Call me a nerd. But I actually believe this movie deserves commendation. It looks promising. This is the kind of movie that needs to be promoted in schools. What kind of movie am I talking about? It's actually an biographical film entitled "Heneral Luna". No, it is not about an all girl Filipino rock band (The band name is in English: General Luna). It is about General Antonio Luna. Directed by Jerrold Tarog with John Arcilla in the lead role.
The movie outfit: Artikulo Uno. I never heard of it. Most of you either. Why? Because it is a newly built film outfit. Who would venture into such a project? Having a historic biography as their first movie project? It is no less than a member the Ortigas clan. Artikulo Uno is the brainchild of Fernando “Nando” Ortigas. He envisions "to create intelligent entertainment that will help reverse the dumbing down of local audiences”.
Tough words. It is the sad reality though. Adultery, romance, horror, and comedy are the recurring themes of local movies nowadays. Nothing wrong with these except that only a few of which have a notable storyline. Some are just totally devoid of it and can be taken a mere scheme to earn money to unsuspecting moviegoers blinded by a star studded cast. Some will just be satisfied with having a good laugh, never mind if the movie is intelligently crafted or made. But would it not be more satisfying if a movie makes you think, makes your brain work, rather than being superficial and predictable? Movies do not need to be all "serious". They just need to be more of substance. Be it of any theme.
I am afraid that "Heneral Luna" will not do good in terms of box office returns. But if it lives up to its billing, it will surely be noticed and given recognition by film critics here and abroad. Kudos Fernando “Nando” Ortigas for having such a vision. I hope other movie producers will follow suit and have a cause the same as yours.
Here is a teaser of the movie (click on the link)
Heneral Luna Teaser 1
Addendum: And one more thing- I hope there will be no "commercial endorsement movies" this December 2014 in the MMFF.
The movie outfit: Artikulo Uno. I never heard of it. Most of you either. Why? Because it is a newly built film outfit. Who would venture into such a project? Having a historic biography as their first movie project? It is no less than a member the Ortigas clan. Artikulo Uno is the brainchild of Fernando “Nando” Ortigas. He envisions "to create intelligent entertainment that will help reverse the dumbing down of local audiences”.
Tough words. It is the sad reality though. Adultery, romance, horror, and comedy are the recurring themes of local movies nowadays. Nothing wrong with these except that only a few of which have a notable storyline. Some are just totally devoid of it and can be taken a mere scheme to earn money to unsuspecting moviegoers blinded by a star studded cast. Some will just be satisfied with having a good laugh, never mind if the movie is intelligently crafted or made. But would it not be more satisfying if a movie makes you think, makes your brain work, rather than being superficial and predictable? Movies do not need to be all "serious". They just need to be more of substance. Be it of any theme.
I am afraid that "Heneral Luna" will not do good in terms of box office returns. But if it lives up to its billing, it will surely be noticed and given recognition by film critics here and abroad. Kudos Fernando “Nando” Ortigas for having such a vision. I hope other movie producers will follow suit and have a cause the same as yours.
Here is a teaser of the movie (click on the link)
Heneral Luna Teaser 1
Addendum: And one more thing- I hope there will be no "commercial endorsement movies" this December 2014 in the MMFF.
