REVIEW: Cinemalaya 2024's 'José Rizal' is a timeless triumph
Picture this: Corrupt religious leaders wield undue influence over politicians, elites party at the country’s seat of power while impoverished Filipinos suffer indignities in the countryside, and whistleblowers are jailed on trumped-up charges. That’s the premise of the 1998 historical drama José Rizal, which has been digitally remastered and restored by GMA Films.
The remastered movie was shown for free at a gala screening at the stunning Manila Metropolitan Theater, which was recently restored to its former glory. According to its lead star, Cesar Montano, the pre-production was meticulous. The movie’s director, the late National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya, had the production team immerse themselves in history. Montano, who plays Rizal, recounts visiting Abaya’s home along with the rest of the production team to find books laid out on a dining table. Each team member would pick a book, read it, and then be quizzed about its content.
National Artist Ricky Lee, who wrote the movie’s screenplay alongside Jun Lana and Peter Ong Lim, says that Abaya’s direction was to focus on Rizal’s life as an artist and how that particular aspect impacted the lives of those around him.
All that hard work pays off upon watching José Rizal. The production design is unparalleled in Philippine historical cinema. Attention to detail is evident in the costumes and set pieces. The musical score by Nonong Buencamino is exceptional, heightening the drama in key scenes with classical guitar and choirs.
While the movie features a host of talented Filipino actors, including Pen Medina, Gloria Diaz, Ronnie Lazaro, and Gardo Versoza, the performances of Cesar Montano and Jaime Fabregas truly stand out. Montano, once celebrated as one of the country's finest actors, reminds us of his exceptional talent through his compelling portrayal of Rizal. This fact, often overshadowed by the numerous action films he starred in during his prime, is powerfully reinforced in this film. Fabregas also demonstrates exceptional depth, with his portrayal of Taviel de Andrade bringing the movie's heart into its final act.
The movie was reportedly made with a budget of over P80 million, an astonishing amount at that time. It was said to have been originally intended to be a Hollywood film with Andy Garcia playing Rizal and Winona Ryder as Josephine Bracken. Unsurprisingly, financial constraints prevented the project from moving forward. Fortunately for us, National Artists took the helm and delivered something we can proudly call our own.
José Rizal remastered does not feel like a 26-year-old movie. In fact, it feels right at home being showcased alongside contemporary films at this year’s Cinemalaya. Benefitting from the able hands of National Artists certainly helps.
But the most extraordinary thing about this movie is how it reminds us of the many historical accounts omitted from our academic textbooks. We still suffer from the same societal ills that plagued us since the 1890s, during our 300-year colonization by Spain. It leaves one wondering whether it will take another martyr to awaken us from this vicious cycle.
Yet, perhaps that is the movie's message. We never needed a martyr. Rizal wrote about the injustices already occurring. He wanted his art to mirror the realities of oppression that Filipinos face daily. He wanted us to process these realities through introspection and education, to dig deeper into the issues, and finally move us to act. If watching José Rizal inspires someone to research our colonial history, then the movie’s meta mission has been accomplished. Perhaps this time, it won’t take another 300 years.
The digitally restored and remastered José Rizal film is part of Cinemalaya 2024, which will run until Aug. 11. Watch the trailer below.
Editor's Note: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket to the special screening of Jose Rizal (remastered), which took place on Aug. 7 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.