MOVIES WITH FANTASY/MAGICAL THEME

My sister asked me to do the assignment of my nephew about movies with fantasy/magical theme. I just want to share it.

Movies with fantasy/magical theme:

1. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

The Lion (Aslan) > represents God

The Witch (Snow Queen) > represents evil

Wardrobe > represents a magical world where the characters not only find adventures but also find themselves and their purpose.

2. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Labyrinth/maze > reflects an irony of a  dangerous world when the lead character tries to escape the horror of World War II.

3. Chocolat (2000)

Chocolate in Chocolat reflects an unspeakable passion/desire.

4. Lord of the Rings series

Ring reflects materialism or loving the world

5. Joe's Apartment

In the film Joe's Apartment, cockroaches are depicted in a different way. For me, cockroaches are disgusting scavenger creatures but in the movie it's depicted as a friendly creatures.

LGBT, BEAUTIFUL? sample of editorial to inform

LGBTQI community seems to be accepted by our society. They have been portrayed in different ways. Topics in literature, sculpture, movies, etc. denote the social impact of the gender preference. One thing is for sure LGBTQI is becoming a trend for Filipino mainstream and independent films theme. Philippines has its distinction with LGBTQI-themed movies.

Greeks male scholars in ancient world formulated the standard of beauty. As it heavily influenced social norms, the world was enchanted with the idea and brought this as basis for vanity. It was also the Greeks that gave us preference on male beauty imperfections which associated with metrosexual. There's a notion during ancient times that brotherly love between two male Greeks, not in blood relations or kin, led to the term homosexuality.

Philippines adapted a conservative ideology based on machismo and patriarchal system. It affected the way a man should think and stand up for himself. Every man in the pre-colonial and colonial period avoided effeminate gestures, dubious tone of voice and awkward emotions on his male companion.

The Annual Academy Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) or Oscars first Best Picture was Wings in 1927. The finale scene in the movie had homosexual subtext when a male soldier kissed goodbye to his companion. Hollywood luminaries such as Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Rock Hudson, Anthony Perkins, Montgomery Clift and James Dean revealed their sexual ambiguity that added to their glitz and glamor.

Catholic Legion of Decency of Hollywood during one of its golden years served as gatekeepers in presenting themes, stories and plots in movies. Certain scenes in movies like A Streetcar named Desire, Rope and Red River were removed because of the indication of homoeroticism. As time went by, mainstream cinema with LGBTQI themes were accepted not only in Hollywood but as well as foreign countries.

Philippine Cinema depicted gay characters on its early years as stereotypes as funny, flamboyant and cross dressing as sign of their gender preference. Filmmakers were aware that gay characters must be developed in more serious portrayals.

Dolphy was one of the few fearless actors who played gay in Philippine Cinema. Some of his remarkable roles were the following: flamboyant "Pacifica Falaypay", responsible gay fatherly figure in "Ang Tatay kong Nanay" and World War II witness "Markova: Comfort Gay".

Actors were not comfortable accepting offers of LGBTQI roles. The emergence of Independent Cinema in the Philippines helped to change the minds of many actors. They learned to appreciate the contribution of LGBTQI roles in our society.  With the guidance of filmmakers, actors were more challenged receiving LGBTQI roles.

LGBTQI movies presented male and female in different perspectives. LGBTQI can be our relatives, friends, neighbors, workmates, classmates or acquaintances. LGBTQI features depicted LGBTQI lifestyle and contribution in various stories, plots, dimensions and approaches. Future LGBTQI films must show the psyche and morale on audience mind so that every individual would discover the significance of LGBTQI in our society as few LGBTQI features shown. Filmmakers must also be responsible creating LGBTQI movies vividly.

"A MAN CALLED MANUEL" sample of editorial of tribute by: Jim Paranal

"Father of the National Language" or "Ama ng Wikang Pambansa" - that is what Manuel Luis Quezon called. He was recognized as the second president of the Republic of the Philippines. This man had contributed numerous achievements for our country's benefit.

Former President Quezon was born on August 19, 1878 in Baler, Tayabas now known as Aurora. His father and mother, Lucio Quezon and Maria Dolores Molina, were primary grade school teachers. He had learned the basic education through his parents guidance and tutors assistance. He graduated high school from Colegio San Juan de Letran. He studied law at University of Santo Tomas but stopped in 1899 due to his support on Emilio Aguinaldo's revolt to Philippine-American War.

