Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Pag-laya
An eye-opener.
The film have deeply presented the essence of the very heroic and nationalistic
Jose Rizal in defiance with the Spanish colonization. Not only did the actors handled
the roles so immensely, but it also blended well with the cinematography rising
surreal emotions from the stories of the past. Moreover, as I have observed from
the statements of the different historians as well as the role-play act of the
characters which justifies the numerous commendable works and characteristics of
Rizal, I have several insights and reflection regarding the “Jose Rizal: Sa Landa ng
Pag-laya” that I will be discussing in this paper as follows.
Firstly, I do agree that in spite of having the figure and face of Rizal imprinted or
sculptured almost everywhere all over the Philippines, Filipinos know little about
the wonders of this noble man; come to think of it, the only idea we are sure of as
embedded in our minds by the teachers and textbooks during the grade school and
middle school years was that, Dr. Jose Rizal is the national hero of the country,
where in fact, the Republic of the Philippines have not yet formally and legally
declared a single national hero as once stated by Sen. Imee Marcos recently. But
nonetheless though, what I think of this film, is that it also serves as an awareness,
-that every Filipinos must be able to get to know the life and works of Jose Rizal
profoundly in order to supplement the sense of nationalism and the patriotism for
the country that would likely benefit the Filipinos and the Philippines as well for the
betterment and progressive country in the future being united as one.
Second, I am beyond fascinated and amazed of this man’s love for our country. To
be both talented and smart at once is something that gives him an opportunity and
a choice to leave Philippines behind, but no he did not, and instead chose to return
to fight for his mainland, to suppress the oppressor, -not with strength and violence,
but with his mind, paper, and ink. This is something that does not happen for no
reason because I also personally think that this is exactly what Rizal is destined to be;
to be of great example to the Filipinos by good works, great mind, and compassion
to help others. I also was surprised to know from the film that for the last four years
of Rizal’s life, he opted to reside in Dapitan where he taught children and founded a
school to teach the basic education and even gave free medical services to the poor,
-just how humble is that? However, it is sad to think that his life ended in the most
tragic way; to be executed for something that is unjust is certainly enraging
especially to the Filipinos. But I also believe that he still resides in all of us, in his
literary pieces and by having the blood of a Filipino. So what must be embedded in
our minds as part of being a Filipino is the ideology that these people, whose lives
have been slain for the country, must not be forgotten, and rather continue what
they have started -and that is to protect the pearl of the orient at all cost.
Lastly, I would like to recommend this film to every youth and Filipino. To set as a
role model that should be followed by everyone. Because Rizal’s life is an example
of bravery and compassion and therefore must long live inside of us.
