José Rizal

José Rizal (1998)

What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for native land and cherished ones?

Accused of treason, Dr. Jose P. Rizal awaits trial and meets with his colonial government-appointed counsel, Luis Taviel de Andrade. The two build the case and arguments for the defense as significant events in the central figure's life prior to his incarceration unfold. Upon hearing Rizal's life story, Taviel begins to realize that the accused not just is innocent but exhibits in fact all the qualities of an extraordinary man. When the mock trial unreels, Taviel is all set to act as the prime advocate for his client as Rizal himself is about to give an earth-moving speech to defend his honor and address his countrymen. Meanwhile, the Spanish authorities have worked out the vast political machinery to ensure a guilty verdict. A revolution waits in the wings.

Date of release
1998-12-25
TMDB
8.8 / 10 (5)
Runtime
2h 58m
Genres
Drama, History, War
Director
Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Casting

Interesting facts

José Rizal is a 1998 Philippine epic historical drama film co-produced and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya from a screenplay written by Jun Lana, Ricky Lee, and Peter Ong Lim. The film was based on the true story of Filipino patriot José Rizal, who was imprisoned under the Spanish colonization and tells his story until the final day of his execution. Cesar Montano stars in the title role, with the supporting cast including Jaime Fabregas, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Gina Alajar, Pen Medina, Gloria Diaz, and Ronnie Lazaro.

Production

In 1994, there were efforts to produce a Hollywood feature film based on the life of José Rizal led by director Cirio H. Santiago, then the head of the Film Development Foundation of the Philippines, with the approval of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The Malacanang Palace scenes were filmed in the old Rizal Province Capitol building, with the University of Santo Tomas exteriors shot at the former archbishop's palace in Vigan (now an ecclesiastical museum). Rizal's execution was filmed at the shores of Morong, Bataan. All church exteriors were filmed at Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church in Magdalena, Laguna, while interiors were filmed at Santiago Parish Church in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga.

It was the most expensive film in the history of Filipino cinema with a budget of over ₱80 million.

Read on Wikipedia · Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Data from Wikidata.

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