When Aguinaldo's surrendered in 1901, Quezon continued his studies and he became the fourth place in the bar exams in 1903.

Burton's dedication to serve his country started in his hometown. He became the governor of Tayabas (now Quezon). He was also elected to the first Philippine Assembly and served as majority floor leader. Later, he became a senator afterwards he became Senate President. He led the Nacionalista Party in 1922.

Manuel Quezon won the first national presidential election. He did several advocacies during his term. Here as follows:
1. He encouraged women to vote
2. He established the Institute of National Language with the help of Jaime De Veyra in 1935. The institute suggested Tagalog as the basis of native tongue after further studies.
3. On December 1937, President Quezon issued a proclamation declaring Tagalog as the national language. Since then, the Institute of National Studies had worked on the grammar and dictionary of the language.

Quezon died on August 1, 1944 at Saranak Lake, New York. His tuberculosis resulted in his demise. As a symbol of respect, former President Corazon Aquino declared a week of August as "Linggo ng Wika". Then, former Fidel Ramos proclaimed August as "Buwan ng Wika" pertaining Quezon's contribution.

PARANAL - MINGO NUPTIAL RECEPTION PROGRAM SPIEL TAGLISH SAMPLE SCRIPT

PARAÑAL – MINGO NUPTIAL RECEPTION PROGRAM SPIEL
OPENING REMARKS
HOST: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. May I have your attention. Malapit na nating simulan ang dinner reception. Alam namin na ang iba ay hinahanap ang kanilang assigned seats at ang iba naman ay nakaupo na, so make yourself comfortable.
PRAYER
HOST: Simulan natin ang event na ito with a prayer. Tumayo tayong lahat at ilagay ang kanang kamay sa ating dibdib. (Mapapansin ng isang host ang sinabi ni host.) Yumuko po tayong lahat and put ourselves in the presence of God.

“Lord Heavenly Father,
Maraming salamat sa araw na ito sa pagsaksi sa kasalang Jea Valerie at Ace. Ngayon po aming sini-celebrate ang pagmamahalan nila. Sabi mo sa iyong salita 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” We’re asking through your Holy Spirit na gabayan, protektahan at i-bless mo po ang mag-asawa pati na rin ang lahat ng tao rito. Patuloy niyo pong ipadama ang inyong pagmamahal sa bawat isa. Later on, Lord, let the nourishment of the food we’re going to partake be absorbed by our physical body. Let this event be pleasing to you. In the name of the Father, the Son – Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

INTRODUCTION OF WEDDING PARTY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ENTOURAGE
HOST: Again, good evening to everyone and welcome to Jea Valerie and Ace Dinner Reception.       Katatapos lang natin sa solemn part ng celebration at siyempre maraming salamat sa mga kasama namin kanina sa Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church sa wedding ceremony. At sa mga kararating lang o sumunod dito sa Red Palmas, Welcome! Hindi na natin patatagalin pa. Excited na ba ang lahat sa Dinner Reception? Aba, syempre kakain na eh. Kakain na din ako. Chos! Tiis tiis muna. We want all of you to sit down, sit down and sit down. Relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Parang patapos na agad.

