SDCA Journal of Communication and Media Studies

Abstract

The paper is a close reading of the five most significant historical fiction in Philippine Cinema that God grants “that we do not forget” such a terrible lesson, learnt at the cost of untold suffering because as the researcher insists – “it was so then… It is so today!” It is argued that this is the most difficult type of film to make, as it requires not just re-creation on set, but also study into the subject's life, which is impossible. Problems were considered such as the predominant thematic consideration of the five films in the canon of Philippine Cinema, the historical events influencing the direction and production of these films, and the predominant philosophy that influenced the production of these films. Critical theory, Marxist film theory, and new criticism were applied in the cross analysis and historical reading of the films.

Keywords: Historical fiction, patriotic film, Marxist criticism, canon, humanities research.