Republic of the PhilippinesLeyte Normal University

Tacloban City

SOC SCI 105:

Rizal and Other Heroes and Heroines

Reaction Paper:

Amigo a Film by:

John Sayles

Submitted by:

Raysiel Parcon Mativo

BSED 4-4 (FILIPINO)

ORC 24: TFri: 10:30-12:00

“ Amigo a Film by: John Sayles ”

HERO is a big word, a huge responsibility which all human kind can

acquire. It doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice your life to be known and

admire by other people, but instead do what you think is right regardless if it is

simple or not, as long as you know that you are in the right truck. And people

around you will just admire the simple thing you have done and they will reflect

you as their HERO. And also-- we all know that there are several ways to show

heroism, be it in a peaceful or bloody way. But what makes a citizen a hero of

his own land?

As I watch the movie “ Amigo by John Sayles”, I have seen different kinds

of culture of a Filipino. It shown how they plant their crops, how they prepare

after harvest season, and the Filipinos’ warm relationship with their family.

Above all, it shows their optimistic value and their belief in God despite the

hardships.

I feel like I’m in a different world composition-- when I was watching

Amigo. It opened my eyes to what really happened when the Philippines was at

war, how breath-taking the Filipinos at that time sacrificing their lives to free us

from colonialism. I am aware also that most of the Filipinos at that time were

tortured and forced to spill out information about the plans but I haven’t

imagined that it was so ferocious and merciless, like what is said and described

in books. Like what was make to Rafael Dacanay, gallons of water was

continuously poured in his mouth forcing him to show the mien to the hideout

of the rebellion Filipinos, which was a group that included his brother and his

only son. For me, it was a hard choice choosing between himself and his

people.

The story is so heart-breaking due to the incident that three people, of the

same blood, strive to obtain independence, but in different ways. Rafael, as an

amigo of the Americans, was asked to tell the Americans where the bandits are

hiding. Simon, on the other hand, considers anyone who cooperates with the

Americans as a traitor. My heart was struck when Joaquinito volunteered to

start the burning of Barrio San Isidro, where his father was.

After all that Rafael Dacanay has done to the Americans still death is his

last resort. He was hung as his death sentence gave by the Americans- and for

me his death was the way were the rebellion Filipino’s surrender and don’t

have any choice but to adapt and embrace the culture of the Americans. And

they believe and hope, that someday the independence of the Philippines be

born in the future.

This movie "Amigo" wants to tell a compelling story of the Philippine-

American War. I believe that this film is not only tries to be a historical piece

on the war between Philippine-American--- but also wants to voice out a

political statement. In the end though, even with the beautiful scenery or the

meticulous detail John Sayles's presented in "Amigo", the film cannot hide the

fact that the story is a bland one at best.

And the best part for "Amigo" however is the penchant for symbolism. It

adds depth and meaning to a forgettable plot and caps "Amigo" better than

most of it. This movie will serve as my eye-opener to what was the reality of

the life of the Filipino at that time and my inspiration to be a hero even in a

simple thing that I have done to my fellow men. And most of all, always put in

mind the sacrifices that has done by our heroes just to give us the freedom

that we are now enjoying.