Anyway, we are your hosts tonight. I am Jim Parañal, kapatid ni Jea Valerie at siya naman ay si Cristina Santos, pinsan namin ni Jea. Walang katapusang pasasalamat po ulit sa inyong lahat especially yung nag-file ng leave of absence, vacation leave o kung anuman ang tawag. Maaaring nag-request yan matagal na sa work o kaya sa school at saka sa mga bumiyahe pa mula probinsya para makasama sa atin. In behalf of Jea Valerie and Ace and their parents, again, taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat. It is indeed a pleasure to have you all tonight.
ENTRANCE OF THE ENTOURAGE
HOST: At this point, let us now witness the parade of the wedding entourage. Excited na ba kayong makita ang bagong kasal? The couple is already lined up at the entrance hall pero let’s welcome with great delight ang mga bata who made this wedding very blissful.
FLOWER GIRLS
Aleza Jui Manaog
Rianne Louise Gabarda
Dylan Laura Vicente
Eula De  Guzman
ESCORTS
Nicodemus Matthew Parañal
Dan Arcie Concepcion
Dwayne Johnuel Mingo
Patrick James Philip Hugo
Asher Joss Jacob
USHER
Ryan Christian Jacob
Joe Mari Bandol
Rene Alano
USHERETTES
Glorybel Defeo
Roslie Ramirez
Jackielyn Balanquit
BRIDE’S MAID
Jennylyn Caay
GROOM’S MAN
Elizer Cresini
SECONDARY SPONSORS:
VEIL (who clothe the newlywed as one)
Arvin Estive
Aloha Jean Bartolay
CORD (who symbolically bound the pair together)
Paul John Nalisab
Czaryne Centro
CANDLE (who symbolically lighted the couple’s path)
John Albert Damain
Reinalyn Santos
BEST MAN AND MAID OF HONOR
BEST MAN
John Mello Dela Cruz  AND
MAID OF HONOR
Glenda  Redoma
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
HOST: Sabi nga dahil sa isang espesyal na okasyon ang kasal ay pinagsasama natin ang dalawang tao pati na rin ang kanilang pamilya, kamag-anak at mga kaibigan. It refreshes the family ties and friendship that have gone stale and almost forgotten against the toll of time and distance. Ang iba tulad ng sabi namin ay galing pa sa probinsya. Kaya gusto naming batiin ang mga sumusunod:
Parañal Family, Delloro Family, Estive Family, Jacob Family, Mingo Family, Friends of Bride and Groom. We would like to thank Ronaldo Santos for our wonderful attire. Siya po ang gumawa ng mga damit namin. You can visit his fb page, Ronaldo Couture.
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS
HOST: We would also like to acknowledge our Principal Sponsors. Simulan natin sa mga ninang. Tumayo po kayo at kaway kaway pag natawag ang name nyo.
Simulan natin kay Kagawad Angelita Tamoria… Mrs. Elena Norial… Mrs. Joy Manaog… Mrs. Adelina Dionson… Mrs. Lea Gabarda… Mrs. Ma. Teresa Rayupa… Mrs. Marie Mingo… at Mrs. Beth Hernandez

Now,  let’s proceed with the godfathers. Tulad ng ninang, tayo po tayo pag natawag  name nyo at kaway kaway na din. Simulan natin kay Kgg. Seth Barrameda… Mr. Rod Binay… Mr. Jimmy Robles… Mr. Juancho Talite… Mr. Philip Hugo… Mr. Ronald Jimenez… Mr. Steve Dugan…  at Mr. Jimmy Almaden…
PARENTS OF THE BRIDE/GROOM
HOST: Bago po ang lahat, we would like to acknowledge ang mga key persons na kung hindi dahil sa kanilang suporta, this event would not be made possible. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure na una naming maipakilala  sa inyo ang Parents ng Bride, actually parent ko din sila. Mr. Paciano Parañal and Mrs. Telly Delloro Parañal. Palakpakan natin sila.

We are also happy na narito ang Nanay ng Groom na nanggaling pa sa Bicol. Palakpakan natin si Mrs. Teresita Lotosa at hindi natin dapat kalimutan na kahit siya’y wala na ay gusto natin bigyang pugay si Mr. Anecito Mingo
BRIDE AND GROOM
HOST: At this point, sa palagay ko handang handa na ang lahat na makita ang bagong kasal. Ngayon na ang tamang panahon to give the floor to the newlywed couple. So without any further ado, tayo pong lahat ay tumayo at ibigay natin ang masigabong palakpakan kanila Mr. and Mrs. Ace Mingo!

Congratulations sa inyong dalawa Ace at Jea Valerie! We wish you all the best. God bless the both of you more and together with your future children. Palakpakan naman natin ulit ang bagong kasal.

DOVE RELEASE
HOST: The bride and groom will now do the dove release. Maaari pong lumapit dito sa harapan o stage ang mag-asawa at kumuha ng tig-isang kalapati.

The two doves signify Ace and Jea Valerie being released to start a new journey together. Tulad ng dalawang kalapati, kahit anong mangyari they will always try to seek the comfort of each other and their home together.

Ace and Jea are now ready to release the doves. Pagkabilang ng tatlo ay pakakawalan nyo ang kalapati. One… two… three…

BRIDAL WALTZ FIRST DANCE
HOST: Tuloy tuloy na po tayo sa bridal waltz first dance. Tonight marks the beginning of their new life together. From this day forward they shall be one and on this joyful beginning what could be more fitting than to celebrate it with their First Dance.

