GomBurZa (2023) Movie || Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee, Carlo Mendoza || Review and Facts

This video provides a complete review of the 2023 Philippine historical biographical film 'GomBurZa'. It will cover the story, budget, box office collection, filming, production, post-production, and the movie's cast and their performances. Viewers interested in historical movies are encouraged to subscribe for more content.

GomBurZa is a 2023 Filipino historical biographical film co-written and directed by Pepe Dapopno. It stars Dante Rivero, Cedric Juan, and Enchong Dee, and focuses on the lives of three native Filipino Roman Catholic priests (GomBurZa) executed during the Spanish colonial era. Produced by Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures, and CMB Film Services, it was an official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival and released on December 25th, 2023.

The movie begins with secular priest Pedro Pelis recounting the story of Apollinario de la Cruz, a native executed by the Spaniards for founding a sect after being denied priesthood due to his race. Pelis, along with Jose Burgos and Mariano Gomez, fights against Spanish friars taking over parishes administered by Filipino secular priests. After Pelis's death in an earthquake, Burgos continues the fight. The story culminates in the arrest and unjust execution of Gomez, Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, implicated in a mutiny by Francisco Zaldua. Their deaths inspire future revolutionaries like Jose Rizal.

GomBurZa is a historical movie based on true events, focusing on three priests who fought against Spanish authorities. It's recommended for those who enjoy historical facts and events. The movie starts slowly but builds interest, portraying the frustrations and unfairness of the priests' execution. Despite its tragic ending, the film's sacrifices and contributions moved many to fight for Philippine independence. The movie is praised for its factual accuracy, compelling content, and aesthetically pleasing cinematography.

The main cast includes Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez, Cedric Juan as Padre Jose Apolonio Burgos (who won Best Actor at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival), and Enchong Dee as Padre Jasinto Zamora. Ketchup Eusebio plays Francisco Zaldua, and Piolo Pascual portrays Padre Pedro Pelis. Detailed biographies of Cedric Juan, Enchong Dee, and Piolo Pascual are provided, highlighting their careers and achievements in Filipino entertainment.

GomBurZa was produced by Jesuit Communications and MQuest Ventures, in collaboration with CMB Film Services. Director Pepe Diokno's patriotism motivated the film, his first historical work. The production emphasized historical accuracy, consulting historians and Jesuits like Renee Jalana. Creative liberties were taken to fill historical gaps, particularly in portraying Francisco Zaldua. Filming took 17 days in locations like Intramuros and Tayabas Basilica. Actors learned Spanish for their roles, with Piolo Pascual delivering a notable five-minute monologue.

The film premiered in Philippine cinemas on December 25th, 2023, as an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was later released on Netflix on April 9th, 2024. Key movie credits include director Pepe Dapno, writers Rodalfo C. Vera and Pepe Dapno, producers Paulen Mangalog and Salterin Ernestine Tamana, cinematographer Carlo Mendoza, editor Benjamin Tolantino, and music by Teresa Barzo. The film runs for 112 minutes and was filmed in Tagalog and Spanish, with a box office collection of 925,869.19 (presumably Philippine Pesos).