June 12, 1898, is the day the Philippines regained its freedom or what we celebrate today as Philippine Independence Day. The day when our heroes shed their last drop of blood, sweat, and tears. The day when Filipinos united and stood up as the Philippine flag was waved as a symbol of our independence.
There are many ways we could commemorate Independence Day. Some spend it with family on a trip somewhere, some visit museums, some participate in parades, and many more. If you’re not much into the outdoor kind of thing, you can always choose to stay at home and spend the special day watching movies that could make you feel a sense of nationalism.
10 movies to watch Independence Day
1. Heneral Luna (2015)
“Heneral Luna” is one of the most sought-after historical films that features how general Antonio Luna fought until he ended up dead on the hands of his fellow countrymen. It also shows his bravery and intelligence leading a revolution protecting countrymen from the American soldiers. His passion to protect the country from colonizers even without the support of the government lead to his death like what happened to Andres Bonifacio as well.
This film will make you feel bad for heroes who sacrifice their lives for the country yet end up betrayed and killed by their own countrymen. At the same time, it will make feel proud of how Filipinos fought with their wit and limited weapons during the war.
2. Jose Rizal: (1998)
This is about the heroic acts of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. It tackles the life of Rizal as he was about to be executed. Rizal is a movie that tells the story of when he was a young boy up until the times when he started a revolution through his writing which eventually led to Rizal’s death. He wanted Filipinos to open their eyes and minds to what was really happening during the Spanish regime.
This film is a must-watch because it portrays the life of Rizal and how he fights the battle in his own way through his pen and the written word.
3. Baler (2008)
The film is about forbidden love during the Spanish war. A Spanish soldier (Jericho Rosalez) and a Filipina (Anne Curtis) fight for their own battle which is their love for one another. The two sacrificed their love for family, countrymen, and the country.
Love knows no race. Love knows no boundaries. This is a real-life story.
4. Birdshot (2016)
A 14-year old girl, Maya, wants to test her shooting skills. Her father thought it would be best to at least have self-defense skills. She wanders off to the forest and brought her father’s gun and mistakenly kills a Philippine eagle. The Philippine eagle is a national bird that is now endangered. Whoever shoots and kills one will be punished by law. Two policemen searched for the one who killed the eagle. The police found out that the young lady is the culprit. He then had to choose between his responsibility to his country or his sympathy to the young lady.
This film shows what the limits of nationalism are.
5. Supremo
“Supremo” is a tribute to Andres Bonifacio.
Andres Bonifacio was the first leader of the revolutionary movement KKK. He is the true first president of the country and was called Supremo during his time. In this film, it shows how Andres Bonifacio bravely leads the revolution towards the Spanish regime before General Luna’s leadership during the American occupation. It also shows the famous “tearing of cedula” that symbolizes opposition to the Spaniards. Bonifacio’s tragic death at the hands of his fellow countrymen was also shown in this film.
The film did a great impact on how we see heroism in the early revolution.
6. El Presidente (2012)
“El Presidente” portrays the life and heroic acts of Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the first republic. It shows the story of how he became the President. The trials and hardships he went through to win the battle of Spanish Colonization to the American Regime.
7. Ganito kami Noon, Paano na kayo Ngayon? (restored Classic)
“Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Na kayo Ngayon” is a movie set during the Spanish Regime. The film portrays how naive Filipinos were then, and how society was run and who controls it. It also shows the oppression of the Filipinos during the Spanish regime. It also features the kinds of people then. The abusive clergy, upper-class men, and people in power.
This will give us a recap of how Filipinos were then compared to how they are now. This will actually give us the real meaning of independence we’re now enjoying.
8. Women of Malolos (2014)
The “ Women Of Malolos” is a musical drama film that portrays how women successfully fought for education. It also shows women empowerment and how women built the first women organization. It features a cinematic glimpse of historical events from 1888- 1906 in a fun and easy way.
9. Manoro (2006)
“Manoro (The Teacher)” portrays how young lady’s eagerness and dedication to teaching. The young lady named Jonnalyn, an elementary graduate teaches elder Aetas how to write and read to help them cast votes and join the election.
We don’t have to die for the country just to be a hero. The modern heroes of today are the teachers who patiently teach us the things that we need to know and lead us to the path of success.
10. Digmaan sa Marawi! [Di ka Pasisiil]
And last but not the least is the documentary of Marawi soldiers. This the hardest battle to take because they fought against fellow countrymen killing even children in the process. The almost 5 months battle wounded and killed a lot of innocent people and soldiers. Dreams, families, homes, and businesses were destroyed. It was indeed a city with fierce people and people who lived in fear.
This is a documentary that lets us see today’s war over fellow countrymen. The sacrifices they went through just to protect their ideals.
On Independence Day 2018, choose a movie you and the family could enjoy!