Name : Princess Gaspar Date :

Section: Thesis Statement

GOYO: The first Youngest General of the Philippines

"Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral" is a historical drama film directed by Jerrold Tarog that
depicts the life and struggles of Gregorio "Goyo" Del Pilar, one of the youngest generals
during the Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War. The film is a powerful
portrayal of the complexities and challenges of leadership, patriotism, and sacrifice,
highlighting the crucial role of Goyo in the Philippine struggle for independence.

The thesis statement of the movie "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral" is that Goyo represents
the struggle of the Filipino people for independence and self-determination, and that his
leadership and sacrifices embody the ideals of heroism, bravery, and nationalism that
continue to inspire and unite Filipinos today.

Throughout the film, Goyo is portrayed as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the
Filipino people, who are struggling to break free from colonial rule and assert their
national identity. His leadership, courage, and loyalty to his countrymen are depicted as
key factors in the fight for independence, as he works tirelessly to defend his people
and uphold their dignity and rights.

At the same time, the film also highlights the challenges and contradictions of
leadership in times of war and crisis, showing how Goyo's personal weaknesses and
flaws can sometimes undermine his effectiveness as a leader. Nevertheless, the film
ultimately portrays Goyo as a hero and a martyr, whose sacrifices and legacy continue
to inspire and guide the Filipino people in their ongoing struggle for freedom and self-
determination.

Overall, "Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that
offers a poignant and inspiring portrayal of one of the most important and iconic figures
in Philippine history. It is a testament to the enduring power of heroism, nationalism, and
sacrifice in the face of adversity and oppression.

Introduction:

“Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a critically acclaimed Philippine historical drama film
directed by Jerrold Tarog. The film is a sequel to the 2015 film “Heneral Luna” and
depicts the life of Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar, a young general who played a significant
role in the Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War. The movie follows
Goyo’s journey as he navigates the complexities of leadership, patriotism, and sacrifice
in the face of the struggle for independence.

Plot:

The movie is set in the early 1900s, during the Philippine-American War, and centers on
the life of Gregorio “Goyo” Del Pilar, a young general who is hailed as a hero in the
Filipino struggle for independence. The film starts with Goyo as a young man, already
with a reputation as a fierce warrior and a strategic thinker.

The plot picks up from where “Heneral Luna” ended, with the assassination of General
Antonio Luna, Goyo’s mentor and leader of the Philippine army. The Philippine
revolutionary government appoints Goyo to take over the command of the army, much
to his reluctance. Goyo’s reluctance is because he is still grieving the loss of his mentor
and struggling with self-doubt and guilt about his actions during the Battle of Tirad Pass,
where he sacrificed the lives of his men to protect Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the
revolutionary forces.

As Goyo takes on his new role as the commander of the army, he faces various
challenges and obstacles. He has to deal with the tension and conflict within the army,
the betrayal of some of his colleagues, and the ruthless tactics employed by the
Americans in their bid to suppress the Philippine rebellion. Despite these challenges,
Goyo remains steadfast in his commitment to the cause of independence and his loyalty
to his countrymen.

The movie builds up to the Battle of Tirad Pass, where Goyo is tasked with defending
the pass against the American forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned,
Goyo and his men fight valiantly, and Goyo ultimately sacrifices his life in the defense of
the pass.

Body:

The movie “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that
offers a poignant portrayal of one of the most important and iconic figures in Philippine
history. The film depicts the struggles and challenges of leadership, the complexities of
patriotism, and the sacrifices required in the pursuit of independence.

One of the things that stand out in the movie is the portrayal of Goyo as a complex and
flawed character. While he is hailed as a hero, the film also shows his vulnerabilities
and his struggles with self-doubt and guilt. This portrayal makes Goyo more relatable
and human, and it also highlights the challenges that leaders face in times of crisis.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is its depiction of the complexities of the
struggle for independence. The film shows the tensions and conflicts within the
Philippine revolutionary forces, the challenges of fighting against a much more powerful
opponent, and the costs of war on the civilian population. The film also highlights the
role of propaganda in shaping public opinion and the challenges of balancing military
objectives with moral considerations.

The cinematography and the music In the movie are also impressive, creating a somber
and reflective atmosphere that captures the gravity of the situation. The battle scenes
are also well-executed, with realistic and intense portrayals of the horrors of war.

Overall, “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a well-crafted and powerful film that offers a
compelling portrayal of one of the most important figures in Philippine history. The film
does an excellent job of balancing the heroism and sacrifice of Goyo with the
complexities and challenges of leadership and patriotism.

In conclusion, “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a movie that is both entertaining and
enlightening. It offers a powerful and poignant portrayal of one of the most significant
and iconic figures in Philippine history, while also highlighting the complexities and
challenges of leadership, patriotism, and sacrifice.

The movie teaches us that leadership is not an easy task and that it requires courage,
sacrifice, and the willingness to make difficult decisions. It also shows us that patriotism
is not just about blind loyalty to one’s country, but also about the willingness to question
authority and fight for what is right.
One scene that particularly stood out in the movie is the conversation between Goyo
and Apolonario Mabini, where Mabini imparts the golden quotation: “The Filipino is
worth dying for.” This quote is a powerful reminder of the value and importance of the
Filipino people and their struggle for independence.

As we go about our daily lives, it is important to remember the lessons that we can learn
from the movie. We must strive to be leaders who are committed to the well-being of our
communities and our country. We must also be patriots who are willing to fight for what
is right, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

In conclusion, “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” is a movie that inspires us to be better