Cesar Montano believes 'Jose Rizal' movie is his legacy

October 01 2024

By AARON BRENNT EUSEBIO

More than 20 years after Jose Rizal was first shown in cinemas, its lead star Cesar Montano still believed that the movie is his legacy, especially now that GMA Pictures digitally restored and remastered the film.

"Oh, yeah! Sabi ko, siguro, after 50, a hundred years, ito na lang ang nag-iisang pelikula ko na maaalala ng tao, ng Filipino," he admitted.

Speaking with GMANetwork.com at Jose Rizal's screening in SM Manila as part of Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta, Cesar said he was so lucky to be part of the film, and happy that new generation of Filipinos have the chance to watch the film.

He said, "I'm so happy it's being released again. Nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga young people sa panahon ngayon, sa henerasyon ngayon para mapanood pa 'tong isang kakaiba, sa tingin ko, at, I'll be biased na, pinakamagandang bersyon ng Rizal na pelikula."

"Ito lang 'yung Rizal na merong court scene. Actually nung shinoot ito, the first editing, first stage of editing, five hours 'yung natira. Three hours 'yung movie, 'di ba? Five hours 'yun, dalawang oras pa 'yung tinanggal."

Jose Rizal is still screening in select theatres in Metro Manila. From October 2 to 8, it will be shown in Vista Dasmariñas, Robinsons Galleria South, SM City Urdaneta, SM San Mateo, Olongapo Downtown, SM Baliuag, SM Dasmariñas, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Legaspi, and SM City Clark.

From October 9 to 15, Jose Rizal will be shown in Robinsons Cebu, Robinsons Valencia, and SM City Davao.

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Jose Rizal tells the story of the Filipino hero from his imprisonment at Fort Bonifacio until the day of his execution.

Cesar Montano portrayed the titular hero with Chin Chin Gutierrez as Josephine Bracken and Mickey Ferriols as Leonor Rivera.

Also part of the cast are Ronnie Lazaro as Francisco Mercado, Gloria Diaz as Teodora Alonso, Pen Medina as Paciano Mercado, and Gina Alajar as Saturnina Rizal.