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MOVIE REVIEW: Five reasons why you should watch ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’

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Rhea Manila Santos

<div> </div>Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, the second part of the historical trilogy by director Jerrold Tarog, has finally opened in theaters. As a follow up to the highly successful and critically acclaimed Heneral Luna, Goyo does not disappoint and here are five reasons why you should watch this epic film.5. The cinematography and production design are excellent With a budget that has exceeded that of the first installation of the hero trilogy Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral outdoes itself with its perfectionist’s attention to detail, from each character’s wardrobe, every weapon used in the battle scenes, and to full-blown sets like a Filipino town with a church and houses as well as a working wooden train. Goyo spared no expense when it came to revisiting the past and bringing the viewers to a time when taking even just one photograph was reserved for more important affairs.4. Goyo showcases a superb ensemble cast With returning Heneral Luna actors like Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor, Epy Quizon, Alvin Anson, Paulo Avelino, and Art Acuna, even the most mundane scenes in Goyo are made interesting. New additions like Carlo Aquino, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Gwen Zamora, and Empress Schuck all make their mark here playing an integral part in the last seven months of Goyo’s life. Also worth noting are appearances from Matt Evans, Ethan Salvador, and Bret Jackson in the film.3. Goyo shows the dark side of hero worship At 24 years old, Gregorio del Pilar was the favorite general of president Emilio Aguinaldo and therefore was loyal to him in all aspects. Unlike other hero movies, and also given the limited archives available on Del Pilar, director Jerrold chose to portray Goyo as a troubled man, who was constantly haunted by inner demons that had his beliefs conflicting with his morals.2. The reason for the Manuel Quezon inclusion Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral also serves as the set up for Tarog’s last installment to his hero trilogy with the appearance of a young Manuel Quezon who is played by Benjamin Alves. In an earlier interview, Alves said the movie will show a more unsure side of Quezon during his younger days before he became president.1. History does not always a happy ending In earlier interviews, director Tarrog said that there was difficulty finding material devoted to or focused solely on the life of Gregorio del Pilar which accounts for the cinematic treatment of some of the scenes in the film. Although Goyo may not have the fairytale ending most viewers are used to these days, it hopes to impart a very important lesson to its viewers, which is to learn to differentiate idols from true leaders. There is no surprise ending in Goyo but Paulo Avelinog’s portrayal brings to life the unsteady emotions of the young general even during his last few moments in battle.

The much-awaited historical film from director Jerrod Tarrog is a lesson on why we should avoid hero worship.