The First Dance is symbolic of the consummation of their vows. This dance is the wedding couples’ first cooperative engagement and joint endeavor. As the saying goes, “It takes two to tango.” Ladies and gentlemen, it is once again my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Ace Mingo with their first dance.

Para po hindi kayo mainip habang pineprepare ang dinner, ngayon naman inaanyayahan namin ang mga ninong at ninang na sabayan sa pagsayaw ang newlywed.
Tinatawag din po namin ang isang elder para pasimulan ang isang tradisyon na alam nating lahat.

(Maya maya lamang po ay sasayaw naman ang mga secondary sponsors to show their support to newlywed.)

(Do the pasabit) (Dance will take 10-15 minutes)

Thank you Ace and Jea Valerie, palakpakan po natin ulit ang bagong kasal, ang mga ninong at ninang pati rin ang mga secondary sponsors.

PICTORIAL/BUFFET DINNER
HOST: Well, I guess the food is now ready. Let us enjoy the sumptuous meal prepared by Red Palmas Restaurant. We would like to thank Red Palmas Restaurant for the wonderful accommodation and service that they are providing us here.
CUTTING OF THE WEDDING CAKE
HOST: We will now resume with our program. It’s time for our dessert. May I now request Ace and Jea Valerie to do the honors of cutting of the wedding cake.

(Newlywed come forward to cut the cake.)

[(Optional) There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the cake has been cut. Waiters, please serve the cake to our guests.] (Waiter serves the cake)
WINE TOAST
HOST: This time, lagyan po natin ng kahit anumang inumin ang ating mga baso and join the best man for the symbolic wine toast.
TABLE HOPPING FOR SOUVENIR PICTURES/”TAGAY” TRADITION
HOST: At this point naman po the newlywed would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone personally for your presence. Pupunta sila Ace at Jea Valerie sa inyong kinauupuan to greet each and everyone and to have their souvenir picture taking with their guests. Isasabay na rin po ang isang tradisyon.

Simultaneously, ang Maid of Honor kasama ng ilang members ng bridal entourage ay ipapamigay na ang mga wedding giveaways.
SINGLE BOUQUET GAME
HOST: Now, all the single ladies, put your hands up. Please come on down. Let’s do the bouquet game! Hindi ito ang tradisyonal na bouquet throw o flower toss. Ngayong nandito na kayong lahat ay kukuha kayo ng flower stems from the bride. Sige pumili na kayo. Ang pabebe siyang uupo sa hotseat!

Makinig mabuti. Tutal nakakuha na kayo ng flower stems, here’s the catch. Kung sino ang nakakuha ng maikling stem is the chosen one! Sino ang nakakuha?

Our winner is… (get the name of the lady)
RETRIEVAL OF THE GARTER
HOST: Before we go on with the game for the boys, the groom is to retrieve the garter from his bride. May we have Ace and Jea Valerie na pumunta sa center stage and do the garter retrieval ritual.

(May ilalagay na chair sa gitna para makaupo ang bride samantalang luluhod ang groom para kunin ang garter.)

Ladies and gentlemen, kukunin na po ng groom ang garter ni bride.

(Kukunin ni groom ang garter ni bride.)

HOST: There you have it, ladies and gentlemen; nakuha na ni groom ang garter. Palakpakan po natin sila.

SINGLE BOYS GAME
HOST: Mga boys naman ang lalapit sa stage o harapan. Kakaiba ang gagawin natin dahil hindi ito garter toss. Makinig mabuti, boys. Ang tawag sa game na ito ay hokage moves. Kapag sinabi namin na banana, dapat gagalaw kayo papuntang kaliwa. Kapag apple naman, gagalaw ng papuntang kanan. Kapag shake, dapat gagalaw papuntang harap. Kung sino ang unang nagkamali, alam nyo na. Siya ang panalo. Audience tulungan nyo kami para walang daya.

Our winner is… (get the name of the guy)

PUTTING THE GARTER ON THE LADY’S LEG/MATCHMAKING RITUAL
HOST: Alright, so, palapitin na natin dito sa stage o harapan ang mga winners. May we have the gentleman na isuot ang garter sa leg ng babaeng nakakuha ng short stem.

