Summary
Highlights
The host, Christian, introduces a series breaking down Filipino movies across all genres, aiming to provide summaries for those without time to watch the full films. He emphasizes that the video contains spoilers and advises watching the movie first. This specific breakdown is based on 'fiction file's' list of 21 best Philippine films. The featured movie, "Bayaning Third World," directed by Mike de Leon, explores the controversial retraction of Jose Rizal's writings against the Catholic Church.
The movie begins with national symbols and introduces Jose Rizal. Two filmmakers, Ricky Davao and Chris Villanueva, discuss the perceived 'sin' of doubting Rizal's heroism and the audacity of making a film about him. They ponder Rizal's identity, noting his pervasive presence in Filipino society and even his perceived sainthood. After his execution, Rizal became a 'blockbuster' figure, inspiring films that often focused on events like his relationship with Josephine Bracken and his execution. Despite successive foreign occupations, Rizal's influence ultimately led to Filipino self-rule.
Ricky discusses Rizal's controversial retraction letter, in which Rizal supposedly renounced his past actions and rejoined the Catholic Church. Ricky expresses doubt, questioning the authenticity of Rizal's signature on the letter. The film then briefly touches on a religious cult that deifies Rizal. Ricky muses that if Rizal had foreseen this, he might not have sacrificed his life for the Philippines.
Ricky and Chris revise their script, jokingly considering changing the movie's title and even making fun of Rizal being a deodorant brand. Ricky experiences a moment of clarity, realizing the movie should investigate the events leading up to Rizal's execution. He then reflects on Rizal's anxiety before his death. Rizal's letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt, a close companion, reveals his concerns about the abuse of religion. The filmmakers suspect Josephine Bracken, Rizal's Irish-British wife, might be connected to the retraction controversy and question their marriage.
Ricky imagines conversing with Donya Lolay (Rizal's mother) and Trinidad (his sister). Lolay expresses concern about Rizal's wisdom blinding him to his Christian faith and his desire for freedom being a 'crime.' Rizal's letter to his family contrasts Paris with the Philippines. Lolay avoids directly answering if Rizal married Josephine, leading Ricky to realize these conversations are merely his imagination.
The film introduces Pashano, Rizal's brother, who discusses Rizal's fate with another man, possibly Emilio Aguinaldo. Chris and Pashano talk about Rizal's meeting in Hong Kong. Rizal's letter, meant to be opened after his death, stated he wouldn't live past 30, but Pashano laughs as Rizal lived beyond that, eventually being exiled to Dapitan. Pashano confirms Rizal did great things in Dapitan and met Josephine there. When asked about Josephine's fate and marriage to Rizal, Pashano simply denies the marriage. The filmmakers then question Josephine Bracken.
Ricky questions Josephine about her relationship with Rizal and his family, and their marriage. Josephine claims Rizal refused to become Catholic just to marry her, walking away from two priests, Padre Obach and Padre Balaguer. She admits uncertainty. Ricky and Chris argue about the retraction document's authenticity, with Ricky expressing anger at its potential manipulation. Narcissa, another of Rizal's sisters, believes Rizal was a victim of Josephine and that their relationship was scandalous, but also that Rizal was changing for the better. Don Pio and Rizal discuss the 'himach zikan,' with Rizal opposing their methods.
Ricky and Chris continue to doubt the retraction letter, especially concerning Padre Balaguer. They seek an interview with Trinidad, who initially claimed the retraction documents were misplaced but then found by the Spaniards. However, Chris points out another interview where Trinidad states there was no retraction letter. Trinidad's aging memory creates confusion. After Rizal's death, Trinidad held onto his memory, even consulting a spiritual expert. The filmmakers conclude that Jesuits might be behind the retraction.
Ricky laments that Rizal's writings might have been for nothing if he retracted, questioning the purpose of a movie about him. They finally decide on the title: "Bayaning Third World" (Third Class Hero). They re-enact Rizal's execution, pondering if he died a Catholic. Padre Balaguer claims Rizal redeemed himself to the Catholic Church before his execution, asking for his sacred Jesus sculpture. Balaguer struggled to convince Rizal but states Rizal cried, and his family was present. He claims Rizal surrendered to the Church, wrote the retraction, confessed multiple times, and wished to have mass with Balaguer. He also claims Rizal married Josephine Bracken the morning before his execution.
The sisters of Rizal confront Josephine Bracken, disputing her marriage to Rizal due to lack of proof. The filmmakers desire the 'real truth' but acknowledge that Rizal's heroic status is ingrained in history, regardless of his personal wishes. They question if the film should continue, with Ricky suggesting Rizal's story should remain in textbooks due to varying accounts. The movie ends with Ricky's quote: despite perceived cowardice, Rizal's writings and achievements make his heroism undeniable. The host, Christian, reflects that the movie adds another layer to Rizal's story, suggesting that only Rizal's own writings truly reveal his intentions for the Filipino nation, and that the retraction was likely coerced.