Forget Crazy Rich Asians. Goyo is the quintessential Filipino lover and oh so Asian.
Of course, he was known as a playboy but the traditional Filipino courtship between him and his girlfriend was in full display, together with the grand parties of their era.
This was not shown in the movie but one of the historical accounts by The Manila Freedom narrated his death, as follows:
“When the American troops advanced they found the body of the general on the same spot where he had fallen and the expression on his face was of a command or a supreme desire abruptly interrupted. One of his hands, pressed to his heart, from which blood flowed, clutched a silk handkerchief embroidered with the name of his sweetheart.”
Other historical accounts question whether the handkerchief included the name of his girlfriend or her sister. In the movie, his lady got the handkerchief from her sister.
The following note was also reported as the last entry in his diary:
“The General has given me the pick of all the men that can be spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible task has been given me. And yet I felt that this is the most glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved country. No sacrifice can be too great.”
Gregorio del Pilar’s two great loves are masterfully woven in the movie. It was also executed as an art film where he is shown struggling with his conscience and mortality.
The movie displays the huge disconnect among Filipinos (some people call it crab mentality). Aguinaldo was shown as a poor leader who catered to his favorites. The reason the Americans were able to access Tirad Pass more easily was due to a Filipino local who betrayed the soldiers. In the movie, Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government was on the run and Gregorio del Pilar fought a war that was impossible to win.
The movie asks some deep questions like what defines a hero or whether Filipinos are ready to hear the truth without harboring resentment. It was hard to keep up with multiple thought provocations but they were good questions nevertheless.
For Filipinos who have never gone beyond the school textbook, this movie is a must-see as it gives an insight into the lives of people that we call heroes. It is also one of the few well-made Filipino films. Both the production and costume designs were excellent.
If I were to rate the movie from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), I would give this a 5 rating.
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While researching about the Goyo movie, I discovered a connection with his uncle, Marcelo H. Del Pilar...
https://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2018/08/finding-philippine-hero-marcelo-h-del.html