(Isusuot ni winner ang garter)

HOST: Thank you, Mr. ________. Palakpakan natin silang dalawa.
HOST: Mukhang nag-rerequest ang mga guests natin na mag-kiss sila.
(Wait for them)
Pwede po na mag-picture o groupie sila with the newlywed. Stay put lang kayo dyan then lalapit ang newlywed for picture taking or groupie.

(Pagkatapos nito ay mag-thank you)

WELL WISHES TO THE COUPLE
HOST: Bago tayo matapos, pakinggan naman natin ang message ng mga well-wishers sa newlywed.

(Pwedeng mag-volunteer o maghanap ng ninong at ninang for the message.)

HOST: Nakaka-touch naman ang message nila. Thank you sa inyong messages.
MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM THE PARENTS
HOST: Gusto din natin marinig ang message ng mga parents sa newlywed.
HOST: Nakaka-touch naman ang message nila. Thank you sa inyong messages.
MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM THE NEWLYWEDS
HOST: This time, pakinggan naman natin ang message ng bagong kasal.

CLOSING REMARKS
HOST: And that’s about everything ladies and gentlemen. As we each go home, may this be a memorable day for all of us as it is to them. It has been a great day and wonderful evening with you all. Again, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. God bless us more, the newlywed and to each and every one! Have a good night everyone!

DO YOU BELIEVE: More than a faith-based movie

Pureflix Entertainment brought another remarkable movie after “The Encounter” (2010) and “God’s Not Dead” (2014). For several years, Pureflix developed quality faith – based movies. Do You Believe? (2015) is a movie that challenges our perception on how faith must be accompanied with works or deeds. With its ensemble acting including 1995 Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite, Romy and Michelle High School Reunion), Lord of the Rings series star Sean Astin, Cybil Shepherd (Taxi Driver, Chances Are), Delroy Lindo, Alexa Peñavega (Spy Kids) and Lee Majors, it’s a must see film of the year!

Never have I seen a faith – based movie so far that discusses different struggles of various people with their decision to act or to move for what they believe. In last year’s groundbreaking effort and controversial God’s Not Dead, it showed different characters whether they compromise or not compromise their faith in a highly – pressurized environment. Five years ago, The Encounter placed five characters in difficult situations only to find out that they actually encounter Jesus Christ. In Do You Believe?, the film makers convey their messages clearly to anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not all people walking in the faith to our Lord have smooth sailing life. In the film, we observe characters that have active and inactive faith. We also see characters who are backsliders, doubtful, skeptical, atheist, needy, working progress, changed and transformed. These characters are human which we meet in our daily life. It could be our friends, family, relatives, classmates, workmates even church mates and pastors.

The film confronts in an in – depth level when it comes to faith and works or deeds. It’s not preachy because usually most faith – based movies tend to fall with that mistake. The movie experience let us reflect on what areas of our life are we lacking on faith. This movie is more than a faith – based feature because it encourages and motivates us to act or to move. We can watch a lot of inspirational and life – changing movies, as well as read self – help books, but if we’re not moved to change, it’s not effective and not intentional in molding our personal relationship with the Lord.

This movie reminds me of the Oscar winning film "Crash" (2005). This film is considered equal to the film in Christian cinema because of the technique and style.

(Originally posted last November 4, 2015 at https://m.facebook.com/notes/jim-paranal/do-you-believe-more-than-a-faith-based-movie/981722151871166/?refid=21&ref=bookmarks&_ft_)

SUING THE DEVIL: A thought provoking film

Malcolm McDowell appears in the Aussie flick "Suing the devil" as satan. No wonder that this is one of his villainous roles to date after his signature and breakthrough role as the brainwashed violent Alex deLarge in the highly-controversial Stanley Kubrick futuristic movie based on Anthony Burgess novel "A Clockwork Orange" (1971). In the film, McDowell plays satan. Luke O 'Brien (Bart Bronson) is a working progress Christian who sues satan for 8 trillion dollars. Sounds crazy right? This concept could have been created in comics or a stage play production.

Surprisingly, satan defends himself by hiring top lawyers in the world and let him show the world his powers. This becomes a trial of the century. Some critics might find the film laughable because of it's style and approach. The filmmakers want to make the movie in a lighter note by creating comic dialogues especially on part of satan. On the other hand, filmmakers see to it that the devil is not a reckoning force that can be underestimated. The enemy is depicted as a scheming, manipulative and strategic force. Luke, meanwhile, is not a perfect believer. In the film, he personifies a struggling Christian facing issues with his past.

