Supremo: A must-see for every Filipino

Supremo is a biographical excerpt zoning in on the heroism of Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio.

It is a cleverly structured movie that lays a personal basis for Bonifacio's anger against the Spaniards (he was imprisoned for helping a stranger; while the stranger he helped was mercilessly and without basis publicly executed using a garrote). It also shows how the intellectual Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal inspired Bonifacio, and even recalls Bonifacio's encounters with Rizal. Best of all, it introduces to the viewer the intermingling of the lives of our country's heroes: Melchora Aquino, Macario Sakay, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, and even Emilio Aguinaldo, whose success in the revolt against Spain as head of the Magdalo chapter of the KKK was acknowledged and whose role in the death of Bonifacio was strongly hinted at in the film.

Top L-R: The cast. OG Sacred, Nica Naval, Alfred Vargas, Manu Respall, Alex Medina. With Manu Respall who can't let go of his Aguinaldo mode. Dra. Cory Franco w Nica Naval (Oriang). Bottom L-R: With director Richard Somes. Goldee Salcedo, Margaux Salcedo, Lisa Marker, Richard Somes, Alfred Vargas. Bonifacio Day 2012. At the Supremo premiere.

There are minor lapses, e.g. after the first battle, Bonifacio's team is shown walking away from the battleground tired but with nary a bloodied shirt. The old lady beside me, whose thoughts were all verbalized, gave me a laugh when she said oh-so-loudly, "Ay, walang sugatan! ... Pero may mga namatay?" Nevertheless, the treatment in general is worthy of applause.

The direction, cinematography, lighting and editing were very impressive, knowing the film's limited budget. 

And the actors lived up to the moment. Ermie Concepcion gave an outstanding portrayal of Melchora Aquino/Tandang Sora, evoking strength and wisdom in the same breath as kindness, frustration and concern. She was excellent.

Nica Naval, who played Gregoria "Oriang" de Jesus, projected the bravery behind the demure facade of women of that period very well. Nicco Manalo as Emilio Jacinto was convincing in his strategic woes and concern for his friend and Don, Andres Bonifacio. And Manu Respall was effective as the poker-faced General Emilio Aguinaldo who played his cards well and whose troops betrayed Bonifacio in the end.

The lead character is played by Alfred Vargas, who is also producer of the movie along with his brother businessman PM Vargas. While his theatrical background is emphasized, as it was in 2010's Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, I think he may have just given his best performance yet, under the direction of Richard Somes. And while he towered over the rest of the cast, especially over Emilio Jacinto in their scenes together, and his almost Roman, perfect nose glistened in the dim lighting and stood out in the sea of pug noses of the rest of the Katipuneros - he can't help his good looks! - the spirit of Bonifacio was felt in Vargas' conviction for the Katipunan cause. The film successfully presents Bonifacio as an uneducated yet voracious reader who craved excellence in spite of poverty; a passionate instead of a calculated soldier; and a brazen albeit sincere leader. In the end, upon the reveal of the painful betrayal of Bonifacio by the Magdalo group and the unexpected, tragic ending, he will win you over. The old lady beside me cried a river.

With Mr. Elias Bonifacio, great grand nephew of Andres Bonifacio; great grand son of Procopio Bonifacio. At the premiere of Supremo on Bonifacio Day 2012.

Humor in adversity, bravery in spite of limited means, the juxtaposing of the calibrated patriotism of the rich versus the aspirations of the poor, and the painful reality of betrayal in the ranks among fellow Filipinos - all these were evident in this film. At the very least, it shows what our forefathers went through as they fought for our independence as a nation.

I want the Spanish national government to see this and see the shit they put our grandparents through (uuy, affected). And pay for our national debt as damages for the 300 years of suffering. :P

But seriously, it is a must-see for every Filipino. December 5 in SM cinemas nationwide. Watch it!