Most movie goers who expect this to be a direct sequel to "Heneral Luna" would be disappointed. Although set immediately after the events of Heneral Luna, the film changes its tone and focuses on the story of Gregorio Del Pilar within the first 5 minutes. The film itself can stand alone without its predecessor. Yet, despite taking this into account, the movie could have been much better.

The acting was great, the cinematography was decent, and the cast was fantastic. But the pay-off was disappointing. Understandably, this film is more character driven unlike its predecessor, so it would be unfair to compare the two. But character driven stories require a greater pay-off. For me, it was ambitious with the number of elements introduced in the beginning of the film, but due to its 2 1/2 hour time limit, you can expect most of the side-stories to go no where. To be completely honest, I have no idea what the main story was supposed to focus on with the many different conflicts arising from the different characters. I almost got the feeling that the movie had changed its motive too many times. Allow me to explain.

When we are introduced to Heneral Goyo, we see a vain young ladies-man who seems more engrossed by his image than his duties. Normally, I see no problem with this because you are to expect character growth. And true enough, we see an internal struggle of whether he is just a dog blindly following orders of his president, or if he genuinely loves his country and is doing what he believes is right for it. However, you would expect some kind of event that would redeem his character, but nothing really changes from there. It is very hard to see any development from his image at the beginning of the film. In fact, one of his vital blunders was due to his need to woo his former sweetheart. Ironically, there conversation begun with the fact that Goyo had "changed." After that, was the climax of the movie, the battle in Tirad Pass, which ended quite abruptly leaving you wondering if "that was it?"

All in all, the film was decent. It was charming for its worth, and the visuals beautifully depicted the Philippines. But for a movie that ambitiously depicts the main character's internal struggle, it sadly falls short of praise.

My favorite thing about Goyo is how it handled the small story of the native guides. It didn't say much out loud, but the inherent folly resonated.

My least favorite thing: mango shopping.

Cinematography was wonderfully made and actors played the role brilliantly. However, in my opinion, this movie version of G. Del Pilar's life was unnecessary. It's as if the movie was made just to add a sequel to its predecessor, Heneral Luna. Plot was already known to every one yet the movie was a bit dragging to the point that too unnecessary emphasis on Goyong's love story was made (it was kind of annoying, to be honest). It could also have been better if air time spent on the aforementioned was focused more on the Filipino's efforts to fight the Americans.

On the bright side, credits should be given as the movie successfully showed his vulnerability as a young general. His struggles on how to maintain sanity with a large amount of responsibility given to him was also tackled (e.g. him being constantly reminded as the "agila" by his older brother). Another good part in the movie was the part where the Filipinos started their journey in Tirad Pass. Hunger and lack of unity among them was shown. This, for me, subtly implied that one of the reasons why we were conquered by Americans before was the lack of solidarity amongst us - a single goal but different means and desires. Furthermore, it was illustrated that selfishness and greed are also major contributors to Philippines failing to protect its freedom from Americans. It's sad to see that up until now; it's these traits that we Filipinos have are what remain in our hearts.

All in all, movie was good but below expectation. It could have been done better.