The film has many flaws. For instance, the technicality of the legal case proceedings and processes even some unnecessary or irrelevant dialogues. On serious note, we can see the enemies deceptive ways. There are remarkable parts of the film that sticks to mind. Here as follows: 1. When top lawyers of the world were asked if they believe in God, all of them raised their hands. And the follow-up question "do they like God?", nobody raised a hand. 2. In a mini-tribute to the Tom Cruise-Jack Nicholson courtroom drama "A Few Good Men" (1992), Luke said that he wanted to know the truth. The devil responded, "You can't handle the truth!".

3. Suddenly, the opponent or defendant let his lawyers allow to show that he's not the devil by tricking them because his mental condition. 4. The devil let him show his power to court terrifying all of the people inside the court. Well, there's a spoiler alert. Better watch out. It's still a thought-provoking movie. It's giving the audience an idea that the devil trick is to let people forget God.Trivia: According to imdb.com, LA Times reported the film as one of the most illegally-downloaded movies of 2012.

(Originally posted last May 5, 2016 at https://mobile.facebook.com/notes/?id=100000288026080&refid=21#)

"HENERAL LUNA: Heneral ng Bayan - Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas"

Maipagmamalaki talaga ang pelikulang Pilipino dahil sa wakas ay dumating ang isang Heneral Luna. Isang malaking karangalan kapag magkaroon ng nominasyon sa darating na Oscars o AMPAS (Academy Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences o Academy Awards) bilang Best Foreign Language Film kahit ang mahusay na pagganap ni John Arcilla kapag nabigyan ng nominasyon sa Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Sa maingat na pagtalakay ng isang makasaysayang tao, nabigyang buhay ni John Arcilla ang messianic, eccentric at multi - faceted na tauhan na maaaring isang bayani o hindi sa iba. Makikita ang isang komiko ngunit seryosong pagganap ni Arcilla. Kadalasan, seryoso lamang ang pagganap sa mga makasaysayan at makabuluhang karakter. Naipakita ni Arcilla ang maka - taong pagganap na may kontrol, balanse at consistency. Habang pinapanood ko ang pelikula, sa kanyang pagganap ay naalala ko si Peter O' Toole bilang T. E. Lawrence sa epikong pelikulang Lawrence of Arabia. Mapapansin din na may pagkakahalintulad ang pagganap niya sa karakter na ginagampanan ni Johnny Depp sa iba nyang pelikula. Karapat - dapat lamang na magwagi ng Grand Slam si Ginoong John Arcilla sa pelikulang ito. Magaling din ang kanyang mga katuwang na aktor na sina Epi Quizon, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Mon Confiado, Nonie Buencamino, Mylene Dizon, Lorenz Martinez, Aaron Villaflor, Alex Medina at iba pa.

Sa simula ng pelikula, inilahad ng filmmakers na ito ay kathang isip na bunga ng masalimuot na pananaliksik. Makabago ang pagkakagawa sa pelikula mula sa editing at approach at istilo nito. Magaling ang pagkakadirek ni Jerold Tarrog maski sa iskrip, musika at sinematograpiya.

Habang pinapanood ko ang pelikula, naalala ko na naman ang mga Hollywood period films tulad ng mga likha ni Edward Zwick na Glory (1989) at Legends of the Fall (1994). Maaaring mahanay sa mahalagang pelikulang Pilipino ang Heneral Luna. Maalala na binigyang buhay din ang karakter na Heneral Antonio Luna ni Christopher De Leon sa pelikulang El Presidente (2012). Sa El Presidente ay maliit lamang ang partisipasyon ng tauhan. Sa pelikulang Heneral Luna, mas nabigyan ng makulay na paglalahad at unconventional na buhay ng isang tao na marahil ay nalimutan na ng makabagong henerasyon. Mabuhay ka, Heneral Luna!

(Originally posted from https://m.facebook.com/notes/jim-paranal/heneral-luna-heneral-ng-bayan-kahapon-ngayon-at-bukas-ni-jhim-para%C3%B1al/965412236835491/?refid=21&_ft_&__tn__=H last September 23, 2015)