Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo starts with a young Andres Bonifacio witnessing the execution by garrote of the Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (GomBurZa). This execution, graphically presented, opened the eyes of young Bonifacio to the atrocities committed by the Spaniards. The rest of the film is a chronological presentation of events from the organization of the Katipunan and the start of the armed struggle to the death of Bonifacio. The film posits that with the set-up of the Katipunan and the tearing of the cedula which is the certificate of Spanish citizenship, they formed the first Philippine government. Bonifacio now called the Supremo became the first President. Bonifacio is played by a subdued Robin Padilla, without the swagger. Gregoria Oryang de Jesus is played by lovely Vina Morales. Their story and courtship is dealt with in more detail showing their growing affection for each other further cemented by their concern for the nations persecuted masses, and their common love for justice and social upheaval. Oryang was built up to be the rock of Bonifacio, but after their marriage she disappears from the scene and reappears again later in the film. Having been inducted into the Katipunan Im sure she had a bigger role in the organization rather than just a long suffering wife. Bonifacio was a follower of Jose Rizal, but after Rizals arrest Bonifacio realizes that a more violent approach to freedom was needed. This part of the story was not fully developed. The villain here is Emilio Aguinaldo. But after one scene where they meet during the induction of Aguinaldo into the Katipunan, Aguinaldo disappears from the scene becoming a distant, mostly silent blip in the story. This is the films biggest failing. No dramatic context was presented to explain the rivalry between the two men that eventually led to Aguinaldos decision to have Bonifacio arrested and then murdered. Other than the scenes with Oryang where he showed his humanity and vulnerability, Bonifacio is presented as one dimensional--a patron saint of patriotism, flawless, righteous, upstanding. The film put him on a pedestal to be admired. The cinematography is very good. The locations, set design, and costumes bring us to the time and place of the late 1800s. The pace of the film is brisk. Maybe the director didnt want to burden the viewer with too much detail. But at the same time a number of storylines weve left underdeveloped. Whether Andres Bonifacio is a victim or traitor will be up to todays historians to figure out. But this film is a good review of Philippine history. It reminded me of a time in our history when a group of Filipinos had enough of tyranny and decided to do something about it. Rating:**1/2
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 21:07:31 +0000
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