals. It emphasizes the impact one individual can have by standing up for

truth and the sacrifices required for social progress. Rizal’s story serves as an

inspiration for viewers to reflect on the value of education, integrity, and patriotism,

reminding audiences of the enduring relevance of his vision and principles in the quest

for a just society. It gives us, the Filipino people a sense of identity and promotes

nationalism. It serves as an inspiration that we can hold into, that whatever we face

today, we must hold on, and that we must protect and cherish the freedom we have

now because our ancestors word hard for it.

PERSONAL OPINION

The film Jose Rizal, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, is an incredibly realistic

portrayal of the life and struggles of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, during the

Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Based on the articles I’ve read and stories

passed down through generations, this movie captures the essence of the Filipino spirit

and resilience. I like how every character fit their roles perfectly, from Rizal himself

to the revolutionary members of the Katipunan (KKK). Their fight for freedom and

rights and their reverence for Rizal’s sacrifices are powerfully moving, especially

when they shout, “Mamatay na lumalaban! ”"Die fighting!" was a line that gave me

goosebumps.

One of the standout relationships portrayed in the film is between Rizal and his

older brother, Paciano. I admire Paciano's unwavering loyalty to his younger brother,

it's truly touching that he’s willing to endure torture at the hands of the Spanish

authorities just to protect Jose. Rizal’s exchanges with Spanish authorities are also

captivating. His use of words to cleverly confuse and challenge his interrogators

shows his intellectual brilliance and courage. In contrast, the character of the Prisoner

Servant, who serves as a poignant representation of the common Filipino under

Spanish rule, expresses a belief that “if you're not educated, you won't have enemies.”

His mindset reflects the disempowerment felt by many Filipinos, forced to accept their

fate to survive, which is truly a disappointing mindset during that time.

Rizal’s dedication to his mother is also deeply moving. His journey to becoming an

ophthalmologist was driven by a desire to cure her eyesight, a touching example of his

love and devotion to his family. Despite the personal risks and hardships, he pursued

his studies to fulfill a promise to help his mother.

Another remarkable character in the film is Luis Taviel de Andrade, a Spanish

officer who chose to stand by Rizal as his defense lawyer. Even as a Spaniard Taviel

was willing to risk his career to defend Rizal in court, recognizing his innocence and

respecting his principles. This act highlights the film's exploration of friendship and

loyalty that transcends race and colonial politics.

The film’s dialogue is rich with profound lines that resonate deeply. Rizal’s words,

“Until we learn to respect ourselves, we will not gain respect from others,” serve as a

powerful reminder of the importance of self-respect and dignity, themes that remain

relevant today. Meanwhile, the cruelty of the Spanish friars, who treated Filipinos as

inferiors, is difficult to watch but crucial for understanding the social injustice of that

era.

One of the most complex aspects of Rizal’s life shown in the movie is his

romantic relationships. I do not like the fact that Jose Rizal is in a relationship with

her cousin Leonor Rivera and yet flirted with Josephine Bracken. I love that even the

smallest gestures in the film carry immense emotional weight. For instance, the scene
where the prisoner servant gives Rizal slices of ham as a Christmas gift despite having

little money himself, it is both touching and heartbreaking. It highlights the profound

respect and admiration that many Filipinos felt toward Rizal, a man they saw as

embodying their hopes and dreams.

Ultimately, watching the Jose Rizal film is a deeply moving movie that, even if

it's Jose Rizal himself Crisostomo Ibarra the character he wrote from El Filibusterismo

or Simoun Ibarra’s alter ego, their unwavering fight for freedom left an indelible mark

on the nation. Watching this film has deepened my appreciation for their sacrifices

and the enduring legacy they left behind. It reminds us all to honor those who came

before us and to continue the fight for justice and equality in our own time.

CONCLUSION AND RATING

The film Jose Rizal begins with a portrayal of Rizal’s upbringing, emphasizing his

strong family ties, curiosity, and literary talent. The movie paints a vivid picture of his

close bond with his family and his relationships, particularly with Leonor Rivera,

whom he loved deeply. He showed a passionate drive to uplift his fellowmen, which

led him on a journey not only through love and family but also through self-discovery

and patriotism.

One of the most powerful parts of the film is how it shows Rizal’s determination to

stand up against the injustices of Spanish rule. Through his writings, especially in El
Filibusterismo, he created characters that reflected the struggles of the Filipino people.

This book became a symbol of resistance, awakening people’s awareness, and also a

warning for the Spaniards. The movie also highlights the immense love Rizal held for

his family, who remained a source of strength for him throughout his life and

expedition that even as he faced the prospect of death, his love for them never

faltered.

This film is more than a historical drama; it is a reminder of the immense sacrifices

made by our ancestors in the pursuit of freedom and independence. By watching the

film, we are reminded of our responsibility to honor and remember those who came

before us, whether from Rizal’s era or in modern times, who continue to fight for

justice and equality. The film leaves viewers with a deeper appreciation of our

heritage and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. It is a must-watch, as it

profoundly captures the essence of patriotism and the true cost of independence.

For those interested in Philippine history and culture, the film effectively

conveys Rizal’s ideals, contributions, and struggles against colonialism. In addition to

his story’s emotional weight, it contains a rich historical narrative as well. Considering

its educational value and artistic execution, I would rate it 8 or 9 out 10. The film is

strongly recommended for those who enjoy historical dramas and stories that inspire

social change.